UNC Women’s Lacrosse 2025-2026

[airball]

With the returners, players that redshirted last year, incoming freshmen, and the transfers does anyone want to throw out a way too early projected lineup? (tmatheny)

tmatheny
I daresay that Coach Levy doesn’t know who is going to start this season. However there is a series of lengthy posts on TOS on the UNC Women’s Lacrosse 2026 thread, page 5 that touch on this. The first post on topic is June 27 @ 7:34.

 

[airball]

No commitment to the Heels today. Only one player in the top 10 has committed (Avery Fordham to Florida).

 

[3397char]

Nike/ILWomen 2027 Top 50 known Commitments

5-Stars​

1. Riley Davis, M, (Pa.) - Penn State
2. Giana Bigelow, A, (Colo.) - Tar Heel!!
3. Ryan Rodgers, A, (Mass.) - Tar Heel!!
4. Avery Fordham, M, (N.Y.) - Florida
5. Jessica McKelvey, G, (N.J.) - Boston College
6. Cecilia Evans, D/M, Mass.) - Florida
7. Allie Pisano, A, (N.Y.) - Boston College
8. Kelsey Young, M, Pa.) - Penn State
9. Emma Switter, M, (Fla.) - Tar Heel!!
10. Regan O’Connor, D, (N.Y.) - Maryland
11. Maya Torgalkar, M, (N.Y.) - Yale
12. Shea Shoulberg, A, (N.J.) - Notre Dame
13. Piper Dalsemer, G, (Calif.) - Syracuse
14. Madison Herr, M, (N.Y.) - Boston College
15. Mary Clare Ebeling, (N.Y.) - Notre Dame
16. Macyn Callahan, G, (Conn.) - Notre Dame
17. Taylor Fique, M, (Md.) - Florida
18. Quinlan Heilbron, D, (N.Y.) - Clemson
19. Enna Corley, A, (Calif.) - Stanford
20. Fiona Duncheskie, M, (Pa.) - Florida
21. Isabella Virtue, M, (Fla.) - Virginia
22. Saia Hansra, M, (B.C.) - Tar Heel!!
23. Mia DeFalco, D, (Va.) - Virginia
24. Maeve Shanahan, A, (N.Y.) - Southern California
25. Olivia Brady, M, (N.Y.) - Clemson
26. Chloe Cassidy, A/M, (Va.) - Florida
27. Mia Brown, G, (N.Y.) - Maryland
28. Sophia Graham, M, (N.Y.) - Yale
29. Presley Upton, M, (Mass.) - Princeton
30. Charlotte Vanni, M (Del.)- Stanford
31. Kendall Carfine, D, (Md.) - Maryland
32. Raegan Lawton, M, (N.H.) - Penn
33. Allie Reasoner, M, (N.Y.) - Maryland
34. Byers Martin, M, (Md.) - Boston College
35. Alli Denzel, A, (Pa.) - Boston College
36. Corey Kumin, A, (Mass.) - Tar Heel!!
37. Emily Ciesinski, G, (N.Y.) - Clemson
38. Dylan McNamara, A, (N.Y.) - Florida State
39. Ally Phelan, M, (Conn.) - dook
40. Kinsley Pittler, D, Md.) - Florida
41. Ella Avery, D, (Calif.) - Johns Hopkins
42. Braelyn Swanick, D, (Ga.) - Notre Dame
43. Brea Barker, G, (Mass.) - Southern California

4-Stars in the top 50:​

44. Jenna Obloj, M, (N.Y.) - Florida
45. Savannah Higgins, A, (Ga.) - Michigan
46. Torunn Spencer, G, (Md.) - Loyola
47. Bella Fiorelli, A, (N.Y.) - Florida State
48. Sarah Lim, M, (Md.) - Clemson
49. Kayla Cellucci, D, (Pa.) - Syracuse
50. Chloe Kelly, M/A, (N.J.) - Ohio State

Other 4 Star Recruits (alpha by position):

Attack​

Perry Casazza,(Conn.) - ??
O’Malley Eldridge, (N.J.) - ??
Miabella Gates, (N.Y.) - Penn State
Isabella Hamo, A/M, (Calif.) - Princeton
Kendall Kemezis, (Md.)- Jacksonville
Libby Kennedy, (N.H.) - Boston University
Dalton Klaus, (N.J.)- Penn State
Olivia Mulada, (N.Y.) - Syracuse
Amaila Netto, (N.Y.) - Army
Whitney Reynolds, (N.Y.) - Florida State
Piper Rodgers, (Pa.) - ??
Cameron Vasile, (Md.) - Princeton
Mckenna Witwer, (Mass.) - Villanova

Midfield​

Angelina Borrelli, (N.Y.) - Rutgers
Maddie Brown, (Mass.) - ??
Elosie Carney, (Pa.) - Syracuse
Callista Connor, (Md.) - Princeton
Sadie Cormier, (Colo.) - ??
Jenna Cratin, (Md.)- Maryland
Bridget DiMartile, (Pa.) - Michigan
Charlotte Diviney, (Conn.) - Princeton
Chiara Donohue, (N.J.) - Dook
Breck Dunn, (Calif.) - ??
Adriana Gromelski, (Conn.)- Yale
Alex Hughey, (Mass.) - Southern California
Alexa Koerckel,(Texas)- Stanford
Parker Kitchel, (Md.) - Yale
Emery Lawton, (N.H.) - U Penn
Ryan Leaman, (Pa.) - Tar Heel!!
Aliya Leonard, (N.Y.) - Yale
Sadie Lopez, (Mass.) - Dartmouth
Olivia Macutek, (N.Y.)- Syracuse
Layla Nick, (Minn.) - Boston College
Marley Ostrander, (N.J.) - Denver
Reese Pasko, (Md.) - Stanford
Danielle Perfetto (N.Y.) - Brown
Marleigh Sanchez, (Fla.) - Princeton
Brooke Schultz,(N.J.) - Penn State
Lilly Silveira, (N.Y.) - Boston College
Izzy Stevenson, (N.H.) - Boston University
Micki Tanella, (Colo.) - UVA
Macy Zeilman, (N.Y.) - Notre Dame

Defense​

Ellie Bottiglier, (N.Y.)- Syracuse
Sara Callahan, (Mass.) - Stanford
Addison Callaway, (N.Y.) - Richmond
Molly Campbell, (Mass.) - Northwestern
Grayson Crittenberger, (Md.) - Dook
Alexa Davos, (Mass.) - Syracuse
Lily Heald, (Mass.) - Brown
Madelline Hoilman, (Md.) - Harvard
Bridget Hunt, (Mass.) - Notre Dame
Sarah Langdon, (N.Y.) - Binghamton
Sonia Leahy, (D.C.) - Naval Academy
Carys McKenzie, (Md.)- Florida State
Riley Scanlon, (Conn.) - South Florida
Anala Teemer, M/D,(N.Y.)- Florida State
Kiko Tuttle, (N.Y.) - Stony Brook
Payton Van Zile, (Md.) - Naval Academy

Goalie​

Hannah Bastow, (N.J.) - ??
Madelyn Brouwer, (Colo.) - Harvard
Harpor Garrett, (Pa.) - Florida State
Brynn Howes, (Md.)- James Madison
Sydney Kiernan, (N.J.) - Michigan
Olivia Manago, (N.Y.)- dook
Elinor Meyer, (N.Y.) - ??

edit: updated 9/23 with assist from @zheel All top 50 complete

 

[Kleizaster]

While following on social media seems like every school but us has recruits rolling in, here is what it actually looks like: All the 4 and 5 star commits so far:

Nike/ILWomen Class of 2027 Top 50 Rankings​

5-Stars​

1. Riley Davis, M, HHH Philly, Notre Dame de Namur (Pa.)
2. Giana Bigelow, A, Team 180, Valor (Colo.)
3. Ryan Rodgers, A, M&D, Deerfield (Mass.)
4. Avery Fordham, M, Aces, Penfield (N.Y.) - Florida
5. Jessica McKelvey, G, Triple Threat, Hillsborough (N.J.) - Boston College
6. Cecilia Evans, D/M, M&D, Laxachusetts, Dexter Southfield (Mass.)
7. Allie Pisano, A, Aces Elite, Victor (N.Y.)
8. Kelsey Young, M, Philly Blast, Anges Irwin (Pa.)
9. Emma Switter, M, Florida Select, American Heritage Delray (Fla.)
10. Regan O’Connor, D, LI Yellow Jackets, Farmingdale (N.Y.)
11. Maya Torgalkar, M, Prime Time, Rye (N.Y.) - Yale
12. Shea Shoulberg, A, STEPS NJ, Mendham (N.J.) - Notre Dame
13. Piper Dalsemer, G, Alliance National, Mira Costa (Calif.)
14. Madison Herr, M, LI Yellow Jackets, Shoreham-Wading River (N.Y.)
15. Mary Clare Ebeling, A, Prime Time, Rye (N.Y.)
16. Macyn Callahan, G, Gold Coast, New Canaan (Conn.)
17. Taylor Fique, M, M&D, Manchester Valley (Md.)
18. Quinlan Heilbron, D, LI Yellow Jackets, Ward Melville (N.Y.)
19. Enna Corley, A, Hero’s, Marlborough (Calif.)
20. Fiona Duncheskie, M, Philly Blast, Bishop Shanahan (Pa.)
21. Isabella Virtue, M, Florida Select, St. Andrew’s (Fla.)
22. Saia Hansra, M, Alliance, Centennial Secondary (B.C.)
23. Mia DeFalco, D, Capital, St. Stephen's & St. Agnes (Va.)
24. Maeve Shanahan, A, Monster, Our Lady of Mercy (N.Y.)
25. Olivia Brady, M, LI Yellow Jackets, Bayport Blue Point (N.Y.)
26. Chloe Cassidy, A/M, M&D, Stone Ridge (Va.)
27. Mia Brown, G, LI Top Guns, Westhampton (N.Y.)
28. Sophia Graham, M, Aces, Cicero North Syracuse (N.Y.) - Yale
29. Presley Upton, M, Mass Elite, Noble & Greenough (Mass.)
30. Charlotte Vanni, M, NXT, Tower Hill (Del.)
31. Kendall Carfine, D, Heros, Maryvale (Md.) - Maryland
32. Raegan Lawton, M, Tomahawks, Portsmouth (N.H.)
33. Allie Reasoner, M, LI Jesters, Sacred Heart Academy (N.Y.)
34. Byers Martin, M, M&D, St. Paul’s (Md.)
35. Alli Denzel, A, NXT, Southern Lehigh (Pa.)
36. Corey Kumin, A, Mass Elite, Noble & Greenough (Mass.)
37. Emily Ciesinski, G, Salt City Snipers, Niskayuna (N.Y.)
38. Dylan McNamara, A, LI Yellow Jackets, Sayville (N.Y.)
39. Ally Phelan, M, Gold Coast, Wilton (Conn.)
40. Kinsley Pittler, D, M&D, St. Paul's (Md.) - Florida
41. Ella Avery, D, Alliance, Carlsbad (Calif.)
42. Braelyn Swanick, D, EagleStix, Milton (Ga.) - Notre Dame
43. Brea Barker, G, Laxachusetts, Governor’s (Mass.)

4-Stars​

44. Jenna Obloj, M, LI Jesters, West Islip (N.Y.)
45. Savannah Higgins, A, Eagle Stix, Wesleyan School (Ga.)
46. Torunn Spencer, G, M&D, Dulaney (Md.)
47. Bella Fiorelli, A, LI Jesters, Walt Whitman (N.Y.)
48. Sarah Lim, M, Hero’s, St. Paul’s (Md.)
49. Kayla Cellucci, D, NXT, Villa Maria (Pa.)
50. Chloe Kelly, M/A, STEPS NJ, Rumson Fair Haven (N.J.)

other 4-star commits:
Dalton Klaus - Penn State
Miabella Gates - Penn State
Sarah Lim - Clemson
Jenna Cratin - Maryland
Alexa Koerckel - Stanford
Brynn Howes - JMU
Ellie Bottiglier - 'cuse
Olivia Macutek - 'cuse
Sonia Leahy - Naval Academy
Payton Van Zile- Naval Academy

While following on social media seems like every school but us has recruits rolling in, here is what it actually looks like: All the 4 and 5 star commits so far:

Soon to change..

curious is Jenny tries to get a goalie in the class. I doubt it as the position room is already pretty stacked

 

[Jriv23]

Thanks for the updates. Go Heels!

 

[In!]

While following on social media seems like every school but us has recruits rolling in, here is what it actually looks like: All the 4 and 5 star commits so far:

Soon to change..

curious is Jenny tries to get a goalie in the class. I doubt it as the position room is already pretty stacked

Team returns 2 sophomores right, and 1 incoming with class of ‘25? Thx in advance!

 

[UNCH]

How can a team win the national title and get no commits from 2027 class?

 

[airball]

If it’s any consolation to you … by my calculation, only two of IL’s top 10 2027s have committed.

 

[Kleizaster]

Word on the street is that alot of discussions are going in recruitiing regarding the changes happening across the landscape. So due diligence is of the utmost importance.

Players and parents alike are taking their time. Also heard that alot of schools have removed deadlines for commitment decisions. That's a factor as well. 2027s are the first class to deal with this in earnest.

Like Airball stated, it's slow across the board compared to previous years. I'm also certain that UNC already has a few silent committments and the players are working on their IG announcement edits.

 

[Jriv23]

I would not panic right now. We do have recruits coming in for 2026. The 2027 recruits are going to take their time. They are in no hurry to commit right now. As someone suggestion, they are doing their due diligence to see which programs will meet their needs and check all of their boxes. Just be patient.

 

[uncfan1013]

First Commitment alert! 5-star Saia Hansara. Plays for Canada U-17 team. Midfielder

 

[uncfan1013]

How can a team win the national title and get no commits from 2027 class?

UNC is definitely in talks with a bunch of top players. Usually the ones who commit first are the ones who have been set on the school. Also UNC has done of stacked classes in the last 4 years that it could take more to get better players this class bc of fear of not a lot of playing time.

 

[Kleizaster]

First Commitment alert! 5-star Saia Hansara. Plays for Canada U-17 team. Midfielder

Looks like she played alot of Box Lacrosse. Levy loves those types of players.

 

[airball]

FWIW, Saia Hansra is ranked #22 by IL. Here is her sketch when she was designated a 5-star at the Best-in-Class session for 2027 players in June:

#77 SAIA HANSRA | CENTENNIAL SECONDARY | FUSION WEST/TEAM BC/OREGON PRIDE

“Hansra is an extremely unique prospect and one of the few players in attendance with a box background. She was outstanding on draws and on the circle. She has great hands and earned so many possessions. She pushes transition and is very solid on defense, too. Excellent cutter and off-ball player. Her timing and IQ is strong and if anything, I think she can test her matchups even more offensively. Hansra is dynamic and has stood out everytime she's been to a BIC.”

Here is IL’s write-up on her performance at the New Balance underclass games in July:

“Hansra has developed tremendously since last summer. Since then, she has developed into an alpha on the lacrosse field; she competes for everything. Hansra is successful on the draw and pushes the ball when she wins it. On defense, she anticipates and gets out early to defend her matchup. She had a nice over-the-head check and strip in one of her games.“

Despite being only 5’4”, Hansra appears to be a master of the self-draw. BIC categorizes her as a 2-way middie.

Welcome, Saia.

 

[3397char]

Her commit post:

 

[Kleizaster]

FWIW, Saia Hansra is ranked #22 by IL. Here is her sketch when she was designated a 5-star at the Best-in-Class session for 2027 players in June:

#77 SAIA HANSRA | CENTENNIAL SECONDARY | FUSION WEST/TEAM BC/OREGON PRIDE

“Hansra is an extremely unique prospect and one of the few players in attendance with a box background. She was outstanding on draws and on the circle. She has great hands and earned so many possessions. She pushes transition and is very solid on defense, too. Excellent cutter and off-ball player. Her timing and IQ is strong and if anything, I think she can test her matchups even more offensively. Hansra is dynamic and has stood out everytime she's been to a BIC.”

Here is IL’s write-up on her performance at the New Balance underclass games in July:

“Hansra has developed tremendously since last summer. Since then, she has developed into an alpha on the lacrosse field; she competes for everything. Hansra is successful on the draw and pushes the ball when she wins it. On defense, she anticipates and gets out early to defend her matchup. She had a nice over-the-head check and strip in one of her games.“

Despite being only 5’4”, Hansra appears to be a master of the self-draw. BIC categorizes her as a 2-way middie.

Welcome, Saia.

Some really high praise there

 

[Jriv23]

There you go. Our first commit for the 2027. She is from Canada. She sounds like a BWW and Sam F on defense. What is really impressive is she is outstanding on draws and on the circle which is huge. This what our team needs. Welcome to the family Saia H. Go Heels!

 

[Kleizaster]

Emma Switter to UNC. Tall and Rangey 2-way middy who also takes draw controls.

 

[airball]

Emma Switter is rated 5-stars and ranked as 2027’s #9 prospect by Inside Lacrosse. Here are IL’s comments regarding her performance at ID Experience in October 2024:

“An explosive dodger who also wins draw controls and shows middle-of-the-field athleticism. She does most of her damage with the ball, so feeding and off-ball will be a growth area. Legit bounce in her step, strong and great size getting to the net. She is hugely valuable in winning possessions for her team.”

Switter attends American Heritage-Boca/Delray, which is Caitlyn Wurzburger’s alma mater. She is 5’10” and plays club lacrosse for Florida Select 2027. IL recently profiled the top-5 midfielders in the class of 2027:

4. Emma Switter, M, Florida Select, American Heritage Delray (Fla.)
No. 9 Overall
Switter is a do-it-all player who is all over the field. She can create her own shot and be effective off-ball on offense. Switter can feed the ball, run the floor in transition, take the draw and come in off the circle. The two-way midfielder can play 1v1 defense and off-ball. When you watch her game, she doesn’t make flashy plays; she is a fundamental player. As for her outlook at the collegiate level, she definitely adds value to any college team and is a player who has the potential to contribute immediately at the next level. [FYI, this evaluation comes 11 months later than the one above.]

Welcome to UNC, Emma.

 

[airball]

So, there’s a poster on Fanlax who cryptically states:
”UNC signed a girl from Florida. That must be a first. Club directors down here always say don’t hold your breath on UNC .” (LaxdadFl)

Curious about what this means. Not offended, just curious. I rarely post over there, but if I did, I would offer Olivia Ferrucci (#5, 2015) and Caitlyn Wurzburger (#1, 2020) as examples of Florida players who played for UNC. And by the way, the new UNC commit’s name is Emma Switter, IL’s #9 rated 2027 player, who is discussed in above posts.

 

[3397char]

And another:


Giana Bigelo is the # 2 rated player, an attacker from Colorado

 

[3397char]

Emma Switter’s commit post(already mentioned above)

 

[3397char]

All the 4 and 5 star commits so far:

Nike/ILWomen 2027 Top 50 Rankings​

5-Stars​

1. Riley Davis, M, (Pa.)
2. Giana Bigelow, A, (Colo.) - Tar Heel!!
3. Ryan Rodgers, A, (Mass.)
4. Avery Fordham, M, (N.Y.) - Florida
5. Jessica McKelvey, G, (N.J.) - Boston College
6. Cecilia Evans, D/M, Mass.)
7. Allie Pisano, A, (N.Y.)
8. Kelsey Young, M, Pa.)
9. Emma Switter, M, (Fla.) - Tar Heel!!
10. Regan O’Connor, D, (N.Y.)
11. Maya Torgalkar, M, (N.Y.) - Yale
12. Shea Shoulberg, A, (N.J.) - Notre Dame
13. Piper Dalsemer, G, (Calif.)
14. Madison Herr, M, (N.Y.) - Boston College
15. Mary Clare Ebeling, (N.Y.)
16. Macyn Callahan, G, (Conn.)
17. Taylor Fique, M, (Md.) - Florida
18. Quinlan Heilbron, D, (N.Y.)
19. Enna Corley, A, (Calif.)
20. Fiona Duncheskie, M, (Pa.)
21. Isabella Virtue, M, (Fla.) - Virginia
22. Saia Hansra, M, (B.C.) - Tar Heel!!
23. Mia DeFalco, D, (Va.) - Virginia
24. Maeve Shanahan, A, (N.Y.)
25. Olivia Brady, M, (N.Y.)
26. Chloe Cassidy, A/M, (Va.)
27. Mia Brown, G, (N.Y.) - Maryland
28. Sophia Graham, M, (N.Y.) - Yale
29. Presley Upton, M, (Mass.)
30. Charlotte Vanni, M (Del.)- Stanford
31. Kendall Carfine, D, (Md.) - Maryland
32. Raegan Lawton, M, (N.H.)
33. Allie Reasoner, M, (N.Y.)
34. Byers Martin, M, (Md.)
35. Alli Denzel, A, (Pa.)
36. Corey Kumin, A, (Mass.)
37. Emily Ciesinski, G, (N.Y.) - Clemson
38. Dylan McNamara, A, (N.Y.)
39. Ally Phelan, M, (Conn.)
40. Kinsley Pittler, D, Md.) - Florida
41. Ella Avery, D, (Calif.)
42. Braelyn Swanick, D, (Ga.) - Notre Dame
43. Brea Barker, G, (Mass.) - Southern California

4-Stars in the top 50:​

44. Jenna Obloj, M, (N.Y.) - Florida
45. Savannah Higgins, A, (Ga.)
46. Torunn Spencer, G, (Md.) - Loyola
47. Bella Fiorelli, A, (N.Y.)
48. Sarah Lim, M, (Md.) - Clemson
49. Kayla Cellucci, D, (Pa.)
50. Chloe Kelly, M/A, (N.J.)

Other 4 Star Recruits (alpha by position):

Attack​

Perry Casazza,(Conn.)
O’Malley Eldridge, (N.J.)
Miabella Gates, (N.Y.) - Penn State
Isabella Hamo, A/M, (Calif.)
Kendall Kemezis, (Md.)- Jacksonville
Libby Kennedy, (N.H.)
Dalton Klaus, (N.J.)- Penn State
Olivia Mulada, (N.Y.)
Amaila Netto, (N.Y.) | Army
Whitney Reynolds, (N.Y.)
Piper Rodgers, (Pa.)
Cameron Vasile, (Md.)
Mckenna Witwer, (Mass.)

Midfield​

Angelina Borrelli, (N.Y.)
Maddie Brown, (Mass.)
Elosie Carney, (Pa.)
Callista Connor, (Md.)
Sadie Cormier, (Colo.)
Jenna Cratin, (Md.)- Maryland
Bridget DiMartile, (Pa.)
Charlotte Diviney, (Conn.)
Chiara Donohue, (N.J.)
Breck Dunn, (Calif.)
Adriana Gromelski, (Conn.)- Yale
Alex Hughey, (Mass.)
Alexa Koerckel,(Texas)- Stanford
Parker Kitchel, (Md.)
Emery Lawton, (N.H.)
Ryan Leaman, (Pa.)
Aliya Leonard, (N.Y.)
Sadie Lopez, (Mass.)
Olivia Macutek, (N.Y.)- Syracuse
Layla Nick, (Minn.)
Marley Ostrander, (N.J.)
Reese Pasko, (Md.)
Danielle Perfetto (N.Y.)
Marleigh Sanchez, (Fla.)
Brooke Schultz,(N.J.)
Lilly Silveira, (N.Y.)
Izzy Stevenson, (N.H.)
Micki Tanella, (Colo.)
Macy Zeilman, (N.Y.)

Defense​

Ellie Bottiglier, (N.Y.)- Syracuse
Sara Callahan, (Mass.)
Addison Callaway, (N.Y.)
Molly Campbell, (Mass.)
Grayson Crittenberger, (Md.)
Alexa Davos, (Mass.)
Lily Heald, (Mass.)
Madelline Hoilman, (Md.)
Bridget Hunt, (Mass.)
Sarah Langdon, (N.Y.)
Sonia Leahy, (D.C.) - Naval Academy
Carys McKenzie, (Md.)- Florida State
Riley Scanlon, (Conn.)
Anala Teemer, M/D,(N.Y.)- Florida State
Kiko Tuttle, (N.Y.)
Payton Van Zile, (Md.) - Naval Academy

Goalie​

Hannah Bastow, (N.J.)
Madelyn Brouwer, (Colo.)
Harpor Garrett, (Pa.)- FSU
Brynn Howes, (Md.)- James Madison
Sydney Kiernan, (N.J.)
Olivia Manago, (N.Y.)- dook
Elinor Meyer, (N.Y.)


edit: added commits through 9/10

I updated the list with new commits and added the full current 4-star list

 

[airball]

Gia Bigelow is Carolina’s third commit from the class of 2027. She is a 5-star recruit who IL ranks as the #2 player in the class. Here are the comments about her play at Best-in-Class in June:

​

#8 GIANA BIGELOW | VALOR CHRISTIAN | TEAM 180​

Giana was a leader on her team. Very fast and shifty. She made plays, set up her teammates well, and showed she was able to draw two and pass it off. Created numerous scoring chances for her teammates. She showed a ton of hustle plays that stuck out and is good off the draw. She scored in many different ways. Plays with her head up and had many different moves she could go to. Giana made her presence felt every game at BIC.

BIC categorized Giana positionally as a quarterback. As noted in an earlier post, her high school won its first Colorado state championship under its new coach, Sam Geiersbach, the Final 4 hero of UNC’s 2022 national championship team.

IL Women had an article last week about the top 5 attackers in the 2027 class; Bigelow was number 1:

1. Giana Bigelow, A, Team 180, Valor Christian (Colo.)
No. 2 Overall
“Bigelow is going to find her way on the field at the collegiate level because she is a great offensive player. She also adds value on the defensive side of the ball. The Valor Christian (Colo.) product can attack her defender from anywhere on the field. Her change of direction is next level, and her ability to get off a shot no matter the circumstance. When you watch Bigelow’s game, she appears to be a step ahead at all times.”

Looking at testing from BIC, Bigelow was among the fastest players at the camp.

Welcome to Chapel Hill, Giana.

 

[Jriv23]

I would like to welcome all three young ladies to the Chapel Hill. Go Heels! This is a GDTBATH. Go Heels. Thanks for the wonderful news.

 

[airball]

Here is a little human interest fare re: Valor Christian’s 2025 5A Colorado state girls’ lacrosse championship. Two of the featured stars of the story are Tar Heels: former player and Valor coach Sam Geiersbach and the newest Tar Heel, Gia Bigelow. Of note, Geiersbach was hired as the Valor coach in February with a season-opening game on March 6. Bigelow had 4 goals and 2 assists in the 12-8 Valor victory.

Valor Christian battles back to win first girls lacrosse state title

Valor Christian erased a three-goal deficit to beat ThunderRidge and win its first girls lacrosse state championship.

coloradopreps.com

 

[JCTarHeel]

Gia Bigelow is Carolina’s third commit from the class of 2027. She is a 5-star recruit who IL ranks as the #2 player in the class. Here are the comments from her play at Best-in-Class in June:

​

#8 GIANA BIGELOW | VALOR CHRISTIAN | TEAM 180​

Giana was a leader on her team. Very fast and shifty. She made plays, set up her teammates well, and showed she was able to draw two and pass it off. Created numerous scoring chances for her teammates. She showed a ton of hustle plays that stuck out and is good off the draw. She scored in many different ways. Plays with her head up and had many different moves she could go to. Giana made her presence felt every game at BIC.

BIC categorized Giana positionally as a quarterback. As noted in an earlier post, her high school won its first Colorado state championship under its new coach, Sam Geiersbach, the Final 4 hero of UNC’s 2022 national championship team.

IL Women had an article last week about the top 5 attackers in the 2027 class; Bigelow was number 1:

1. Giana Bigelow, A, Team 180, Valor Christian (Colo.)
No. 2 Overall
“Bigelow is going to find her way on the field at the collegiate level because she is a great offensive player. She also adds value on the defensive side of the ball. The Valor Christian (Colo.) product can attack her defender from anywhere on the field. Her change of direction is next level, and her ability to get off a shot no matter the circumstance. When you watch Bigelow’s game, she appears to be a step ahead at all times.”

Looking at testing from BIC, Bigelow was among the fastest players at the camp.

Welcome to Chapel Hill, Giana.

Valor is also the alma mater of freshman standout Eliza Osburn. Seems we may be developing a bit of a pipeline there.

 

[Jriv23]

Their high school colors are just like UNC. The head coach played at UNC and helped us win a Natty back in 2022 or 2023. I am so glad that Giana decided to become a Tarheel. Just think EO went to that school when she was in high school. We have 3 players from Colorado on our team now, and when she arrives they should still be here. Hopefully, Sam will continue to send us more as long as she remains the head coach there.

 

[Kleizaster]

Lele Bigelow, Gia's older sister has also committed to UNC after decommiting from Stanford. She's a 26 i believe. Seems like they were a packaged deal.

 

[airball]

Lele Bigelow, Gia's older sister has also committed to UNC after decommiting from Stanford. She's a 26 i believe. Seems like they were a packaged deal.

Yes, Leele Bigelow is class of ‘26 and is rated a 4-star midfielder. IL’s rankings of the class of 2026 have been sketchy. There are 30 5-stars, but only the top 10 have been ranked. Additionally approx. 40 unranked 4-star players have been identified. Thus, Leele Bigelow is presumably ranked by IL somewhere between 31 and 70 In the class of 2026.

 

[UNCAlum83]

LAX sisters? Heel Yeah!

 

[Jriv23]

LAX sisters. Heel Yeah! I second this. What wonderful news in just a few days. I am glad both sisters will be tarheels. I wonder if they talk with the Humphrey sisters to get their take on playing with one another.

 

[Jriv23]

Can someone post showing that Lele Bigelow has committed to UNC, please? I would love to see it.

 

[Jriv23]

Here is the post on Giana B's commitment to UNC.

 

[Jriv23]

Here is a post of Leele Bigelow commitment to UNC and Decommitment to Stanford. I just found it.
Leele Bigelow | Girls Lacrosse Recruiting Profile | Class of 2026 | Inside Lacrosse

 

[Jriv23]

Here is a list of all the 2026 commitments to UNC
North Carolina-2026 - College Team | Inside Lacrosse

 

[Jriv23]

2027 is also included in the list above.

 

[Kleizaster]

2025 and 2026 are massive classes by UNC's standards..10 players. As a result i wonder if 2027 will be smaller, even though some schools are taking in more players than ever.

I imagine UNC will take at least 1 defender and a couple more middies for a total of 6-8 players.

 

[airball]

2025 and 2026 are massive classes by UNC's standards..10 players. As a result i wonder if 2027 will be smaller, even though some schools are taking in more players than ever.

I imagine UNC will take at least 1 defender and a couple more middies for a total of 6-8 players.

I have been waiting for the 2026 roster to look at this. I don’t have a reason to think anything is amiss, but typically the roster is published by September 1.

Based on what we believe we know, the class of 2025 could actually consist of 11 players if you consider that Tess Calabria redshirted.

The class of 2024 had seven recruits, but deducting Calabria leaves you with only six original members. But because of injury redshirts, this class has been supplemented by four players from the preceding class (Chloe Humphrey, Betty Nelson, Eva Ingrilli and GraceAnn Leonard), which means that the classes of 2024 (sophomores this season), 2025 (freshmen) and 2026 (next year’s freshmen) all have at least 10 members.

Hopefully we’ll be able to confirm all this when the 2026 roster is issued. Based on what we think we know, your premise that the 2027 class will be smaller makes sense.

 

[airball]

Side note: I really like the core three commits in the 2027 class.