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Spring sports starting in February actually makes sense in certain parts of the country.
The high school lacrosse season is well underway in Florida, Texas and other areas included in the USA Lacrosse South Region rankings. Here are the teams to know and players to follow.
The first in-season update to the South rankings will be published March 3.
1. American Heritage–Delray (Fla.), 18-3
The Stallions (18-3 last year, 5-0 to start 2026) have arguably been the region’s most dominant team over the last few years, and the 2026 squad has the firepower to compete nationally. American Heritage–Delray features seven seniors committed to Division I programs, including goalie Ashley Egbert (Maryland) and midfielder Hali Horvath (Penn State). Senior Madison Vargas (Florida State) and junior Emma Switter (North Carolina) look to lead the offense.
2. Milton (Ga.)
The Eagles (19-2 last year, 3-0 to start 2026) continue to reload after winning eight consecutive state championships. This year’s roster includes senior attacker Kylie Waters (Clemson) and senior defender Ava Thompson (Stanford), while junior Braelyn Swanick (Notre Dame) is poised to anchor the defense. Milton has a dozen Division I commits.
3. Cambridge (Ga.), 19-2
With Georgia’s multiple divisions, the annual midseason matchup between Cambridge and Milton often determines the state’s top program. In 2025, Cambridge defeated Milton for the first time. The Bears (19-2 last year, 3-0 to start 2026) return a talented roster led by attacker Kasey Dwyer (Ohio State), midfielder Gabriella Johnson (Florida) and defender Abigail Johnson (Syracuse).
4. Hockaday (Texas)
The Daisies (19-1 in 2025) lost offensive standouts Sunnie Wang and Mae Flanagan but still have enough talent to rebuild. Junior Sophia Fagelman (Georgetown) is expected to take on a more central role in the offense.
5. IMG Academy (Fla.)
As a prep school drawing talent from across the country, IMG Academy is positioned to compete against top teams nationally. While much of the core returns, IMG (11-8 last year, 2-0 to start 2026) added major transfers, including Thea Sommer (Lehigh) and Paige Hagenbart (Temple).
6. Lake Highland (Fla.)
The Highlanders (20-4 last year, 4-1 to start 2026) surprised many by upsetting American Heritage–Delray in last year’s state title game (and lost by just one goal in the rematch earlier this month). This season, they return key contributors, including leading scorer Giselle Jaskiewicz, who tallied 73 goals as a freshman. Sally Flynn (Xavier) returns for her senior season after contributing 30 assists.
7. West Forsyth (Ga.)
The Wolverines (19-2 last year, 1-0 to start 2026) appear poised to defend their state championship, returning a large core from the 2025 campaign. Bryn Birkholz (South Florida) returns after a 76-goal season, while sophomore Bryce Birkholz looks to build on a 72-goal year.
8. Cardinal Gibbons (N.C.)
The Crusaders (18-5 in 2025) won their final 14 games en route to a state championship. With four of the top five scorers gone, Jane Bailey Ward (Massachusetts) may be called upon to lead the offense. Addie Brown (San Diego State) returns in goal after allowing 4.3 goals per game last season.
9. St. Andrew’s (Fla.),
The Scots (19-3 last year, 5-0 to start 2026) return a strong core from a 19-win season, with two of their three losses coming against American Heritage–Delray. Bella Virtue (Virginia) is back for her junior year after scoring 109 goals. Olivia Meehan (Cornell) provides a strong two-way presence after posting 85 points and 47 ground balls in 2025.
10. Anderson (Texas)
The Trojans (12-1 last year, 3-0 to start 2026) return their top two offensive players in Jillian Murphy (Colorado) and Maison Van Den Bossche, who combined for 141 points in 2025. Senior Jane Ann Skaggs anchors the defense.
