2026 High School Girls' Preseason All-American Watch List

Before every high school season, USA Lacrosse Magazine’s writers check in with coaches from their respective regions to create the All-American Watch List.

Below, we've identified 25 players — five each from the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, South, Midwest and West — who have player-of-the-year potential.

Note, this is not part of the official USA Lacrosse All-American program administered by area chairs with nominations from high school coaches.

NORTHEAST

Sophia Buffardi, Sr., M, Sayville (N.Y.)

As a junior All-American, Buffardi had 59 points (41 goals and 18 assists) and 89 draw controls after leading Sayville to the New York State Class C title in a 53-goal sophomore season. The North Carolina commit, ranked No. 4 in the Class of 2026 by Inside Lacrosse, has elite vision and scoring prowess, as well as being a tenacious defender.

Casey Cummings, Sr., A, Nyack (N.Y.)

When Cummings locks in on a challenge — from making things happen on the offensive end or in the draw circle, she elevates her game to a different stratosphere, according to Nyack coach Kat Perrella. Ranked No. 11 in the Class of 2026 by Inside Lacrosse, the junior All-American bound for Syracuse had 141 draw controls a year ago and heads into her senior season with 210 career goals and 170 assists.

Cece Powell, Sr., A, Marcellus (N.Y.)

Ranked No. 3 in the Class of 2026 by Inside Lacrosse, Powell is a repeat Northeast Preseason Player to Watch — and for good reason. The North Carolina commit, an All-American as a junior, has 412 career points after a 102-goal junior campaign. Powell, who possesses tremendous vision and an unmatched work ethic, is also a star in both basketball and soccer.

Peyton Rothfuss, Sr., A, Penfield (N.Y.)

The Syracuse-bound attack had 64 goals, 38 assists, and 166 draw controls as a junior All-American, helping lead Penfield to a first-ever New York State title. Ranked No. 9 in the Class of 2026 by Inside Lacrosse, Rothfuss has 272 career points (179 goals, 93 assists) after joining varsity as an eighth grader.

Anna Von Kennel, Sr., M, Darien (Conn.)

Ranked No. 10 in the Class of 2026 by Inside Lacrosse, the two-way midfielder has elite speed, an incredible first step, and an ability to draw the side, according to Darien head coach Lisa Lindley. The Florida commit, an All-American as a junior, had a team-high 88 points (47 goals, 41 assists) and 61 draw controls to lead the Blue Wave to a 21st state title.

— Dylan Butler

MID-ATLANTIC

Kit Laake, Sr., D, McDonogh (Md.)

A staple for the Eagles for four years, it’s hard to imagine their defense without her though the rest of the IAAM is counting down the days until she heads to Maryland. Laake’s speed helps her contain attackers. She’s outstanding 1v1. Once McDonogh gets a stop, she turns her speed on to spark the fast break, making her shine as a defender who really helps at both ends.

Reagan O’Donovan, Sr., G, McDonogh (Md.)

Eagles coach Megan Nicotra – a two-time World Cup gold medalist in goal – calls O’Donovan “the best goalie in the 2026 class.” She is a pure stopper and makes incredibly difficult saves look effortless. Not only does she make the big saves, but her activity outside the crease winning ground balls and intercepting passes creates possession for McDonogh. She’ll play at Penn State next year.

Alivian Parmer, Sr., M, Manheim Township (Pa.)

A true two-way midfielder, Parmer works relentlessly to wreak havoc for opponents in every aspect of the game. She can score (99 goals last year), she finds teammates (50 assists), plays defense (43 caused turnovers) and takes the draw (112 DC and 55 GB). Her lax IQ and off-ball movement and awareness have improved each season to become an even more complete player. She’ll take her skills and competitive fire to North Carolina next year.

Kenzie Rassas, Sr., M, Georgetown Visitation (D.C.)

The Best in Class Midfield MVP can do it all. At 5’10” and skilled with either hand, she scores, she sets up others, she’s terrific in transition and she defends. She’s also taken a big step on the draw and posted huge numbers last year. Rassas will fill a bigger leadership role this year for the Cubs before following her older sister to Notre Dame next year.

Cayden Reese, Sr., A, Maryvale (Md.)

The top-ranked senior in the country by Inside Lacrosse, Reese helped spark a resurgence by the Lions, who climbed to IAAM A champions last year as she posted 38 goals, 24 assists and 70 draw controls. She’s the complete package with the creative ability to score, the vision and most importantly the willingness to dish to others, the toughness to win a draw and her lacrosse IQ is that of a coach’s kid, which isn’t a surprise. Reese, who plays for her dad at Maryvale, will suit up for her mom at Maryland next year. She’ll draw extra attention again this year as she looks to lead the Lions to a repeat.

— Justin Feil

SOUTH

Ashley Egbert, Sr., G, American Heritage–Delray (Fla.)

One of the top goalies in the 2026 class, Egbert is set to begin her third season as a starter after posting a 5.4 goals-against average and a .534 save percentage. She is committed to Maryland.

Luca Mastrandrea, Sr., M, IMG Academy (Fla.)

Mastrandrea stands out on a roster full of Division I talent. She posted 39 ground balls, 41 draw controls, and 14 goals last season and recently competed with the U.S. U19 team. She is headed to Oregon.

Brooke McCoy, Sr., A, Episcopal School of Jacksonville (Fla.)

McCoy is a complete player, finishing last season with 43 goals, 25 assists, 57 ground balls, 34 caused turnovers, and 114 draw controls. She also competed with the U.S. U16 squad. She is headed to Duke next year.

Emma Switter, Jr., M, American Heritage–Delray (Fla.)

Switter led the Stallions with 45 goals while adding 103 draw controls and 23 ground balls. Evaluators note her skill is most evident with the ball in her stick. She is committed to North Carolina.

Kylie Waters, Sr., A, Milton (Ga.)

Waters stood out with the U.S. U19 team at the Brogden Cup, scoring nine goals in two games. The Clemson-bound attacker is coming off her third straight state title with Milton.

— Justin Boggs

MIDWEST

Ellie Beam, Sr., M, Kentucky Country Day (Ky.)

Last year, Beam helped the Bearcats to a second straight state title, tying for the team lead in goals (64) and also leading the way in draws (95). Beam has been an incredibly consistent scorer for Kentucky Country Day, topping 60 goals every year of her high school career.

Darcy Doyle, Sr., A, University School of Milwaukee (Wisc.)

An All-American every year of her high school career thus far, Doyle brings eye-popping numbers into her senior season. Over her first three years, the Northwestern commit has compiled a whopping 327 goals, 403 points and 514 draw controls for the Wildcats (yes, her high school and future college share the same mascot).

Molly Dwyer, Jr., M, Loyola Academy (Ill.)

After an impressive freshman year, Dwyer was even better as a sophomore, recording twice as many goals (85) and five times as many assists (36). Expect the Clemson commit to be a leading force as the Ramblers seek to get back on top in the Land of Lincoln.

Samantha Hohn, Sr., A, Gentry Academy (Minn.)

Hohn is one of the bigger recruits to come out of the Land of 10,000 Lakes. The Clemson commit did it all for the Stars last season, accruing 67 goals, 52 assists, 37 ground balls and 63 draw controls. That included a 13-point performance (seven goals, six assists) against Wisconsin power University School of Milwaukee.

Megan Gallagher, Sr., G, New Trier (Ill.)

A Northwestern commit, Gallagher saved 54.4 percent of the shots that came her way last year for the state champion Trevians. That included stopping eight of 15 shots in New Trier’s championship game victory over Loyola Academy.

— Jonah Rosenblum

WEST

Olivia Abbott, Sr., M, Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.)

A key piece on Coronado’s undefeated run, Abbott combines athleticism and poise while influencing games in multiple phases. The Stanford commit enters 2026 as one of the West’s most complete players.

Giana Bigelow, Jr., A/M, Valor Christian (Colo.)

A dynamic offensive player who consistently impacts games for Valor Christian. Bigelow plays with confidence, quick hands, and strong field awareness, and she shows up in big moments. She’s committed to North Carolina.

Leelé Bigelow, Sr., M, Valor Christian (Colo.)

A proven two-way presence for Valor Christian, Bigelow plays with strength, pace, and confidence in big moments. Her UNC commitment reflects both her consistency and readiness to make an impact at the next level.

Piper Dalsemer, Jr., G, Mira Costa (Calif.)

One of the top goalie prospects out West, Dalsemer stands out for her composure and shot-stopping ability. Her Syracuse commitment signals high-level upside at a premium position.

Maggie Goldstein, Jr., M, Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.)

A smart, reliable midfielder, Goldstein brings balance and efficiency to Sacred Heart Prep’s lineup. Her Stanford commitment shows both her game sense and long-term potential.

— Sonorah Hunter