Meet the Future: 27s and 28s You Can’t Ignore

Spring brings lacrosse season and the return of top talent. With recruiting season fast approaching, talented athletes emerge everywhere. Watch these 2027 and 2028 players this season.    When you think of a strong, versatile player who can change the game in many ways, Mary Kate O'Connor comes to mind. The 6'1 lefty from Greenwich, Conn. has the size, strength, IQ, and grit that make her a triple threat. A strong driver who can dodge through the defense while maintaining composure, getting her stick free to shoot accurately. She has the power and hard release on drives, especially when put on the 8-meter from ripping a hard shot to running in before the defense crashes. O'Connor is a threat anywhere on offense. But it's not only offense where O'Connor shines; she excels in her ride and redefends, with strong anticipation and exceptional field awareness that create momentum shifts for her team. She can easily get a rebound and generate second-chance opportunities. Her field IQ is exceptional; her ability to drive in and pull out under pressure, and to find a clear assist, shows how dangerous she is. O'Connor is a dynamic, high-IQ attacker who makes an impact everywhere on the field.     Dynamic, relentless, and aggressive are all words to describe Violette Beattie, a player who not only changes the pace of a game but also the outcome. She is a strong 1v1 defender with speed and grit to stay on an attacker for long periods, consistently applying pressure and forcing turnovers. Her field awareness and high lacrosse IQ allow her to anticipate drives, redirect offense, and recover quickly. Beattie has strong stick skills, speed in transition and on clears, and exceptional footwork. Beattie delivers grit and aggression with every play, refusing to quit on and off the ball. She is a true game-changer on the defensive end.     A fast and gritty midfielder with a high lacrosse IQ, impacting the game on both sides of the ball. Whether she is winning ground balls, rebounds, or transition opportunities, Carly Kilroy's IQ is top-tier. Kilroy shines in her redefend, forcing turnovers and taking away scoring opportunities with strong positioning and the ability to read the opposing offense. On the draw, Kilroy is clean, tough, and able to win the ball anywhere it's put, as well as being the first to the ball. Kilroy is also a strong dodger; she can read the defense and make a decision in a split second on whether to drive or feed. In addition, she can score from the 8-meter line with a powerful, accurate shot. Kilroy is a strong, two-way midfielder with the competitiveness to set the tone and drive the team's momentum.     A gritty lefty attacker is hard to come by, but when you add speed and energy, you get Ava Lardella, an exceptional attacker, one who uses her speed and IQ to her full advantage. Whether it's running it in on an 8-meter or driving through traffic, Lardella is an all-around athlete. Her quick thinking on feeds to get it to her team fast and her shifty dodges help her gain momentum. She often throws her defense off guard, speeding into the middle for a quick shot off a feed. She will shoot whenever she can and will hit the cage. She also excels in rebounds, interceptions, forced turnovers, and momentum, helping create opportunities for her team. Lardella is the next big thing, and she is just getting started.     Peyla Carcaterra is a gritty 1v1 attacker who has a strong dodge and creates momentum anywhere on the field. She's a strong, accurate shooter with a powerful release and is especially dangerous at 8 meters.   Carcaterra has a hard shot, good crease roll, and has an exceptional jump shot. She plays with a high lacrosse IQ, making smart reads on defense and great feeds.   Quick, explosive, and confident, she is a dynamic offensive threat every time she steps on the field.

Spring brings lacrosse season and the return of top talent. With recruiting season fast approaching, talented athletes emerge everywhere. Watch these 2027 and 2028 players this season.