​DURHAM — Oyster River High School senior midfielder Grace Royal was voted by the community as the 2026 Seacoast high school girls lacrosse Player of the Year. Royal led the online poll with more than 23 percent of the votes, while Portsmouth senior Ginger Vinciguerra finished second with about 21 percent. Dover junior Kyra Small (approximately 19.7%), Marshwood senior Maddy Poitras (about 12.5%), and Exeter sophomore Riley Benevides (around 7.0%) rounded out the top five, in that order.
About Grace Royal of Oyster River High School
Royal closed her senior season with 66 goals, 17 assists, 38 ground balls, 11 caused turnovers, and 30 draw controls. “Earning Seacoast Girls Lacrosse Player of the Year is a well-deserved achievement,” said Oyster River head coach Morgan Bianco. “I have no doubt she will continue to succeed at the Division I level, and I look forward to seeing what she accomplishes next. Oyster River will certainly miss her, but she has made a lasting impact on the program and on everyone who had the opportunity to coach and play alongside her.” A Division II all-state first-team selection this season, Royal will continue her career at Division I Merrimack College in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.
“Grace is one of the most dedicated athletes I’ve ever had the chance to coach,” Bianco added. “She consistently puts in the effort every single day, both on and off the field, and this recognition is a true reflection of her commitment and passion for the game.” Royal reached 300 career points this season.
“I’ve had the privilege of coaching Grace at Oyster River over the past two years, and it’s been incredible to watch her develop into the player and leader she is today,” Bianco continued. “Her lacrosse IQ, work ethic, and determination have steadily grown, and she has always been someone her teammates could rely on and look up to.” Royal led Oyster River for the past two seasons, contributing not only through her skill but also through her energy, leadership, and selflessness, which elevated the play of everyone around her.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Oyster River’s Grace Royal voted Seacoast 2026 girls lacrosse Player of the Year.