NORFOLK, Va. – Old Dominion Women's Lacrosse Head Coach Theresa Walton announced the signing of 12 players to the team's 2024 recruiting class on Tuesday.
"We are so excited for this Class of 2024 both individually and collectively. Each player comes from great high school and club experience that we know has prepared them for elite level Division I lacrosse. Within our twelve committed players in the class, six players hail from Maryland, two from New Jersey, one from New York, Virginia, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, said head coach Theresa Walton."
We absolutely love that ODU can attract players from all over the east coast and especially from the traditional hotbed areas of lacrosse. Being a contender in the American Athletic Conference is no easy feat, and this class is excited and ready for the competition we get to face each year. Their family support has been amazing to see so far, and we look forward to welcoming in each player and their family into our Monarch Lacrosse family," continued Walton.
"What's exciting for us as coaches is seeing how disciplined and dedicated this class is toward their academic pursuits and their overall love for lacrosse. As a unit, these student-athletes have committed to our goals and standards of our program. We are so excited to see what they are capable of in the years to come!"
Sarah Murrell
Midfield
Perryville, Maryland
Quote from Walton: "Sarah will be a dynamic player for us through the midfield. She made a major impact on our coaching staff when she visited through her maturity and dedication to the sport. Sarah's versatility on the field will make her a threat on both sides of the ball and especially through her transition play which has been the most exciting to watch."
Why Murrell chose ODU: "I chose ODU because the first time stepping on campus the energy was unmatched leaving such a strong impression! The coaches, players, and other people we met were welcoming and beyond excited to have us on campus! The environment was unique and one of kind making it a place I could see myself spending some of the best years in!"
Julia Butler
Midfield
Stewartsville, New Jersey
Quote from Walton: "Julia brings a level of grit that is undeniable in the way she plays. With Julia's speed and stamina, she's an asset we need on our roster to continue to elevate our aggressive style and pace of play."
Why Butler chose ODU: "I chose ODU for the team culture and excitement from the new coaching staff on rebuilding the program. Additionally I loved the school size and campus location."
Abby Von Harten
Midfield
New Egypt, New Jersey
Quote from Walton: "Abby's presence on the field is a force to be reckoned with. With Abby's height, natural power, and true grit we're beyond excited to gain her strengths within our draw and midfield unit."
Why Von Harten chose ODU: "The team culture and overall energy of the team is very positive and is exactly what I was looking for in a school. The coaches were so welcoming, and of course the location near the beach is perfect."
Sylvia Mayo
Midfield
Saunderstown, Rhode Island
Quote from Walton: "Sylvia is the definition of speed and tenacity. A true two-way midfielder who's transition game is unmatched. Sylvia is smooth with her stick, and powerful with her shots. Good luck to anyone keeping up with her between the 30s."
Why Mayo chose ODU: "I chose ODU because it was the one school I could see myself attending at first glance. It made me feel wanted and excited. Along with knowing I would be apart of such a great team and community."
Maggie Metz
Attack
Glenwood, Maryland
Quote from Walton: "Maggie has one of the best handles in this class, and as an attacker that skill set will no doubt only continue to improve. Maggie's lacrosse IQ and agility movement will be key ingredients to become highly affective X player here at ODU."
Why Metz chose ODU: "I choose ODU because of the atmosphere and how it feels like family as soon as you step onto the field. Everyone on campus is so nice and welcoming and I love how all of the sports teams show their support for each other. Lastly the location of the campus and how you can go to the city and the beach all within 15 minutes!"
Eleni Yates
Attack
White Hall, Maryland
Quote from Walton: "Eleni and her family made a lasting impression on our staff right out of the gate during our recruiting timeframe. Her communication and the way she carries herself speaks volumes to the type of person and player she is and will continue to become here at ODU. On the field, Eleni brings killer instincts that will keep our level of competition at an all-time high for the years ahead."
Why Yates chose ODU: "I chose Old Dominion University due to its environment, academics and athletic programs. On ODU's campus, right on the water in Norfolk, Virginia, surrounds you with strong work ethics, competitiveness, and encouragement from the whole community. During my first visit, I felt welcomed by everyone, as well as my future coaches and teammates, right then I knew I had found my home for the next four years."
Ashley Greene
Attack
Oyster Bay, New York
Quote from Walton: "Ashley comes to ODU from one of the top high schools out of Long Island, St. Anthony's, playing against stiff competition every spring. As an attacker, her handles and vision are what we are most excited to gain into our dynamic offensive unit."
Why Greene chose ODU: "I chose ODU because of the people I knew I was going to be surrounded by. Support all of the time and always people around me that are going to make me a better person and a better player."
Peyton Marohl
Attack
Edgewater, Maryland
Quote from Walton: "Peyton will join the Monarch family after finishing up her high school career at St. Mary's High School in Annapolis. They compete in the most competitive high school girl's lacrosse conference in the country. She brings a high level of IQ to her attacking game and is smooth in the way she gets to cage. Her dad, Steve, is still ranked 2nd all time in NCAA Men's Lacrosse single season assists and played professionally in the NLL. We are thrilled to welcome her lacrosse rich background to our roster."
Why Marohl chose ODU: "I chose ODU for so many reasons but most importantly because of the culture of the team. The atmosphere motivates me to strive to be the best person and player I can. I am so proud to represent ODU lacrosse and can't wait for the next 4 years!"
Anna Westervelt
Defense
Bel Air, Maryland
Quote from Walton: "Anna is a strong, relentless defender residing from the state of Maryland. Her physical style of play makes her a dominant force in one-on-one situations, while her ability to read the game allows her to cause turnovers that swing momentum back in her team's favor. In addition to her gritty defensive play, she plays a major role in transition. She will undoubtedly fit in well with our fast-paced, high-pressure defense."
Why Westervelt chose ODU: "I chose ODU because of the team atmosphere and how welcoming I felt when I was there. The team culture is something I am very excited to be a part of."
Kiki Fauria
Defense
Attleboro, Massachusetts
Quote from Walton: "Kiki is an incredibly athletic and well-rounded lefty defender joining us from a great area in Massachusetts. She comes from a family of athletes, from the college to professional level. Kiki picked up the game later than most but, continues to see her game grow. We are excited to see the player she becomes at the college level."
Why Fauria chose ODU: "I chose ODU after going to one of the prospect camps and I instantly felt like I was home. From the beautiful campus to the welcoming lacrosse players I was immediately drawn to this University. I look forward to spending my next four years there and creating my college memories on this campus."
Ary Branch
Defense
Charlottesville, Virginia
Quote from Walton: "Ary is a standout defender in the state of Virginia, and we are beyond thrilled she chose ODU as we take a ton of pride in our in-state commits. From high school and club play, Ary's experience level has given her a strong backbone of high-level lacrosse that will undoubtedly translate to the field next year."
Why Branch chose ODU: "I chose ODU because of the connection I witnessed between coaches and teammates. It was a very positive connection and I really wanted something like that. I also loved the ideas Coach Walton has to grow this program and I didn't want to miss out on an opportunity to be apart of that. ODU women's lacrosse has such a positive atmosphere and it's something you don't see at every college."
Josie Bahr
Goalkeeper
Hollywood, Maryland
Quote from Walton: "As our one goalie commit in this class, we couldn't be happier with Josie's potential in cage. With Josie's quick hands, fast feet, and vocal leadership, we have gained a dominant force between the pipes."
Why Bahr chose ODU: "I chose Old Dominion for the realm of possibilities that lay within the team, campus, and the city of Norfolk. On the field, the intensity and competitive nature of ODU is proof of a team with no plans to stop improving and striving for greatness every single day. The team is a family unit and I know the environment created by the players and coaches is the one I needed to spend my next four years in."
ODU Lacrosse Announces 2024 Recruting Class
