The USA Lacrosse Players of the Week recognize the most outstanding individual performances in high school girls’ lacrosse in each of the five regions — Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, South, Midwest and West — outlined in our high school coverage.
NORTHEAST
Sydney Rathjen, South Side (N.Y.)
A three-sport standout at South Side, Rathjen is a big reason why the Cyclones have started the season 5-0. The Brown-bound attacker has already tallied 18 goals and nine assists for 27 points, making her one of Long Island’s top early season scorers. But it’s not just quantity for Rathjen. Her four goals and two assists in a 16-13 win over Wantagh were huge in upsetting a side that had just handed Manhasset its first loss of the season and is knocking on the door in the Northeast Top 10.
Also notable: Graham Straface, Nashoba (Mass.); Kayleigh Harden, New Canaan (Conn.); Erin Schaefer, Sayville (N.Y.); Kylie Budke, Mt. Sinai (N.Y.); Madison Taylor, Wantagh (N.Y.)
— Dylan Butler
MID-ATLANTIC
Molly McGuckin, Georgetown Visitation (D.C.)
McGuckin’s overtime goal gave Georgetown Visitation a 10-9 win over Bishop Ireton (Va.) on Wednesday. It was the Yale-bound midfielder’s third goal of the game and kept the Cubs unbeaten this season. All three of their wins have come by one goal. McGuckin also had six draw controls, and she enabled Visi to win the battles for more second-half possession to help secure the win.
Also notable: Kate Galica, Conestoga (Pa.); Casey Phelps, Good Counsel (Md.); Lily Ramsey, Oak Knoll (N.J.); Dylan Silar, Moorestown (N.J.); Lauren Steer, St. Paul’s (Md.); Corey White, Stone Ridge (Md.)
— Justin Feil
SOUTH
Payton Wainman, American Heritage-Delray (Fla.)
Junior attacker Payton Wainman won a state championship with American Heritage-Delray last week, helping the Stallions to wins over Lake Highland Prep (Fla.) and Community School (Fla.). In the state semifinals, Wainman scored five goals, and in the state championship game, she recorded three goals and an assist. The Penn State recruit was American Heritage’s second-leading scorer in 2021 with 41 goals.
Also notable: Olivia Adamson, Lake Highland Prep (Fla.); Maddie Dora, Milton (Ga.); Alexa Vega, Vero Beach (Fla.); Ava Yovino, St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.)
— Justin Boggs