25 High School Girls' Lacrosse Players to Watch in 2025

We released the All-America Watch List for the 2025 high school girls' lacrosse season Tuesday. Now here's a closer look at each of the 25 players — five from each region of our coverage — with player-of-the-year potential.

Northeast

Cadence Flaherty, Sr., M, Sacred Heart (N.Y.)

The Virginia-bound senior is a true two-way threat. Super athletic and tenacious, Flaherty is a two-handed dodger with elite vision, The Sacred Heart senior is as ferocious on the defensive side, fighting for every inch and giving it her all every day. “Cady is the player you never take off the field,” said former Sacred Heart coach Danielle Etrasco, now a Richmond assistant. “She is a coach’s dream. She always wants to be better, asks questions, and values any feedback.”

Ceci Patterson, Sr., G, New Canaan (Conn.)

Whether it’s against FCIAC foes or non-league opponents, New Canaan regularly plays against some of the top teams in the country. That’s welcome news to Ceci Patterson, ranked No. 3 in the Class of 2025 by Inside Lacrosse. “Ceci is an exceptional competitor who rises to the occasion, especially in high-pressure games where she’s fully focused and poised to make key plays,” Rams coach Kristen Woods said. The Notre Dame commit made eight saves in last year’s state championship win over rival Darien (Conn.).

Cece Powell, Jr., A, Marcellus (N.Y.)

The fourth Powell to come through the Marcellus program, Cece is a “once-in-a-lifetime athlete that every coach would want,” according to coach Zach Iannicello. A lax rat with terrific vision, the Powell, ranked No. 3 in the Class of 2026 by Inside Lacrosse, is also a star basketball and soccer player. The North Carolina commit, who has been on varsity since eighth grade, has 295 career points with two years remaining.

Alexa Spallina, Sr., A, Mount Sinai (N.Y.)

Just like older brother Joey, Alexa Spallina is the top-ranked player in her class, per Inside Lacrosse. The Clemson commit is the total package, a threat as both a feeder from X and a dodger. The two-time USA Lacrosse high school All-American who had 38 goals and 47 assists in 17 games for Mount Sinai last year, Spallina has great vision, lacrosse IQ, and a flame-thrower of a shot.

Grace Winkler, Sr., M, Ridgefield (Conn.)

Ranked No. 5 in the Class of 2025 by Inside Lacrosse, Winkler is a dynamic two-way midfielder with exceptional speed, stick skills, and a high lacrosse IQ, according to Ridgefield  coach John Zalucki. The future Tar Heel, who had 64 goals, 25 assists, 15 ground balls and 72 draw controls stats last year, provides valuable leadership as well. “Her positive and encouraging presence uplifts her teammates, fostering a supportive environment where everyone is inspired to reach their full potential,” Zalucki said.

— Dylan Butler

Mid-Atlantic

Mckenzie Brown, Sr., D, McDonogh (Md.)

Brown has been a shutdown defender for the Eagles for three years. Her stick work and vision have improved over the years to match her natural instincts and unmatchable speed. She is a two-way threat who can make a stop at one end and turn it into offense quickly at the other end. Her competitive drive can spark the Eagles again before taking her skills to Northwestern.

Sienna Chirieleison, Sr., M, Trinity (Pa.)

Chirieleison is the complete package. The USA U18 Select member has explosive speed, reads when and where to dodge, and can finish with either hand, making her a nightmare matchup for defenders. She is also something to watch off ball. Her relentless hustle has led her to top the Shamrocks in ground balls and caused turnovers since her first year. She’s shown poise against constant double- and triple-teams. She’ll suit up for Syracuse next year.

Tessa DeLuca, Sr., G, Maryvale (Md.)

DeLuca has been the backbone of the Lions defense. The tall lefty also plays basketball for Maryvale and her quick hands and reflexes enable her to make the routine and the spectacular saves. A student of the game, DeLuca has grown more confident each year in her abilities. She’ll continue her career at Clemson.

Emma Penczek, Sr., M, Manchester Valley (Md.)

Another Clemson commit, Penczek is the No. 2 ranked prospect in her class by Inside Lacrosse. A true two-way midfielder who can contribute with or without the ball, she has speed and quickness and elite stick skills. Another Clemson commit, Penczek can score in a variety of fashions, and is a tenacious defender on the ride and resilient going for draw controls. She raises the level of her teammates and makes winning plays despite constant defensive attention.

Cayden Reese, Jr., A, Maryvale (Md.)

Reese is the top-ranked junior in the country. She has learned to deal with defenses geared to stop her since her freshman year, and her penchant for playing unselfishly sets a tone for the Lions. She can help Maryvale in myriad ways, whether it is on the draw or scoring or assisting. The lefty attacker who will play for her mother at Maryland always looks in control while skillfully reading the game as the daughter of two coaches.

— Justin Feil

South

McKenzey Craig, Sr., M, Plant (Fla.)

Craig has been a prolific scorer throughout her time in high school, but she was even more efficient around the net in 2024 scoring 68 goals on 83 shots on goal. Adding 58 assists, The USA Select U18 team member played a key role in Plant’s 23-game winning streak that ended in a state championship lost to Bartram Trail (Fla.). Craig is committed to Johns Hopkins.

Ashley Egbert, Jr., G, American Heritage-Delray (Fla.)

The Stallions don’t allow opponents many opportunities to get shots off, but when they do,  Egbert is there to make to the stop. In 2024, she had a 61.1-percent save percentage, which was good for a 4.3 goals against average. The USA Select U16 team selection plans to play collegiately for Maryland.

Mae Flanagan, Sr., M, Hockaday (Texas)

Flanagan had another 60-plus goal campaign in 2024 leading Hockaday to a state title, including six goals in the championship game. The three-sport athlete, who also plays field hockey and soccer, is committed to Stanford.

Lexi Mullahy, Sr., A, Cardinal Gibbons (N.C.)

All throughout high school, Mullahy has been a prolific scorer. She has put the ball in the net more than 50 times in each of her three seasons. As she enters her final year before heading to Michigan, her Crusaders will seek to win their fourth straight state title.

Ella Pauley, Sr., A, Milton (Ga.)

Pauley has made herself an indispensable versatile player as both a midfielder and draw specialist for the Eagles, who have won seven consecutive state championships. Pauley is headed to Clemson, who ended up having one of the top recruiting classes in the country.

— Justin Boggs

Midwest

Ellie Beam, Jr., A, Kentucky Country Day (Ky.)

Beam played a key role in the Bearcats winning the 2024 state title, their third in the last four years. She led KCD in myriad statistical categories, including goals (82), points (138), ground balls (57) and draw controls (127). Beam is part of a bright young core, also including senior Leighton Spears and fellow junior Ceci Flowers, that should position the Bearcats to compete for state titles for years to come.

Mia Darr, Sr., A, University School of Milwaukee (Wis.)

Darr shattered a state record last year with her 125 goals, also leading the state in points with 149. The Wisconsin High School Lacrosse Coaches Association's Player of the Year, Darr is also an accomplished skier and tennis player for the Wildcats. Expect Darr and Northwestern commit Darcy Doyle to lead USM to another big season after last year's state runner-up finish.

Sophie Mock, Sr., A, Carmel (Ind.)

Mock played a major role in the Greyhounds' 2024 state championship, finishing the season with 92 goals, 37 assists and 104 draw controls. Her big games included four goals and two assists in the state semifinals against Zionsville and five goals in Carmel's regular season win over Guerin Catholic. The Cal commit later added the assist on the game-winning goal in the Greyhounds' state title rematch with the Golden Eagles.

Madeline Pohmer, Sr., M, Olentangy Liberty (Ohio)

Pohmer played a key role in the Patriots securing their first state title, recording 70 goals. She's more than a top scorer, also racking up 126 draw controls, 60 caused turnovers and 51 ground balls. The Cornell commit will likely play an even bigger role this season following the graduation of another star — her sister, Isabelle Pohmer.

Allison Trukenbrod, Sr., D, New Trier (Ill.)

Trukenbrod doesn't waste time. She has been a key contributor since her freshman season, when she helped the 2022 Trevians to a state title. She also made a quick decision when it came to college lacrosse, committing to the first school she visited: Virginia. Last season, Trukenbrod set career highs with 22 ground balls and 17 caused turnovers as New Trier surrendered just 5.9 goals per game and finished with a 17-6 record.

— Jonah Rosenblum

West

Olivia Abbott, Jr., M, Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.)

Junior middie Abbott is a standout player at Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.), helping her team to an 18-3 season last year. The 5 foot-10 righty draw specialist is a five-star recruit committed to Stanford and was named a 2024 USA High School All-American after her sophomore season. Abbott hails from Atherton, Calif., and is a four-year member STEPS California club team.

Rocquette Allen, Sr., A, ThunderRidge (Colo.)

Syracuse-bound Allen is a right-handed attacker, embarking on her senior campaign at ThunderRidge (Colo.). Allen is another four-star recruit and member of the USA Select U18 team alongside Serena Reiter and Whitney Froeb. She helped lead ThunderRidge to a 16-2 season last year, adding an average 3.9 goals per game.

Whitney Froeb, Sr., M, San Francisco University (Calif.)

A 5-foot-8 lefty heading to Yale next fall, Froeb is a four-star recruit playing club at STEPS California and is a member of the USA Select U18 Girls team. Froeb was the sole Californian on the USA squad and just one of three selections from the West Region.

Alexa Lang, Sr., G, Colorado Academy (Colo.)

A South Florida commit, Lang returns to Colorado Academy for her senior season after guiding the Mustangs to an undefeated 19-0 run and another state title last year. The 5-foot-6 right-handed goalkeeper recorded two shutouts in 2024 and a 4.6 goals against average, as well as a 56.1 save percentage. Lang is a four-star recruit and plays club for Team 180.

Editor's note: Alexa Lang has transferred to John Carroll (Md.) for her senior year.

Serena Reiter, Sr., G, ThunderRidge (Colo.)

Reiter is headed to Virginia after her final season at ThunderRidge. The four-star recruit was selected to the USA U18 Girls team in 2024 with West Region counterparts Froeb and Allen. A 5-foot-5 keeper for Team 180 as well, Reiter recorded a 10.3 goals against average and a 49.4 save percentage during her junior campaign at ThunderRidge.

— Theresa Palmquist