Von Kennel Helps Snap Win Streak, Earns High School Girls' Player of the Week

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).

NORTHEAST

Anna Von Kennel, Darien (Conn.)

It was only the second game of the season for Darien, but it was already the most anticipated of the season. The Blue Wave hosted No. 1 St. Anthony’s (N.Y.), which took a 51-game winning streak across the border.

Anna Von Kennel made sure the Friars returned to Long Island with their first loss since 2023, setting up Quin Chandler’s double-overtime winner. The senior four-year starter had two goals, two assists, and four draw controls in the massive win.

The Florida commit then scored four goals and had four draw controls in an 11-6 home victory over Rye (N.Y.) on Saturday.

“Anna does it all — she dominates between the 30s, whether it is getting every ground ball or back-checking on the ride. Offensively, she is so quick, she dodges hard and efficiently, ultimately ripping shots. Not many defenders can stay with her. Defensively, she is quick to slide and is strong on her 1-v-1 defense,” legendary Darien coach Lisa Lindley said. “The ceiling for Anna is very high. One of the best things about Anna is her competitiveness. She hates losing as much as I do.”

Also notable: Juliana Bang, Loomis Chaffee (Conn.); Lily Diaz, Yorktown (N.Y.); Michaela Fay, Suffern (N.Y.); Miabella Gates, Cicero-North Syracuse (N.Y.); Taylor Gordon, Manhasset (N.Y.); Tessa Matozzo, Locust Valley (N.Y.); Ava Obloj, West Islip (N.Y.)

— Dylan Butler 

MID-ATLANTIC

Mak Myers, Penn Charter (Pa.)

It’s easy to forget that Myers is only a sophomore. As a freshman last year, she was selected to the Inter-Ac League first team, and in a short time she has become a vital part of the Quakers success. Myers came up huge for Penn Charter in a sweep of Inter-Ac rivals Agnes Irwin (Pa.) and Notre Dame (Pa.) plus a non-conference win over Bryn Mawr (Md.). The midfielder and draw specialist had 22 draw controls, 10 ground balls, eight caused turnovers and a goal in the week. She was part of a midfield and defensive group that stifled the Agnes Irwin and Notre Dame attacks.

Also notable: Julia Cowgill, Conestoga (Pa.); Brinn Findora, Downingtown West (Pa.); Taylor Fique, Manchester Valley (Md.); Maeve Irish, Episcopal (Pa.); Harper Jensen, St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes (Va.); Sedona Kaplan, Marriotts Ridge (Md.); Samantha Legge, Long Reach (Md.); Addison Meyer, Manchester Valley (Md.); Emma Mohn, Maryvale (Md.); Reed Pinkin, McDonogh (Md.); Cayden Reese, Maryvale (Md.)

— Justin Feil 

SOUTH

Sophie Fagelman, Hockaday (Texas)

In a 21-14 win over Highland Park, Sophie Fagelman set a school record 11 goals. The junior midfielder also added 20 draw controls. She also scored a goal and 11 draw controls in Hockaday’s win over Rockwall (Texas). Fagelman took a more central role in the team’s offense after Hockaday lost offensive standouts Sunnie Wang and Mae Flanagan to graduation last year. Fagelman is slated to go to Georgetown after her senior year.

Also notable: Anna Giordano, Bolles (Fla.); Jillian Murphy, Anderson (Texas), Suri Parker, Plant (Fla.); Gabrielle Ulrich, Cardinal Mooney (Fla.)

— Justin Boggs 

MIDWEST

Molly Dwyer, Loyola Academy (Ill.)

The Ramblers’ annual East Coast trip is always daunting. This year’s trip squeezed five games into four days against some of the nation’s best. Fortunately, they have one of the nation’s best on their side as Molly Dwyer totaled 19 goals, including six against a ranked Georgetown Visitation (D.C.). The Clemson commit also had four goals apiece against unbeaten St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes (Va.) and Bishop Ireton (Va.), three against National Cathedral (D.C.) and two against St. John’s College (D.C.).

Also notable: Avery Anderson, New Trier (Ill.); Leighton Backes, Upper Arlington (Ohio); Megan Benton, Olentangy Liberty (Ohio); McCall Brzozowski, Hinsdale Central (Ill.); Piper Farrell, Mariemont (Ohio); Caroline Ford, Guerin Catholic (Ind.); Meg Gallagher, New Trier (Ill.); Evie Howenstine, Olentangy Liberty (Ohio); Quinlynn Lehrmann, Prior Lake (Minn.); Rowynn Martens, Stillwater (Minn.)

— Jonah Rosenblum 

WEST

Maddy Yoo, Santa Margarita (Calif.)

Maddy Yoo turned in a strong week for Santa Margarita, totaling 10 goals across two games while shooting over 80 percent. The senior captain finished with three goals on four shots against La Costa Canyon (Calif.), then followed it up with a career-high seven goals on eight shots in a 17-6 win over Torrey Pines (Calif.). She also added two ground balls in the victory, making an impact beyond just scoring.

A lefty attacker, Yoo continues to be a steady offensive presence and leader for the Eagles. As her coach Kelly Petite noted, “She has led the offense throughout the week with consistent scoring and playmaking.” Maddy will be instrumental in the team's success as they head into the last three games of the season.

Also notable: Gia Bigalow, Valor (Colo.); Caroline Blair, Heritage (Colo.); Harper Ezrine, Colorado Academy (Colo.); Kylie Gorman, Sacred Heart (Calif.); Isabella Hamo, Santa Margarita (Calif.); Isla Hoffelt, Grant (Ore.); Sam Lundquist, Saint Ignatius (Calif.)

— Sonorah Hunter