Long Island lacrosse continues to produce elite talent, and this group of 2028s & 2029s is no exception. From crafty attackers to dynamic midfielders to lockdown defenders and standout goalies, these athletes bring a blend of athleticism, IQ, and competitiveness that sets them apart. Below are the players who intrigued the LILJ as we look to cover the marquee LI Showcase of the winter — along with a group of emerging talents who are quickly coming onto the scene.

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⭐ Featured Athletes Who Excite

Ella Karl — 2028, Attack, Hills

A slippery, two-handed low attacker with elite shake, smooth finishing ability, and sharp vision. A matchup problem behind the cage.

Hannah Sliwak — 2028, Attack, Cold Spring Harbor HS

Athletic righty attacker who thrives in tight spaces. Confident finishing inside, pesky in the ride, and slick off-ball with excellent timing.

Ilaria Florence — 2028, Attack/Midfield, Friends Academy

A dangerous threat around the crease who finishes with both hands. Tough to cover and plays with an advanced scoring feel.

Kloe Ferreri — 2028, Attack, Smithtown East HS

Slick righty with great vision from the elbow. Sneaky off-ball, deadly in transition, and smooth shooting on the run.

Charlotte Cavalone — 2028, Defense, Northport HS

A dominant low defender who locks down the goal-line. Strong posture, elite off-ball awareness, and disruptive on free positions and in transition.

Juliet Johnson — 2028, Goalie, Huntington HS

Quick-handed, patient, and composed. Excels at stuffing high-percentage shots and baiting shooters. Varsity-tested with huge upside.

Ayden Brady — 2028, Goalie, Toronto, ON

Athletic lefty with quick hands and crisp outlets. Excellent at matching stick levels and tracking tight-angle shots.

Sydney Millett — 2028, Goalie, Ward Melville

Explosive to the ball, able to take away quality shots high or low. Eats up routine looks and makes momentum-shifting saves.

Ashley Arizonis — 2028, Midfield, Commack HS

Electric midfielder with game-breaking ability. Dangerous dodger, strong off-ball, and a major threat in transition.

Isabella Russo — 2028, Midfield, St. Anthony’s

Athletic lefty who dominates between the 30s. Strong on the circle and brings two-way presence.

Ava Savarese — 2029, Attack, Garden City

Lefty attacker who can create from anywhere. Slick handle, strong protection, and can bury from multiple angles.

Nicole Manolakes — 2029, Attack, Ward Melville

Strong righty attacker with a devastating rock-and-roll from the 5×5. Deadly when given space inside the 8.

Samantha Miale — 2029, Defense, West Islip

Textbook defender with versatility. Strong on-ball, poised in transition, and primed to rise with more reps.

Julia Ver Straten — 2029, Goalie, Eastport-South Manor

One of the cleanest technicians in the class. Tracks the ball effortlessly, makes clean saves, and simplifies the game.

Marlee Cohen — 2029, Midfield, POB

A slick, athletic midfielder who consistently finds ways to impact the game.

Laine Friedman — 2029, Attack, Mt. Sinai

Dynamic lefty attacker from Sinai. Immediate impact player as just an eight grader on varsity last season. After earning a spot in U-15 USA roster, Laine has lots of bright spots ahead in her lax career.

Sophia Enea – 2029, Midfield, St. Anthony’s

Enea is a do-it-all, downhill dodging midfielder. She makes players around her better. High lax IQ. Big upside. Excited to see her battle top 28s!

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Players to Watch

Lyla Hessler — Attack, Garden City (2029)

Jillian Black — Defense, Kings Park (2028)

Peyton D’Angelo — Goalie, Bayport HS (2027)

Addison Andria — Defense, Islip (2028)

Noelle Napolitano — Defense, St. Anthony’s (2028)

Morgan Krinsky — Goalie, Northport (2028)

Kayla Grochow — Midfield, Hills (2028)

Emily Gowen — Midfield, St. Anthony’s (2028)

Gianna Giambone — Attack, Centerreach (2029)

Norah Golden — Attack, Huntington (2029)

Samantha Lyons — Attack (2029)

Stella Fallon — Goalie, St. Anthony’s (2029)

Brooke Valentine — Midfield, Manhasset (2029)

Jaidyn Marchitto — Midfield, St. Anthony’s (2029)

Ella Schopp — Midfield, ESM (2029)

Katy Lourenco — Midfield, Westhampton Beach (2029)

Sophie Kasouf — Midfield, St. Anthony’s (2029)

Cassiday Ferrara – Attack, Northport (2029)

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The depth of talent across Long Island continues to grow year after year, and the group of 2028 & 2029 players is proof of that. We are excited to bring together this depth of talent and some elite D1 College Coaches who all have Long Island Roots.

To fill and register one of the last spots at the LILJ Winter Premier Showcase, follow this link. Event Details: Dates: Wed 12/17 & Thurs 12/18 Time: 7:30–10:00 PM Cost: $399 per player REGISTER NOW — Spots are almost sold out! Secure your spot here (very limited availability in 2028/29 classes). College Coaches Attending: Sydney Pirreca – Stony Brook Nicole Levy – Syracuse Colleen Mccaffrey – George Washington Danielle Pavanelli – Arizona State Nikki Prestiano – Lafayette Meg Els – LIU Meg Brockbank – UMass Lowell Joe Spallina – Stony Brook Dorrian Van Dyke – Hopkins Jason Frezza – Brown Nadine Hadnagy – Maryland Jenn Perrotta – Pitt Kerrigan Miller – Penn State Keith Detelj – Marist