ALLENDALE, MICH. – The Grand Valley women's lacrosse team and head coach
Mackenzie Lawler announced the signing of eight players to their 2023 class. The newcomers signed their letters of intent during the early signing period, starting on November 8th.
"I am extremely excited to welcome these eight young women and their parents to our Laker lacrosse family," stated Lawler. "They bring an athleticism that will help elevate our program and will be positive contributions to the Grand Valley community."
Peyton Bakonyi | Defender | Hudson, Ohio | Hudson High School
Peyton Bakonyi is a shutdown defender from Ohio who has helped lead her team to 34 wins over the past two seasons and back-to-back trips to the Region Championship game appearances.
"Peyton's length and quick footwork will make her an excellent low defender for our program. She is an incredibly smart player and has a natural sense for making an impact as an off-ball defender as well." –
Mackenzie Lawler
Leah Leonard | Attack | Hanover, Penn. | South Western High School
Leah Leonard has been a force in the draw control circle, picking up 125 last season, and winning 64% of them the past two years. The all-county all-star helped her team to a combined 34-8 record the last two years and scored 54 goals her junior campaign.
"Leah brings a crafty style of play to our attacking unit. She is an incredible finisher and also adds depth to our draw unit. With playing for one of the top club programs on the East Coast, Leah will be ready to compete against the top teams in the country." –
Mackenzie Lawler
Ella Manfred | Midfield | Avon Lake, Ohio | Avon Lake High School
Ella Manfred is a two-time All-Region Honorable Mention who helped Avon Lake double their win total from her sophomore to her junior season. Manfred earned all-conference honors as a junior and has won team MVP in back-to-back seasons.
"Ella's speed and athleticism will help us maintain our pace of play that we like to see in the midfield. Her scrappy play on the circle will be an asset on the draw circle and her versatility as a player will really complement the other players in this class." -
Mackenzie Lawler
Quinn McElroy | Defender | Lake Orion, MI | Lake Orion High School
Quinn McElroy has been at the forefront of leading Lake Orion to two of their most successful season in program history, as they won 28 games over the last two years and making it to the regional championship game. Quinn scored 103 goals and recorded over 100 draw controls the last two years and was a Second-Team All-State member this past season.
"As more of a true midfielder in high school, we are excited to bring Quinn's speed and athleticism to our defensive unit. Her speed, hustle, and stick work will make her a great addition to our draw circle team and we are looking forward to keeping another top Michigan player in state as a Laker." –
Mackenzie Lawler
Tatumn Nyen | Defender | Carver, Minn. | Chanhassen High School
Tatumn Nyen was listed as one of the top 45 players in the state of Minnesota after her junior season in which she was first-team All-State, All-Section, and All-Conference. Nyen has played a key role in leading Chanhassen to a 30-5 record over the past two years, as they were the second-best team in the state a year ago.
"In the early stages of the recruiting process, we noticed Tatumn's natural leadership skills right away. This, paired with her physical style of play, speed in transition, and competitiveness in groundballs, made her a perfect fit for our defense." –
Mackenzie Lawler
Elizabeth Schumacher | Attack | Upper Arlington, Ohio | Upper Arlington High School
Elizabeth Schumacher led her team to a 42-2 record the previous two springs, and all the way to the state championship game last year. Schumacher is a returning all-conference member and a two-time All-Academic Ohio winner.
"Liz is an amazing athlete with top level speed you will see in her transition play. In playing for Upper Arlington, she has grown up in one of the biggest powerhouse programs in the Midwest. Her lacrosse IQ is outstanding and will make her a great leader in our offensive unit." –
Mackenzie Lawler
Delaney Smith | Midfield | Grand Rapids, MI | Forest Hills Central High School
Delaney Smith has been a dynamic midfielder for the new women's lacrosse team at Forest Hills Central, as she scored the first goal in program history en route to nearly 100 goals over her first two seasons in the program. Smith in a two-time All-Conference honoree, who led the team in assists and draw controls the past two years.
"As a home-grown talent from Grand Rapids, we are so excited to have Delaney as a Laker for her collegiate career. She is a true two-way midfielder that will impact our team all over the field and definitely fits with our style of play. Her work ethic and hustle are consistent in everything that she does on and off the field." –
Mackenzie Lawler
Lauren Volk | Midfield | Verona, Wis. | Verona Area High School
Lauren Volk is reigning all-state member who has led her team to consecutive conference championships with a combined 27-5 record. The midfielder has recorded 52 goals, 23 assists, and 217 draw controls. The two-time all-conference member was listed on the 2023 Under Armour All-American watch list.
"Lauren is the first player in program history from the state of Wisconsin. We immediately noticed her commitment to constantly challenge herself as a player, develop new skills, and desire to compete with the best as she played club lacrosse in Chicago. Her field awareness on defense is exceptional and will fit right in with our aggressive style of play." –
Mackenzie Lawler
