O’Connor, the No. 1 2027 defender in the country, played aggressive 1v1 defense at NBAA. She plays super low defense and has great footwork. The Maryland commit throws aggressive checks that will work well at the college level.

Regan O’Connor is also known for filling up the stat sheet offensively, but it was her defense that completely stole the show at the Committed Games. A 2026 USA Lacrosse All-American, O’Connor proved she can dominate on both ends of the field. No matter where she lined up defensively, she found a way to shut down some of the nation’s top talent with outstanding footwork, anticipation, and relentless effort.

She’s constantly involved in transition, using her speed to carry the ball from the defensive end into the offensive zone before setting up teammates or finishing give-and-go opportunities herself. O’Connor is a caused turnover machine who also comes away with countless interceptions thanks to her lacrosse IQ and active stick. While she has the offensive ability to take over a game, her lockdown defense is what truly separated her throughout the weekend and makes her a top recruit.

Some defenders, when they get the ball across the 50-yard line, become deer in headlights and become tunnel-visioned on the goal. They have to shoot the ball. O’Connor is the opposite of those defenders. When she clears the ball, her head goes up looking for the right pass or the right play to make. Her IQ is high, she gets assists, and she scores goals. On defense, she gets extremely low and drives players out on their hips. She’s aggressive and can defend any player and any spot on the field. She’s fast on defense, and when she has the ball in her stick. The Maryland commit has great upside at the college level because she can go to the goal if she needs to.