High School Girls' Players of the Week: Heim's Seven Goals Lift Henderson

USA Lacrosse recognizes the most outstanding individual performances in high school boys’ and girls' lacrosse in each region we cover. Coaches and others can submit athletes for consideration using our online form. Click here to enter your nomination.

Honorees are selected by USA Lacrosse Magazine staff and contributors and published each Wednesday on the USA Lacrosse Magazine website (usalacrosse.com/magazine) as well as our social media channels (@USALMag).

Note: Weekly coverage for the South and West regions has concluded for the 2026 season. Check back for regional players of the year and final top-10 rankings.

NORTHEAST

Maiya Boughal, Westhampton Beach (N.Y.)

Three and a half weeks ago, Westhampton Beach (N.Y.) was in the midst of a five-game losing streak and a playoff berth was in jeopardy.

Fast forward to Sunday at Stony Brook’s LaValle Stadium and the Hurricanes were celebrating another county championship with Maiya Boughal steering the ship.

The Dartmouth-bound senior midfielder scored three goals in a stunning 8-6 upset of top-seeded West Islip (N.Y.) in the semifinals. And then Boughal netted another hat trick, while also playing solid defense and coming up big on the draw, to lead fourth-seeded Westhampton Beach to a 13-9 win over No. 2 Smithtown West (N.Y.) in the Suffolk Class B championship game.

“Maiya is operating at a different level the further we get into the season,” said Westhampton Beach coach Mary Bergmann. “She sees the field so well and puts herself in positions to help her team succeed. She’s honestly one of the most selfless players out there, but she’s really a huge part of our success this year."

Also notable: McKenna Anderson, Victor (N.Y.); Savanna Appleton, Massapequa (N.Y.); Ashley Clark, Garden City (N.Y.); Lily Diaz, Yorktown (N.Y.); Juliet Diorio, South Side (N.Y.); Adriana Gromelski, Darien (Conn.); Georgiana Sheehan, Cheshire (Conn.)

— Dylan Butler 

MID-ATLANTIC

Reese Heim, West Chester Henderson (Pa.)

When West Chester Henderson faced Conestoga (Pa.) in the regular season, the Warriors claimed a tight 8-7 win. Heim made sure it wasn’t as nerve-wracking the second time around. The senior attacker was strong on the draw and scored seven goals to help Henderson to a 12-6 win over ‘Stoga in the Pennsylvania District 1 AAA championship. She helped the Warriors bolt out to a 5-2 lead in the first quarter with a pair of her goals in the final minute. The district title was their first since 1998. Heim, a first-team All-Ches-Mont League selection, is headed to Marquette in the fall. 

Also notable: Brooke Bickel, Conestoga (Pa.); Leah Bornstein, Princeton (N.J.); Ryann Buchan, Holmdel (N.J.); Fran Fazio, Cardinal O’Hara (Pa.); Katherine Gillern, Camden Catholic (N.J.); Ellie Kaplan, Twin Valley (Pa.); Ryan Leaman, Wilson (Pa.); Eva Lemieux, Springfield-Delco (Pa.); Emma McCarthy, Paul VI (N.J.); Gia Murphy, Immaculate Heart (N.J.); Lucia Nash, Morris Knolls (N.J.); Sophia Tray, Villa Maria Academy (Pa.)

— Justin Feil 

MIDWEST

Demetra Gatzulis, Hinsdale Central (Ill.)

Gatzulis has been an all-around force for the Red Devils all season, including in their 20-6 sectional title game win over Nazareth Academy (Ill.). The junior had three goals (on four shots on goal) and three assists against the Roadrunners. Gatzulis also had seven ground balls and three draw controls. None of which should come as a surprise as Gatzulis is second on Hinsdale Central in goals (39) and caused turnovers (23), fourth in assists (14) and leads the Red Devils in ground balls (87) and draw controls (72).

Also notable: Aubrey Bartosik, Olentangy Liberty (Ohio); Molly Dwyer, Loyola Academy (Ill.); Piper Farrell, Mariemont (Ohio); Campbell Heald, St. Francis DeSales (Ohio); Claire Orazen, Hudson (Ohio); Lilly Palm, Minnetonka (Minn.); Berkeley Thomas, Upper Arlington (Ohio)

— Jonah Rosenblum