The Breakout Stars of the 2023 Division I Women's Lacrosse Season

Division I women’s lacrosse lost some serious star power after the 2022 season. All but one Tewaaraton Award finalist moved on to Athletes Unlimited, including back-to-back winner Charlotte North. North is also quickly becoming a breakout star in the broadcast booth — her insight and passion were much appreciated during the Syracuse-Stony Brook game last week.

But between the lines, new faces have emerged. It would be hyperbolic to say they’ve filled the cleats of the larger-than-life North or consistently great players like Taylor Moreno, Jamie Ortega, Aurora Cordingley, Ally Mastroianni, et al., but these breakout players are proving the game isn’t going to lose its luster anytime soon.

1. Ava Yovino, Fr., M, Navy

Ava Yovino is averaging 6.30 points per game, second in Division I to some player named Izzy Scane (perhaps you’ve heard of her). She also ranks second overall and first among freshmen in Division I in assists per game (3.90). Yovino has scored at least three points in the first 10 games of her collegiate career. A quarterback who is unafraid to go to cage, Yovino scored eight goals and dished two assists against Mount St. Mary’s. She followed that eight days later with a one-goal, six-assist performance in a win over Jacksonville that launched the Mids into the Top 20.

2. Marissa White, Fr., A, North Carolina

If you need any proof that UNC isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, watch freshman Marissa White play. White started her college career with a five-goal performance against James Madison and most recently poured in five goals in a Top 20 win over Clemson.

3. Madison Taylor, Fr., M, Northwestern

The do-it-all midfielder is playing a significant supporting role for Northwestern. Taylor is third on the team in goals (28), points (38) and ground balls (15) and second in draws (33). The high-powered offense is getting — and executing — in part because of the budding star.

4. Reagan O’Brien, Fr., D/M, Johns Hopkins

The Blue Jays are 4-5 under new head coach Tim McCormack. But Reagan O’Brien is giving reason to believe the future is bright. The defensive midfielder ranks seventh overall and first among freshmen in Division I in caused turnovers per game (2.33). She caused six turnovers as the Blue Jays pushed Loyola in a 12-10 loss in February.

5. Brigid Duffy, Fr., A, Army

The Black Knights are having a breakout year, and Brigid Duffy is a significant reason for that. The rookie attacker leads an Army team that ranks fifth nationally in scoring offense (16.10 goals per game). For her part, Duffy ranks fifth in goals per game (3.9) and eighth in points per game (5.20). Duffy has tallied at least two goals in the first 10 games of the season — all Army wins. She broke a single-game program freshman record when she poured in seven goals to lead Army past Boston U. in its Patriot League opener.

6. Sofia Chepenick, Fr., A, Clemson

Clemson lured a solid number of players from the transfer portal. But Sofia Chepenick is a freshman — good news for the Tigers, not so much for everyone else. She’s a major contributor to an offense that ranks fourth nationally in goals per game (16.31). Chepenik has tallied 28 goals and 18 assists, including a four-goal day in a ranked win against Duke, to help Clemson rise in the rankings during its first year on the scene.

7. Delaney Sweitzer, Jr., G, Syracuse

Syracuse’s offense is a thing of beauty — that is not me being hyperbolic. But Delaney Sweitzer’s play shouldn’t fly under the radar. Sweitzer, who transferred from USC and took a backseat to Kimber Hower last season, got the starting nod in 2023 and hasn’t looked back. She’s second nationally in save percentage (.544), fourth in goals-against average (7.70) and has helped the Orange look every bit the best team in the land through the first half of the season.

8. Lauren Spence, So., G, Loyola

When I talked to Jen Adams before the season, the goalie situation was something of a pain point. All-American Kaitlyn Larsson graduated, and senior Amber Bustard had redshirted in 2022. But Spence, Larsson’s backup last year, rose to the occasion in the fall. It’s spilled over into the season. Spence ranks second in the nation in goals-against average (7.64) and eighth in save percentage (.511). The Patriot League is more crowded this year with a breakout season from Army, but Spence’s play keeps the Greyhounds in the driver’s seat.

9. Molly Laliberty, Gr., G, Northwestern

Molly Laliberty doesn’t rank in the top 10 in save percentage or goals-against average. But watch her play, and you’ll know why she’s on this list. The transfer from Division III Tufts has been a formidable backstop for the Wildcats, shining in the biggest moments. Laliberty made 12 saves against Stony Brook and 10 stops in Northwestern’s statement win over then-top-ranked UNC.

10. Jill Smith, So., A, Michigan

Michigan lost its top two scorers to graduation last year. During the preseason, head coach Hannah Nielsen told me to keep an eye on Smith, who she said came on late last season. We have, and she’s clearly continued the momentum in 2023. Halfway through the season, and Smith is already the Wolverines’ single-season goals queen. Smith has put the Michigan offense on her back, tallying 45 goals, which accounts for almost 28 percent of Michigan’s goals this season. She’s seventh in Division I with 3.75 goals per game.

11. Reilly Casey, R-So., A, North Carolina

No team lost more notable names than the Tar Heels. But a new crop of stars is stepping up, including Reilley Casey. The redshirt sophomore saw action in 11 games and scored four goals last season. In 2023, Casey leads the Tar Heels in assists (27) and points (45).