After enduring a rebuilding season in 2025, Pine Bush field hockey enters 2026 with renewed confidence and championship aspirations under first-year coach Denise Crisafulli.

The Bushmen faced significant turnover last season, with more than half of the roster graduating after the 2024 campaign and losing longtime goalkeeper Grace Grant two years ago.

Crisafulli, who has coached in the Pine Bush program for eight years, has steadily worked her way up through the program A Pine Bush graduate and former field hockey player herself, Crisafulli spent six years as the head modified coach before moving to JV for one season and taking over the varsity program.

“I have been the only constant for these girls in this program since (longtime coach) Lisa Sorrentino left,” Crisafulli said. “Those are some hard shoes to fill.”

Pine Bush will have to replace several key players from last year’s roster, including forwards Madison Perry, Abby Hansen, Kayla Dec and Jimena De Anda, along with midfielders and defenders Grace Coleman, Hailey Dec and Maya Martinez.

The Bushmen do return several players expected to play major roles. Kara Wittenberg and Marie Curran return in the midfield, while Sophia Weber takes over in goal. Olivia Graziano and Emily Muro return to anchor the defensive line.

Senior Alanna Christie is a newcomer to the roster, while Emma Boland returns to the program and will play her first varsity season in the midfield.

Crisafulli believes the Bushmen have the personnel to take a significant step forward.

“We have strong offensive and defensive lines, and with dedication and hard work on the practice field, Pine Bush is going to be a fierce competitor and a force to be reckoned with this season,” she said.

The goals are ambitious. Pine Bush hopes to finish among the top four teams in the Mid-Hudson Athletic League and make a run at the Section 9 championship.

For Crisafulli, the season represents another milestone in a coaching career rooted in the Pine Bush program. After years of helping develop players at the modified and JV levels, she is now looking to guide the Bushmen toward their biggest goal.

“Pine Bush has what it takes to go far this season,” Crisafulli said. “We have a lot of dedication and skill to push through to get us to a Section 9 championship win.”