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Manhattan University Athletics

WLAX Incoming Freshman Story
Vincent Dusovic

Women's Lacrosse Adds Ten Freshmen Ahead of 2026 Season

10/6/2025 10:00:00 AM

RIVERDALE, NY - Manhattan Women's Lacrosse Head Coach Jenna Dingler has announced ten additions to the Jaspers program ahead of the 2026 season, on Monday morning. These names include Annika Bartell, Sofia Best, Ella Brunette, Avery Graham, Olivia Jordan, Jaclyn Mahoney, Molly Mitchell, Riley Murray, Katelynn Naylor, and Logan Pilon. 

Annika Bartell - Attack - Franklin, WI

Prior to College: Varsity lacrosse and golf athlete for four years at Montini Catholic ... Accumulated over 400 career goals, led the entire state of Illinois in goals scored during the 2023 season ... Named All-State twice, and All-County in all four years ... IHSA State Scholar.

Why Bartell Chose Manhattan: "I chose Manhattan because of the campus and community feel within a big city. In addition, the alumni connections that Manhattan has to offer to its students pulled me in."

Dingler Quote: "Annika has a very high game IQ. She is a stron gattacker who plays with a ton of grit and composure."

Sofia Best - Attack - London, England

Prior to College: Represented England in U19 and U20 while attending Cranbrook School in London ... Competed for Senior England at 2024 World Box Lacrosse Championships in Utica, New York ... 2023 European Club Champions with Blues Lacrosse Club.

Why Best Chose Manhattan: "I chose to attend Manhattan University not only for its prime location and renowed Exercise Science programs, but also because of the strong sense of connection I felt with the current students and coaching staff. From my very first conversation with Coach Dingler, it was clear that this was an environment where I would be both supported and challenged - an ideal place to continue growing and taking my athletic career to the next level."

Dingler Quote: "Sofia has such a contagious love of the game. She is a workhorse who will leave everything she has out on the field. We are excited to have her impact our program with her unique skill set and incredible work ethic." 

Ella Brunette - Midfield - Brighton, NY

Prior to College: First Team All-League at Brighton High School ... Tallied 62 career goals, 61 draw controls, 22 ground balls, and 14 caused turnovers ... Played club for 3D Upstate. 

Why Brunette Chose Manhattan: "I love the opportunities it provides and the atmosphere was oen I could see myself excelling in."  

Dingler Quote: "Ella is bringing some incredible speed to our midfield line. Her ability to challenge another team's defense and get back to defend their offense is strong. We are looking forward to her being a threat for us in all areas."

Avery Graham - Defense - Elkridge, MD

Prior to College: Over 100 career points while playing for Howard High School ... Second Team All-County ... Holds single-game draw control record at Howard ... Honor Roll all four years.

Why Graham Chose Manhattan: "The amazing location and community feeling tha both make me feel at home." 

Dingler Quote: "Avery is a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the ball. We are also looking forward to seeing her impact on our draw circld with her quick and explosive first steps." 

Olivia Jordan - Defense - Portland, OR

Prior to College: Second Team All-State in her senior year at Lake Oswego High School ... Jim Putnam Athletic Award ... Also played varsity basketball.

Why Jordan Chose Manhattan: "To be in the city and change things up in my life while still playing lacrosse." 

Dingler Quote: "OJ is a dynamic defender. We are looking forward to her bringing her strong defensive skill set and athleticism to the team."

Jaclyn Mahoney - Midfield - Pearl River, NY

Prior to College: 2025 USA Lacrosse Jackie Pitts Award ... Scored 142 career goals on 53 assists, 82 ground balls, 226 draw controls, and 56 caused turnovers ... First Team All-County, First Team All-Section (twice) at Pearl River HS ... Also played field hockey where she was a two-time First Team All-County selection ... Top 10% of graduating class. 

Why Mahoney Chose Manhattan: "I really liked the campus and the fact that it wasn't too far from home, as well as the reputation of the school. When I went on my visit, everyone was super nice and I really liked how close the lacrosse team seemed to be."

Dingler Quote: "Jaclyn plays each rep out to the fullest. She has an intensity to her game that makes her difficult to match up with. She is a quick and dynamic midfielder." 

Molly Mitchell - Attack - Sloatsburg, NY

Prior to College: All-League and All-Section selection ... Sectional and Regional champions all three years of varsity lacrosse ... State runner-up in senior year ... also played field hockey and indoor track. 

Why Mitchell Chose Manhattan: "I loved the small school atmosphere as well as the team chemistry."

Dingler Quote: "Molly plays with a composed and tenacious skill set. She is bringing a ton of offensive intelligence to the team. We are looking forward to implementing her qualities into our program." 

Riley Murray - Midfield - West Chester, PA

Prior to College: District Champions in junior season, state runner-up in senior season at Biship Shanahan High School ... Honor Roll ... Played club for Freedom.

Why Murray Chose Manhattan: "I chose Manhattan for its academics, its supportive coaching staff and the location of the school." 

Dingler Quote: "Riley plays with speed and determination. We are looking forward to seeing her skills implemented into our systems on both ends of the ball." 

Katelynn Naylor - Attack - Los Angeles, CA

Prior to College: Piled on 59 goals, 29 assists, 44 draw controls, and 29 caused turnovers ... Two-time Under Armour All-American for Girls West Lacrosse ... All-CIF First Team ... First Team All-League ... Team MVP ... Team won league championship in 2022 and 2023 ... Biliteracy Award.

Why Naylor Chose Manhattan: "I chose to attend Manhattan University because of the people I met along with the location, making me fall in love with the school." 

Dingler Quote: "Katelynn is a natural leader with a strong presence on the offensive end. She has a strong shot on offense and an incredible ability to communicate with her draw unit." 

Logan Pilon - Attack - Riverhead, NY

Prior to College: 200 career points along with 100 career goals at Riverhead High School ... All-County selection ... All-League in volleyball and basketball.

Why Pilon Chose Manhattan: "I chose Manhattan because of the beautiful campus, location, and the possible opportunities for me post-graduation."

Dingler Quote: "Logan has a great vision of the offense. We are looking forward to having her sharp skill set align with our offensive systems." 

Follow Manhattan Women's Lacrosse on X (@ManhattanWLax) and Instagram (@ManhattanWLacrosse_). 
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