Maryland and North Carolina generated the most buzz early in this recruiting cycle. Florida made a big splash Thursday.
Peyla Carcaterra, ranked as the No. 1 recruit in the high school girls’ lacrosse class of 2028 by Prep Lacrosse and No. 2 by Inside Lacrosse, announced on social media that she has committed to Florida.
“See you in the Swamp,” she captioned an Instagram post.
Carcaterra is the daughter of ESPN analyst and former Syracuse All-American Paul Carcaterra, one of the leading voices in the sport.
“Proud of the person, player and teammate you are,” he commented. “I love you Peyla.”
Carcaterra is a top attacker for high school powerhouse Sacred Heart Greenwich (Conn.). She led the Tigers to their third Prep Cup championship in four years with 10 goals and six assists in a torrid three-game stretch to end this season — as a sophomore. She also scored five goals in a win over Noble and Greenough (Mass.) earlier in the season.
“As a young 2028, Peyla has been dominant against top competition. A complete attacker, she is dangerous with both hands as a dodger and feeder, while bringing unmatched energy and competitiveness every time she steps on the field,” Sacred Heart Greenwich coach Jackie Goldman said. “The future is bright for Peyla as she continues to establish herself as one of the top players in the country.”
Florida has made 15 straight NCAA tournament appearances, missing the tournament only in its inaugural season in 2010. They had won 10 consecutive conference championships before getting tripped up by Colorado in this year’s Big 12 final. The Gators were coming off back-to-back final four appearances in 2024 and 2025.
Florida’s recruiting momentum includes seven players each in the high school classes of 2026 (current freshmen on campus) and 2027 who are ranked in the top 50 by Inside Lacrosse.
