Key Takeaways
-The WCLA honored 38 athletes with First‑Team and Second‑Team All‑America selections across Division II.
- Junior goalkeeper Ellyce Davis of Montana State captured the prestigious Amtahcha Award as National Player of the Year.
- Missouri State University received the Jenn Eames Award for notable program growth and community impact.
- Position‑specific national honors were awarded to Samantha Miller (Attacker), Becca Zerr (Midfielder), Hope Amend (Defender) and Kiara Young (Goalie).
- Lorelei Gearity of Denver earned Rookie of the Year, while Nicole Goodwin (UC San Diego) was named Coach of the Year.
- The awardees reflect a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent, underscoring the league’s depth and competitive balance.
Overview of Awards and Recognition
The Women’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association (WCLA) announced its Division II All‑America teams during the championship tournament, recognizing excellence across attack, midfield, defense and goaltending. In total, 38 players earned spots on either the First or Second Team, highlighting the rich talent pool within the league. Alongside these selections, the association presented a suite of national awards that celebrated standout performances, coaching excellence and community contributions. This comprehensive acknowledgment set the tone for a season marked by competitive vigor and program development.
Individual Player Honors
Among the celebrated athletes, junior goalkeeper Ellyce Davis from Montana State distinguished herself with a season of stellar saves and strategic leadership, earning the Amtahcha Award as the national player of the year. Her performance was complemented by senior attack standout Samantha Miller of Missouri, who received the Attacker of the Year distinction after delivering a high‑scoring campaign that propelled her team deep into the tournament. Midfield dynamo Becca Zerr (Montana State) was honored as Midfielder of the Year for her all‑around playmaking and defensive acumen. Defensive prowess was recognized through Hope Amend of UC San Diego, who secured Defender of the Year after a season of shutdown defense and ground‑ball dominance. In goal, Kiara Young (UC San Diego) captured Goalie of the Year, mirroring Davis’s excellence between the posts and reinforcing the league’s depth at the position. Freshman Lorelei Gearity of Denver earned Rookie of the Year, underscoring the immediate impact new talent can have on the national stage.
Specific Awards and Recipients
- Attacker of the Year: Samantha Miller, Sr., Missouri
- Midfielder of the Year: Becca Zerr, Jr., Montana State
- Defender of the Year: Hope Amend, Sr., UC San Diego
- Goalie of the Year: Kiara Young, Sr., UC San Diego
- Rookie of the Year: Lorelei Gearity, Fr., Denver
- Coach of the Year: Nicole Goodwin, UC San Diego
These awards were presented alongside the Amtahcha Award, which recognizes the overall national player of the year, further emphasizing the league’s commitment to celebrating diverse contributions. Each recipient exemplified distinct skill sets that collectively elevated the competitive standards of Division II lacrosse.
Team Recognition: The Jenn Eames Award
Beyond individual accolades, the WCLA bestowed the Jenn Eames Award on Missouri State University, honoring its remarkable program advancement and commitment to strengthening lacrosse within its local community. The award highlights a holistic approach to growth, encompassing facility upgrades, recruitment initiatives and outreach programs that increased participation at the grassroots level. By integrating community engagement with athletic success, Missouri State exemplified how a collegiate program can serve as a catalyst for broader sport development, inspiring peers and setting a benchmark for future awardees.
Impact on Programs and the Future Landscape
The recognition of both veteran leaders and emerging stars suggests a vibrant pipeline of talent that will shape upcoming Division II narratives. The presence of multiple awardees from varied institutions indicates competitive parity, where success is not confined to traditional powerhouses. For programs aspiring to elevate their status, the pathways highlighted—such as targeted skill development, strategic coaching, and community integration—offer practical blueprints. Moreover, the league’s emphasis on celebrating defensive and goaltending excellence reflects a tactical shift toward balanced play, encouraging teams to invest in those often undervalued positions.
Community Influence and the Spirit of the Game
A recurring theme throughout the ceremony was the emphasis on the “Love of the Game,” an award presented to Savannah Kezmoh of UC San Diego for her passion, sportsmanship and dedication to fostering a positive lacrosse culture. Such acknowledgments reinforce that success in collegiate lacrosse is measured not only by trophies but also by personal commitment to the sport’s core values. This ethos resonates with players, coaches and administrators alike, reminding all stakeholders that the essence of competition lies in mutual respect, perseverance, and joy.
Conclusion: A Celebration of Excellence
The 2024 WCLA Division II awards ceremony culminated in a comprehensive tribute to athletic achievement, leadership and community impact. From individual player honors to team accolades, each component underscored the multifaceted nature of excellence in collegiate lacrosse. As programs look ahead, the examples set by awardees—exemplified by national player of the year Ellyce Davis, Rookie of the Year Lorelei Gearity, and the Jenn Eames Award recipient Missouri State—serve as guiding beacons for future aspirants. The blend of competitive rigor and heartfelt dedication ensures that the league will continue to flourish, nurturing talent that excels both on the field and within their broader communities.