The Emmaus High School field hockey team has been the class of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference and District 11 for quite some time.

For as long as Sue Butz-Stavin has been the head coach, the Green Hornets have been a fixture atop both the conference and district and even the state, winning multiple state championships, to go along with 34 straight district titles.

Last season, Emmaus defeated Nazareth in the EPC final and then beat Easton in the District 11 championship. The Green Hornets came within one game of the state final, falling to Wilson West Lawn 2-1 in the semifinal round.

There is a key core of seniors who are back to lead the team this year, including goalie Emma Cari, Autumn Held, Haley Kvacky, Jordyn Poll, Sarah Schaffer and Melea Weber. Also, junior Autum Kernechel and sophomore Morgan Orobono are returnees that will contribute to the roster. Newcomers that Butz-Stavin highlighted that she will rely on in the lineup includes Cyan Kvacky, Emmy Horner, Lauren Kushma, Addison Povilaitis and Avery Burnett.

While, like every season, Emmaus graduates talented classes that go on to continue their success in college, the 2023 edition of the Green Hornets will still have experienced talent that can keep them on the winning path.

“Some of the strengths of this year’s team are the experience and versatility of players with a strong bench that gives us great depth,” said Butz-Stavin. “We are a strong and unified group that communicates well and works well together for a common goal. We just need to make sure we are finishing strong in both the offensive and defensive circles.”

Emmaus is always one of the most talented teams in the state year in and year out, but when the Hornets find their success, it’s when they communicate and share the ball.

“We will continue to challenge ourselves every day to be a better person and teammate,” Butz-Stavin said. “We are successful when we play as one and work together.”

Emmaus starts its season on the road in conference play at Stroudsburg on Friday, August 25. The home opener is set for the following Tuesday against Bethlehem Catholic.