Eliza Osburn Named West Girls' Player of the Year

Coming from the heart of Colorado, lacrosse star Eliza Osburn captured the nation’s attention as the No. 1 recruit in the class of 2024 then as the 2024 Colorado Player of the Year — and once again as the USA Lacrosse High School Girls’ West Player of the Year.

USA Lacrosse writers select the regional and national players of the year with input from coaches in their respective regions of coverage.

Over her four years at Valor Christian, she amassed 178 goals and 46 assists. Osburn’s consistency and leadership culminated in a senior season that solidified her status as one of the top lacrosse players in the country. Across 13 games,, Osburn netted 34 goals, dished out 17 assists and recorded 65 draw controls.

The dynamic 5-foot-10 midfielder not only showcased her offensive prowess but also her ability to control the flow of the game defensively. Osburn recorded 214 ground balls and 68 caused turnovers during her tenure as an Eagle.

As a three-time CHSCA Class 5A All-First Team honoree, Osburn’s name has become synonymous with excellence in Colorado high school lacrosse. In 2022 and 2023, she shared this honor with her older sister Tess, now a standout on Marquette’s lacrosse squad, adding a personal dimension to her achievements. Both were products of the club program Team 180.

Osburn’s performance this season earned her Colorado Player of the Year honors, a recognition she humbly attributes to her teammates, coaches and support system.

“Being named Colorado Player of the Year is an incredible honor and one I couldn’t have received on my own,” Osburn said. “Being a part of a team has always been my favorite part of playing, and without them, my coaches, and the trainers who constantly worked to make sure I was healthy, I wouldn’t be receiving this honor.”

Her impact on the game extends beyond state lines. As the sole player from Colorado in the final 32 contending to be part of the 2024 U.S. Women’s U20 National Team, Osburn stands as a testament to the high level of talent emerging from the Western region.

The once in a lifetime opportunity is a dream come true for Osburn.

“I have got the opportunity to be a part of the U20 USA Training Team with the potential of representing the U.S. in the [World Lacrosse U20 Women’s World Championship in Hong Kong, China] this August. It always feels good to be recognized for something you work hard for,” Osburn said. “I am excited to represent my state and this sport that I love in this way. It also challenges me to push myself to continue to get better.”

One of the hallmarks of Osburn’s game is her versatility. Her ability to dominate in various aspects of the game — scoring, assisting and controlling the draw — makes her an invaluable asset to any team. Her adaptability was a key factor in her invitation to the Senior All-America Lacrosse Game, where she will showcase her talents alongside the nation’s best.

“Eliza is extremely deserving of this award and was invaluable to the success of our program the past four years,” Valor Christian head coach Terry Ellis said. “She is extremely valuable on the lacrosse field because she is capable of doing everything.”

Beyond her on-field capabilities, Osburn’s character and leadership have left a permanent mark on her teammates and coaches.

“Her off-the-field value cannot be calculated because she instills confidence in all of her teammates,” Ellis said. “She is an even better person than an athlete. She cares for her teammates more than herself and was always willing to do whatever it took to benefit the program. We are going to miss having her, but we are excited for her future.”

Osburn’s future is indeed bright. She was one of the first in her recruiting class to make a college commitment. This fall, she will join one of the most elite lacrosse programs in the country, spreading her Eagle wings and flying into Tar Heel territory.

“I have learned a lot over my four years at Valor,” she said. “I will be heading to the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill to play lacrosse and I couldn’t be more excited.”

From her early days playing alongside her sister to becoming the top recruit in her class, Osburn has continually pushed herself to new heights.