Top Individual Talent to Watch in the 2026 Class

Yellow Jackets Manning – A Dynamic Trio

We start with the electric duo of Ava Fossati and Sophia Buffardi, two stars on the stacked Yellow Jackets Manning squad. Though teammates now, they’ll become collegiate rivals — Fossati is committed to Boston College, while Buffardi is headed to UNC.

• Fossati is already being talked about as the next big star in women’s lacrosse. With elite-level stickwork, she can finish from anywhere, with either hand, and in any situation. She’s smooth, poised, and deadly in front of the cage.
  
  

• Buffardi brings a rare blend of size and finesse. She dominates in the draw circle, knocks down passes with ease, and slashes through defenses with both hands. She’s built like a DI athlete — and already plays like one.
  
  

• Anchoring the defense is Caitlin Barnes (Boston College commit), whose elite instincts and positioning make her a constant disruptor. She’s always a step ahead and is the quiet engine behind this team's success.
  
  

Aces NY – Firepower Everywhere

The Aces (NY) bring a high-powered offense led by a lethal trio:

• Cece Powell (UNC) is quick, shifty, and a crafty finisher who keeps defenders guessing.
  
  

• Elizabeth Smith (UNC) adds versatility — she’s a triple threat who can shoot, dodge, and distribute from any spot on the field.
  
  

• Peyton Rothfuss (Florida) brings size, athleticism, and explosive finishing ability that’s nearly impossible to contain.
  
  

Together, this group is as dangerous as any offensive unit in the country.

Hero’s – Lockdown Defense from Maryland

On the other end of the field, Hero’s boasts one of the toughest defensive units in the nation.

• Lilly Schwing (Boston College) is a ground ball magnet and a lockdown 1v1 defender who consistently wins her matchups.
  
  

• Kit Laake (Maryland) is known for her elite footwork and ability to neutralize even the fastest attackers. She mirrors her opponents flawlessly and brings physicality and grit.
  
  

Scoring on this duo will be no easy feat.

Goalkeeper Standouts

The 2026 class features some elite talent between the pipes:

• Ruby Cacioppo (Stanford) from Top Guns is widely considered one of the top goalies in the class. Her patience in the cage, combined with her explosive reaction time, makes her nearly unbeatable.
  
  

• Reagan O’Donovan (Syracuse) of M&D is a fearless shot-stopper who attacks the ball and reads shooters with elite-level vision and anticipation. She's aggressive, confident, and a leader in the cage.

These are just a few of the standout players to watch from the 2026 class as we head into what’s shaping up to be one of the most competitive and exciting summers in club lacrosse. Get ready — the action is just getting started.