Class of 2028: Top 100 Defenders

This group features five of the most dependable and versatile defenders in the 2028 class. Whether they are shutting down 1v1 matchups, creating turnovers, or initiating transition, each player consistently impacts the game beyond the defensive end.    Tighe, the No. 44 nationally ranked player in the Class of 2028 by Prep Girls Lacrosse and a member of the USA U17 National Team, is a gritty, physical defender whose speed immediately separates her. She keeps her stick active, disrupts passing lanes, and makes every attacker work to approach the cage. Her physicality stood out against the nation's best at the USA games, proving she can handle elite matchups. Tighe is also heavily involved in clears, using her speed and awareness to move the ball efficiently through the midfield. Although defense is her foundation, she understands where to be on both ends and can capitalize offensively when given the opportunity. Her toughness and two-way versatility give her tremendous potential at the college level.     Ranked in the Top 100 nationally in the Class of 2028 by Prep Girls Lacrosse, Shull is an athletic and disciplined defender who always appears to be planning one step ahead. One of her most valuable qualities is her willingness to work tirelessly to become an outlet in transition. Rather than disappearing after possession changes, Shull creates space, gets herself open, and gives her teammates a dependable option to advance the ball. Her size, long stride, and speed allow her to cover significant ground, while her physicality makes her difficult to beat in 1v1 situations. She produces knockdowns, runs through ground balls, and can immediately initiate a fast break. Shull also leads her team in defensive ground balls, further demonstrating her ability to anticipate plays and consistently win possession.     Bradford, ranked in the Top 100 nationally in the Class of 2028 by Prep Girls Lacrosse, consistently rises to the level of her competition and has established herself as a shutdown defender. Her combination of closing speed, controlled footwork, and strong body positioning prevents attackers from creating separation. She applies pressure with purpose, recognizes when to slide, and directs opponents into areas where her defense has the advantage. Bradford becomes equally valuable once her team regains possession, accelerating into transition and using her vision to advance the ball or help settle the offense. She showed out all summer; her motor was impossible to overlook. She pursued every loose ball, competed throughout every possession, and repeatedly made impactful plays against high-level competition.     The No. 38 nationally ranked player in the Class of 2028 by Prep Girls Lacrosse, Reynolds is a relentless and versatile defender who can pressure attackers far outside the 8-meter while remaining composed and disciplined. Her footwork, positioning, and help defense allow her to excel in 1v1 matchups and provide timely slides. She consistently gets her stick into passing lanes, creates knockdowns, and quickly turns those disruptions into offensive opportunities. Reynolds also understands how to position herself during clears, continually presenting an outlet for her goalie and teammates. She is a ground ball machine on both ends and can contribute through the midfield or finish offensively. Her composure, hustle, and leadership helped her high school team capture its first state championship, showing how important she is to the success of an entire unit.     Ranked in the Top 100 nationally in the Class of 2028 by Prep Girls Lacrosse, Sisson is a disruptive defender who uses excellent positioning and an active stick to produce consistent knockdowns. She applies strong pressure, plays with physicality, and remains fundamentally sound in 1v1 situations. When Sisson creates a turnover, she immediately looks to move the ball forward and connect the defense with the offense. Her effort continues on the ride, where she pressures ball carriers and works to regain possession. Sisson is also intelligent through the midfield, planning her route before receiving the ball and making purposeful decisions in transition. Her awareness, hustle, and defensive instincts make her a dependable presence in multiple areas of the field.

This group features five of the most dependable and versatile defenders in the 2028 class. Whether they are shutting down 1v1 matchups, creating turnovers, or initiating transition, each player consistently impacts the game beyond the defensive end.