In a significant development for high school lacrosse, Lacrosse Masters and 2 Strong Lacrosse have announced the selection of 19 elite girls high school players as team captains for the upcoming NILLY Tournament. This event will take place on July 7-8, 2025, at United Sports in Downingtown, PA. It is set to be a groundbreaking platform that showcases the immense talent and leadership qualities of these young athletes in a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) environment. The tournament aims to highlight the next generation of lacrosse stars while providing them with opportunities to navigate the evolving NIL landscape.
The Future of Lacrosse: Unveiling the Captains
The 19 captains selected for the NILLY Tournament represent the pinnacle of high school lacrosse talent. These athletes were chosen not only for their on-field excellence but also for their leadership and potential to inspire the broader lacrosse community. The captains will lead their respective teams, composed of 2026 and 2027 grad year players, in a highly competitive environment.
Meet the Captains
Among the standout athletes selected as captains are:
- Olivia Abbot (Sacred Heart Prep, CA/Steps CA – Stanford)
- Ellie Amato (Tabor Academy, MA/Laxachusetts – Notre Dame)
- Ruby Cacioppo (Manhasset, NY/Top Guns – Stanford)
- Kate DeWald (Rush-Henrietta, NY/Monster Elite – Florida)
- Ava Findora (Downingtown West, PA/NXT – Virginia)
- Brinn Findora (Downingtown West, PA/NXT – Virginia)
- Alexandra Gonnella (Darien, CT/CT Grizzlies – Columbia)
- Gaelle Jones (Oak Knoll, NJ/DEWLAX – North Carolina)
- Claire Levis (Daniel Hand, CT/Nor’Easter – Vanderbilt)
- Maeve Magarity (Penn Charter, PA/HHH – Boston College)
- Brooke McCoy (Episcopal School, FL/FL Shine – Duke)
- Ava Newman (Noble & Greenough, MA/MA Elite – Notre Dame)
- Ava Obloj (West Islip, NY/LI Jesters – Florida)
- Alivian Parmer (Manheim, PA/Xtreme – North Carolina)
- Cece Powell (Marcellus, NY/Aces Elite – North Carolina)
- Abbie Rattay (Roxbury, NJ/Steps NJ – Michigan)
- Cayden Reese (Maryville Prep, MD/Heros – Maryland)
- Julie Shaughnessy (Syosset, NY/LI Top Guns – Michigan)
- Anna Von Kennel (Darien, CT/CT Grizzlies – Florida)
The Significance of the NILLY Tournament
The NILLY Tournament is more than just a competition; it is an opportunity for these young athletes to engage with the evolving NIL landscape. As team captains, these players will not only lead their teams on the field but also navigate the opportunities and challenges that come with NIL agreements. This tournament serves as a unique platform for them to showcase their skills and leadership in a highly competitive environment.
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A Platform for Growth and Opportunity
The NILLY Tournament aims to provide a holistic experience for the participating athletes. The captains will draft their rosters from a pool of “Draft Eligible” DI committed 2026 grad year players. To be eligible for the draft, players must register at no charge on the official NIL Events website. This process not only ensures a high level of competition but also allows the captains to demonstrate their leadership and team-building skills.
Media Coverage and Exposure
Inside Lacrosse, the exclusive media partner for the NILLY Tournament, will provide comprehensive coverage of the event. From the team draft to the tournament lead-up, during, and post-event coverage, Inside Lacrosse will ensure that the top talent in both the 2026 and 2027 classes receives the recognition they deserve. The media coverage will also include player evaluations and ratings, further highlighting the skills and potential of these young athletes.
Engaging with the Community
One of the unique aspects of the NILLY Tournament is its focus on community engagement. The participating players on the “most marketable team” will have the opportunity to engage with charities of their choice. This initiative not only promotes social responsibility but also allows the athletes to use their platform for positive change.
About Lacrosse Masters and 2 Strong Lacrosse
Established in 2011, Lacrosse Masters and 2 Strong Lacrosse, along with Prep School Lacrosse Showcase and Elite 80, are high-level recruiting events that provide athletes with opportunities to gain instruction from and build relationships with coaches from some of the nation’s top college lacrosse programs. These events have been instrumental in shaping the careers of many young lacrosse players, providing them with the tools and exposure needed to succeed at the collegiate level.
Looking Ahead
As the NILLY Tournament approaches, the excitement continues to build.
The selected captains represent the future of high school lacrosse. Their participation in this event will set the standard for their peers. With the support of Lacrosse Masters, 2 Strong Lacrosse, and Inside Lacrosse, the NILLY Tournament is poised to be a landmark event in the world of high school lacrosse.
For more details on the captains and the tournament, visit the official announcement on Inside Lacrosse.
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