Pittsford Prepares for Another Push

Roster Outlook

Pittsford enters the 2026 season following a strong 13-4 campaign and returns a substantial portion of its offensive production. The Panthers graduated 10 seniors, including defenders Keegan Ahern, Ryan Connolly, and Dane Lewis, midfielders such as Dominic Alfieri, James Kazacos, and Stephano Mihalitsas, and attackmen Brady Goetz and Charlie Ryan. Several of these graduates earned major postseason honors, leaving meaningful roles to fill across the field.

Even with those departures, Pittsford retains 73% of its goals and 58% of its assists from last season. The returning roster includes ten rising seniors, twelve juniors, and one sophomore, giving the team a deep and experienced core heading into 2026.

Returning Standouts

Pittsford brings back several award-winning players who will shape the team’s identity this season.

Avery Valenti, a 2026 midfielder, returns after a 40-goal, 5-assist season and earned HM All-Section Team and All-League First Team Midfield (MC-d2) honors.
Grant Lewis, a 2027 attack/midfielder, produced 29 goals and 15 assists and earned All-League Honorable Mention A/M (MC-d2) and Section 5 Class B All-Tournament Team recognition.
Cole Goetz, a 2027 attack/midfielder, added 22 goals and 21 assists and earned All-League Honorable Mention A/M (MC-d2).
Jahyden Maiorani, a 2027 midfielder, contributed 12 goals and 5 assists and earned All-League Honorable Mention Midfield (MC-d2).
Peter Roussell, a 2026 midfielder/faceoff specialist, returns after going 96+/101- at the X and earning All-League Honorable Mention FO Midfield (MC-d2).

Charles Hezel, a 2027 defender, earned All-League Honorable Mention Defense (MC-d2) and anchors the defensive unit.

Coaching Information

Pittsford continues under Head Coach Andrew Whipple, who enters his 22nd season leading the program. Whipple holds a 250-116 record at Pittsford, matching his overall scholastic mark, and brings extensive experience as a former Irondequoit and Maryland player. His long-term leadership provides stability for a roster with a strong returning core.

Statistical Overview

Pittsford scored 179 goals last season, averaging 10.5 per game, while allowing 114 goals at an average of 6.7. Nine games were decided by five goals or fewer, including three one-goal wins and one one-goal loss. With a high percentage of scoring returning and multiple award-winning players back, the Panthers enter 2026 with a strong statistical foundation.

Games This Year

The 2026 schedule includes several MC2 league matchups. League games are set against Thomas (03/24), Brighton (04/21), and Irondequoit (05/15).
Other contests include non-league meetings with Canandaigua, Penfield, Fairport, and additional opponents once the full schedule is released.

Looking Ahead

With a deep group of returning scorers, experienced midfielders, and a veteran coach entering his 22nd season, Pittsford approaches 2026 with confidence. The combination of returning production, defensive stability, and proven leadership positions the Panthers to remain a strong contender within Class B.

Preseason stories are based on information from SportsFive.NET databases and coaches.

Stories are planned for each of the teams in Section V and will be released, a few at a time, between now and the start of the playing season. The stories will remain on the front page for about one week and then will be available in the NEWS archive. There will be links for all the published stories HERE and a link will also be available on each TEAM PAGE.