Mid-Atlantic ‘28s on the Rise: Players to Watch

The Mid-Atlantic continues to be a hotbed for elite lacrosse talent, and a new wave is emerging. These Class of 2028 standouts from Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia are already making noise heading into the summer.    If you want a game-changer athlete, Laila Elliott is your girl. A strong defender and draw specialist. She excels in lockdown 1v1 defense, using strong footwork, grit, and anticipation to disrupt offenses. Her defensive IQ stands out, consistently reading plays, getting her stick in passing lanes, and creating turnovers.   In transition, Laila handles pressure well and runs the ball upfield with confidence, making her a key player.  She is especially effective on the draw, where she uses her height, quickness, and skills to gain possession. She demonstrates strong self-draw ability, tracks the ball well, and effectively boxes out to control or direct possession to teammates.   Her impact both on the defensive end and in the draw circle makes her a valuable asset to any program.     A player who makes an impact on the game on both ends using speed, aggression, and high IQ to thrive. A two-way versatile player is what you need, and that is Mikaela Gordon. A strong player who excels in ground ball situations and consistently comes up with possession in scrambles, whether that's boxing out or redirecting for herself or her team, Gordon will always have the ball after. Defensively, she is a strong 1v1 player with excellent footwork and a strong approach. Gordon has great positioning and maintains constant pressure, preventing the attack from getting through. Offensively, she is a dangerous cutter who can catch and shoot under pressure, using her speed and stick skills to her advantage. On drives, Gordon uses her IQ to read the defense and drive hard. Gordon is one of those players who can shoot from anywhere and hit the cage. Her versatility in offense and defense shines through her play, making her an impactful player.     A high-IQ attacker who plays with strong composure under pressure and capitalizes on offense is all the traits that Lily Baldwin brings to the table.  She is a consistent threat on the 8-meter, using her speed and positioning to get to the cage and finish, and she can shoot confidently from anywhere.   Baldwin reads defenses well, making smart feeds and cutting hard to create opportunities. With strong handles and insane dodges, she is tough to defend in tight spaces. Baldwin is also a threat when put on the 8-meter.    Lily also impacts the game in transition, excelling on the ride and re-defending to create turnovers and fast-break chances. She is reliable on both sides of the court and makes smart plays on rebounds and second-chance opportunities, making her a well-rounded offensive presence.     Strong, aggressive, and high-level in physicality and IQ, with every possession, are all descriptions of Abigail Ruszala. A standout 1v1 def sender who pangs with confidence and stays disciplined, fusing her footwork to control the offense and force attackers out. Her consistency impacts the game tremendously. She reads plays and can anticipate their development before it fully unfolds. If you need a clean check expert, Ruszala is your girl. Her well-timed checks often lead to game-changing turnovers. Ruszala also makes her presence known by getting into passing lanes and forcing interceptions and knockdowns. Her re-defend is where she thrives: creating chaos, tracking the ball well, and making those defensive stops on offensive opportunities in transition. Ruszala uses her speed and awareness to push the ball up the field, handle pressure, and make smart decisions. Ruszala is a versatile player who can change the game.     A dynamic and versatile offensive threat who thrives in speed, agility, and footwork. Haley is a confident playmaker with a high level of IQ. She is a threat anywhere on the field. Putting her on the 8-meter is especially dangerous as she showcases a powerful and accurate shot on goal. Haley is a key asset for assists, making quick game-changing plays in high-pressure situations. Her unselfish plays and trust in her offense impact the game. Haley's ride is also strong and aggressive, pressing out smartly and forcing turnovers to create more possessions for her team. Haley is a player who influences the game at every phase.

The Mid-Atlantic continues to be a hotbed for elite lacrosse talent, and a new wave is emerging. These Class of 2028 standouts from Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia are already making noise heading into the summer.