2028s: True Two-Way Midfielders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The best midfielders make an impact everywhere on the field. These five 2028 standouts contribute offensively, defensively, in transition and around the draw circle. Their athleticism, versatility and ability to quickly change the direction of a game make them true two way threats.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["73797"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a9c59abf33f6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ranked No. 37 nationally in the 2028 class by Prep Girls Lacrosse, [player_tooltip player_id='73797' first='Lydia' last='Kealty'] is a gritty and dynamic left-handed midfielder who excels on both sides of the ball. At 5'11", she uses her long stride and athleticism to explode downhill before releasing a powerful shot on the run. Kealty also keeps her head up and creates quality opportunities for her teammates.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kealty is a major force on the draw and could very well become a draw specialist at the college level, but she has the versatility to remain on the field afterward. She attacks 50/50 balls, consistently collects ground balls, and can immediately turn a caused turnover into a fast break opportunity. Her strength, speed, and ability to build momentum toward the cage make her a complete two-way midfielder.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["47652"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a9c59abf345a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='47652' first='Ryann' last='Murphy'] plays with outstanding speed and intention. She uses quick, shifty downhill dodges to get through the defense and maintains enough strength and balance to absorb contact without losing momentum. Murphy can accurately shoot from distance, finish while moving, and make perfectly timed cuts when playing off-ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Murphy's speed becomes even more noticeable in transition, where very few opponents can keep pace with her. She reacts immediately to loose balls around the draw circle and often reaches them before anyone else. Defensively, she is an excellent 1v1 matchup who responds quickly, protects her stick, and makes smart decisions after gaining possession. Murphy always seems to be one step ahead of the play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["47656"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a9c59abf34a6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='47656' first='Nora' last='Kubrich'] is an athletic midfielder who can influence every area of the field. Offensively, she uses slick footwork and quick dodges to gain topside positioning before attacking downhill. She is also a dependable finisher who moves intelligently without the ball and creates opportunities by cutting into open space.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kubrich's competitiveness is especially evident around the draw circle. She reacts quickly, secures draw controls, and safely moves the ball away from pressure. Her speed and determination also make her a ground ball machine who refuses to give up on 50/50 opportunities. With strong stick fakes, impressive draw ability, and dependable 1v1 defense, Kubrich is a true two-way presence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["70449"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a9c59abf34ea"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jacob is a hardworking and competitive two way midfielder who brings elite speed, precise stick skills, and a high lacrosse IQ to both ends of the field. She may be smaller in size, but she is incredibly tough and plays much bigger than her frame.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jacob excels in transition, where her determination makes her a major asset on ground balls and in the clearing game. Offensively, she uses her quick changes of direction and twitchy dodging style to create scoring opportunities for herself and set up her teammates. Defensively, Jacob is phenomenal. Her agility, body positioning, and explosive reactions allow her to disrupt offenses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["86036"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a9c59abf3538"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 5'11", Ryan Kelleher is a smooth and versatile midfielder who welcomes the challenge of competing on both ends of the field. Defensively, she can match up against an opponent's top midfielder and use her length and positioning to limit opportunities. Offensively, she creates scoring chances through her dodging ability and intelligent cuts toward the cage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kelleher understands when to cut and finishes quickly once the ball reaches her stick. She plays with her head up, sees the field well, and moves with impressive control. Her combination of size, vision, and two-way ability allows her to contribute in nearly every situation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->