Celebrating the Future Stars of Collegiate Lacrosse
Cayden Reese: A Dominant Force Leads the Class
Cayden Reese, a standout from Maryvale, Maryland, has solidified her position as the top-ranked player in the 2026 class. Her consistent excellence throughout the recruiting process culminates in this prestigious recognition as she prepares to join the University of Maryland program, where she will play under the guidance of her mother, Coach Cathy Reese.
Maryland's Stellar Recruiting Class
The University of Maryland is poised for a strong future with three highly-touted freshmen joining their ranks, including Reese. Among them is Kit Laake, a long-time club teammate of Reese, who earned the impressive No. 3 spot in the rankings. Additionally, Michaela Fay, a defender from Suffern, New York, ascended to No. 19, further bolstering Maryland's incoming talent pool.
Notre Dame Welcomes a Top Talent
Kenzie Rassas, a midfielder from Georgetown Visitation, District of Columbia, has secured the No. 2 position in the Freshman Rankings. She is set to join her sister Madison at the University of Notre Dame, contributing to what promises to be a formidable team.
Collegiate Powerhouses Stock Up on Talent
Beyond Maryland and Notre Dame, other collegiate programs have also attracted significant talent. North Carolina leads with three players in the Top 10 and six 5-Stars, matching Florida for the highest representation in the Top 100 with nine recruits each. Boston College and Michigan are close behind with seven Top 100 freshmen, while Maryland and Notre Dame each welcome six highly-ranked players.
Defining the Elite: 5-Star Freshmen
The 2026 Freshman Rankings include a total of 100 student-athletes, with 40 earning the coveted 5-Star designation. This elite group comprises players who have demonstrated exceptional skill and potential throughout their high school careers, indicating a bright future for women's lacrosse at the collegiate level. The rankings highlight a diverse geographical spread of talent, from Maryland and Pennsylvania to New York and beyond, showcasing the growing reach and competitiveness of the sport.