Washall, Pinkin, Murphy, Anderson and Pepper Named High School Girls' Players 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

Haley Washall, Sacred Heart Greenwich (Conn.)

Sacred Heart Greenwich has turned the corner. Following a slow start, the Tigers are roaring, racing up the national rankings following a four-game winning streak. Newcomer Haley Washall has played a starring role. The Penn State-bound junior midfielder had 18 draw controls and scored four goals to help lead Sacred Heart Greenwich to a 9-6 win over Noble & Greenough (Mass.) and a 12-6 victory against Ridgewood (N.J.).

“Haley is a true two-way midfielder who’s made an impact all over the field this season,” Sacred Heart Greenwich coach Jackie Goldmann said. “She dominates on the draw circle, brings a high IQ to our attack with her ability to cut and finish inside, and consistently takes on and shuts down top matchups. She’s also incredibly coachable, always looking to learn and elevate her game.”

Also notable: Peyla Carcaterra, Sacred Heart Greenwich (Conn.); Ella Gould, Nyack (N.Y.); Kristin Lichtenstein, Bellmore JFK (N.Y.); Kennedy Murnane, Plainedge (N.Y.); Clare Nemsick, Rye (N.Y.); Quinn Powers, Governor’s (Mass.); Taylor Webb, Fox Lane (N.Y.)

— Dylan Butler 

MID-ATLANTIC

Reed Pinkin, McDonogh (Md.)

Pinkin has been consistent all season on the attack for the Eagles. The senior came up big again for a McDonogh team on the rise. She started the week with a hat trick and assist and caused one turnover in a key 7-6 IAAM win over Archbishop Spalding (Md.) Pinkin had another hat trick against another strong IAAM squad as the Eagles defeated St. Mary’s (Md.) 9-5. Pinkin leads McDonogh with 29 goals and 39 points. She is committed to Denver.

Also notable: Clara Aschenbach, Stone Ridge (Md.); Nora Bailer, Episcopal (Pa.); Taylor Fique, Manchester Valley (Md.); Brynn Howes, Maryvale (Md.); Anna McCart, St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes (Va.); Lu Misener, Conestoga (Pa.); Caroline Quin, Radnor (Pa.); Caroline Shinskie, Mt. Hebron (Md.); Grace Steffan, Penncrest (Pa.); Tenley Yoder, Warwick (Pa.)

— Justin Feil 

SOUTH

Jillian Murphy, Anderson (Texas)

Jillian Murphy has been showing her versatility by scoring goals, winning draw controls and causing turnovers. The senior attacker scored four goals, forced three turnovers and won 11 draw controls in Anderson’s 21-1 win over Cedar Park. She then added five goals in a one-goal win over Austin (Texas). Murphy is headed to Colorado and plans to study journalism.

Also notable: Bryce Birkholz, West Forsyth (Ga.); Gabi Johnson, Cambridge (Ga.); Lilly Ventura, Lake Highland (Fla.)

— Justin Boggs 

MIDWEST

Avery Anderson, New Trier (Ill.)

Anderson helped the Trevians avoid an upset, as she tallied five goals, an assist and a season-high nine draw controls in New Trier’s 10-9 win over rival Hinsdale Central (Ill.). That marked the San Diego State commit’s second five-goal performance of the week after she also scored five two days earlier against Maine South (Ill.). Oh, and that isn’t even her season high for goals, as Anderson scored seven in a big win over Torrey Pines (Calif.) April 11. The impressive senior leads the Trevians in goals (24) and draw controls (42) through seven games.

Also notable: Brooke Baker, New Albany (Ohio); Aubrey Bartosik, Olentangy Liberty (Ohio); Ellie Beam, Kentucky Country Day (Ky.); Taylor Denning, Turpin (Ohio); Meg Gallagher, New Trier (Ill.); Tori Maurer, Upper Arlington (Ohio); Claire Orazen, Hudson (Ohio); Evie Ruma, Upper Arlington (Ohio); Ella Smith, Upper Arlington (Ohio); Libby Travis, Hudson (Ohio)

— Jonah Rosenblum 

WEST

Katie Pepper, Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.)

In Sacred Heart Prep’s commanding 17–7 victory over Marin Academy (Calif.), Pepper delivered a truly dominant, full-field performance that set the tone against one of the region’s top offensive teams. Anchoring the defense, Pepper was instrumental in shutting down key threats while also making a major impact in transition and on the scoreboard.

The Dartmouth-bound defender showcased her versatility and elite athleticism, recording three goals, 10 ground balls, nine caused turnovers and 10 draw controls, which is impressive given she’s a low defender. Her ability to control possession, disrupt offensive flow and ignite transition opportunities proved critical in one of Sacred Heart’s biggest games of the season.

Beyond the numbers, Pepper’s speed, field awareness and leadership continue to make her the backbone of Sacred Heart’s success. As the team remains undefeated, her consistent dominance on both ends of the field has been a driving force behind their standout season.

Also notable: Isla Hoffelt, Grant (Ore.); Harper O’Hara, Mater Dei Santa Ana (Calif.)

— Sonorah Hunter