The Vermont Principals’ Association (VPA) dropped a bombshell via email on Tuesday, September 15, shaking up the 2026 fall high school championship schedule for field hockey, soccer, and volleyball. The biggest news? No more championship games for field hockey or soccer at the University of Vermont.
Field Hockey Gets a New Home
This is a huge shift. All three field hockey championship games for 2026 are now set for Sunday, November 1, and they’re moving to Burr and Burton Academy in Manchester. Mark it down! Game times are locked in for 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 4 p.m., with the specific order of the finals getting decided by which schools have to travel the farthest. Talk about a logistical puzzle!
Why the Sudden Change?
So, why the shake-up? VPA Executive Director Lauren Young laid it out. She said, “Due to the ongoing success of UVM athletics, their field availability this year is not conducive for VPA Championships.” You gotta respect UVM’s success, but it stings for tradition! Young also added, “in order to be geographically considerate we are trying to have multiple locations for schools and fans.” This means they’re aiming to make it easier for everyone to get to the games, spreading the love a bit. This November will be only the third time, counting the 2020 COVID season, that the field hockey finals won’t be played at UVM’s Moulton Winder Field, a venue that’s been home since fall 2005. That’s a serious run.
It’s a new era for these fall championships, and fans will be adjusting to the new venues. Sunday, November 1, at Burr and Burton Academy is where the field hockey action will be, and you know these teams will be ready to leave it all on the field, no matter where they play.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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