Maeve Staunton, a member of the Class of 2026 at West Hartford’s Northwest Catholic High School, has been named the state’s Gatorade Player of the Year for girls soccer.

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The wait was long, but the honor was well worth it. While the high school soccer season ending in November, the Gatorade Player of the Year for girls’ soccer was announced Thursday morning, June 18. Northwest Catholic girls’ soccer standout Maeve Staunton was named the 2025-26 Gatorade Connecticut Player of the Year for girls soccer.

Gatorade Player of the Year is a prestigious honor recognizing not only elite performance but also academic achievement and character. The award is one of the most respected in high school sports, highlighting athletes who excel on the field while making a positive impact in their schools and communities.

Staunton was not only an impactful player, but also a respected leader whom her teammates looked up to. She carries herself with humility, respect, and a strong work ethic, and she also gave back off the field through volunteer work with various organizations.

Maeve Staunton, a recent graduate of Northwest Catholic High School in West Hartford, has been named Connecticut’s Gatorade Player of the Year for girls soccer. Courtesy photo

Staunton finished the season with 21 goals and 17 assists, helping lead the Lions to a 15-6-1 record and a trip to the Class M state final. Over her career, she totaled 62 goals and 52 assists. She capped her career as a two-time All-New England, three-time All-State honoree, a 2025 United Soccer Coaches All American, and three state finals appearances.

More about Staunton from the Gatorade Player of the Year website can be found here.

Staunton will continue her career at the University of Connecticut this fall where she will join the women’s soccer team.

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