Peyton Howell Named USA Lacrosse D-II Women's Preseason Player of the Year

Tampa attacker Peyton Howell was named the USA Lacrosse Division II Women’s Preseason Player of the Year on Friday, USA Lacrosse Magazine announced.

A 2024 NCAA champion, Howell had one goal and five assists in Tampa’s 13-8 win over Adelphi to secure the title. It capped a season in which she produced 46 goals and 27 assists.

Howell, who transferred to Tampa earlier in her career after starting at Louisville, is the go-to offensive leader in Tampa’s quest for a repeat.

Continue below to see more about Howell and the other USA Lacrosse Division II Women’s Preseason Players of the Year.

Preseason Attacker of the Year

Peyton Howell, Tampa

After starting her career at Louisville, Howell transferred to Tampa and provided the additional offensive punch needed to lift the Spartans to their first NCAA title. She finished with 46 goals and 73 points, including a season-high six points in the national championship game against Adelphi.

Preseason Midfielder of the Year

Sam Graf, Kutztown

Graf is a three-time all-PSAC player and two-time All-American who has been a bit overshadowed by two generational midfielders in her own conference. With both of them now graduated, Graf may get the attention she deserves, coming off school-records of 81 goals and 102 points last year.

Preseason Defender of the Year

Jenn Seebach, Flagler

A two-time Gulf Coast Conference first teamer, Seebach has been one of the defensive leaders for Flagler’s quick-rising program that has earned back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances. She has 60 caused turnovers over the past two seasons and has started all 39 games since transferring from Stony Brook in 2023.

Preseason Goalie of the Year

Abby Simonetti, East Stroudsburg

A transfer from UMBC, Simonetti helped fuel ESU’s run to the 2024 national semifinals with outstanding play in goal, leading the nation with 238 saves and a .598 save percentage. She tallied 14 games with 10 or more stops, including a stellar 27-save performance in ESU’s regular season finale that was the most by any D-II goalie in the nation last year.