Liberty Lacrosse Welcomes 10 Players in 2023-24 Class
11/13/2023 10:11:00 AM | Women's Lacrosse
LYNCHBURG, Va. – Liberty Head Coach Kelly Nangle and the Liberty lacrosse team has announced the signing of 10 student -athletes for the 2023-24 school year.
The recruiting class – Yasmin Arriola, Natalya Eichberger, Grace Galanis, Nina Grat, Alivia Gurley, Ava McGlothlin, Sara Olivia, Katy Varaksa, Leah Watson and Olivia Young – is comprised of studet-athletes across from seven different states including two from Texas and three from Pennsylvania.
"We are excited to welcome the newest members of our Flames family! This class will bring an exciting element to our program. We trust in their abilities, dedication and potential to make a significant impact," Nangle commented on this year's signing class. "We are honored to have them as part of our organization. We can't wait to get them to campus and get to work! Go Flames!"
Yasmin Arriola (A/M – Canton, Ga./Creekview HS)
Arriola is an attacker/midfielder from Canton, Ga. and Creekview High School. A three-year starter for Creekview, Arriola led her squad to three straight playoff runs, with the Grizzlies finishing as the 6A state runner-up during her sophomore year. In three seasons at Creekview, Arriola's team earned a 55-5 record. Arriola recorded 42 goals during her sophomore season and 30 goals in her freshman year.
Arriola has competed at the club level with Grizzly Elite. She was awarded the Grizzly Breakout honor in her sophomore year with the club.
"Yasmin has always been a natural lacrosse player. From the time she began in elementary school, the coaches and other players knew she was special. A player with few words spoken, she has always led by example with her hard work at practice, conditioning and play on the field. It has been an honor and a blessing to watch her grow from the shy young girl playing the sport for the first time to the dynamic player and fantastic young lady she is today. I cannot wait to see what she does at the next level."
Ashley Petty, Grizzly Elite Coach/Director
Natalya Eichberger (M – Katy, Texas/Cinco Ranch HS)
Eichberger is a midfielder out of Katy, Texas and Cinco Ranch High School. She is a three-year starter and has totaled 159 goals and 42 assists (201 points) along with 97 ground balls, 49 caused turnovers and 162 draw controls. In her junior year, Eichberger scored 56 goals and 14 assists (70 points) to go with 25 ground balls, eight caused turnovers and 50 draw controls. During her sophomore year, she recorded 79 goals and 14 points (93 points) along with 27 ground balls, 27 caused turnovers and 67 draw controls.
Eichberger also played at the club level for Grit Lacrosse (Houston). A multi-sport athlete, Eichberger also played tennis for four years for Cinco Ranch.
"She is a special player with a unique combination of skill, attitude, leadership and competitiveness and does it all with a smile on her face. She has a big heart and is a mentally tough competitor. She is coachable, passionate, dedicated and cares deeply. She is one of the favorite players I have ever coached in 25 years of coaching. Just a joy to have on the team."
Tim Brown, Cinco Ranch Head Coach
Grace Galanis (D – Urbana, Md./Saint John's Catholic Prep)
Galanis is a defender out of Urbana, Md. and Saint John's Catholic Prep. In three years, Galanis led her team to the IAAM Championship title her junior year while being named to the IAAM All-Conference and All-County team.
Nina Gray (M/D, Palatine, Ill./Wiiliam Fremd HS)
Gray is a midfielder/defender out of Palatine, Ill. and William Fremd High School. In three years at the high school level, she totaled 164 goals, including 72 in her junior year. As a team captain, Gray tallied 91 draw controls and 48 ground balls during her junior season, and she was also a team captain in her sophomore season. Gray was named to the all-conference and all-sectional team three times.
Alivia Gurley (M – Winston-Salem, N.C./West Forsyth High School)
A defender out of Winston-Salem, N.C., Gurley played at the club level for the Charlotte Style. Gurley and Charlotte Style have been the third-ranked club team in the nation.
Ava McGlothlin (D – Oxford, Pa./Oxford Area HS)
McGlothlin is a defender out of Oxford, Pa. and attends Oxford Area High School. She was named a Chesmont League honorable mention selection in both her sophomore and junior year and led her club in draw controls her junior year.
A multi-sport athlete, McGlothlin also played field hockey and soccer for four years and ran track in her senior year.
Sara Olivia (M – Frisco, Texas/Reedy High School)
Olivia is a midfielder out of Frisco, Texas and Reedy High School. She has totaled 24 goals in three seasons and 14 assists (38 points) while recording 47 ground balls, 11 caused turnovers and 39 draw controls. Guiding her team to an 11-2 record, Olivia was named a team captain her junior year and scored 14 goals and added eight assists (22 points) along with eight ground balls, four caused turnovers and 20 draw controls.
Olivia played at the club level with 214 Lacrosse Dallas, leading the team to be the No. 1-ranked club from Texas in Aug. 2022. A multi-sport athlete, Olivia played volleyball and ran track for Reedy High School."
"Sara Oliva is a hardworking athlete who excels on both ends of the lacrosse field. As a midfielder, her ability to control the game's tempo, win crucial draw controls and transition seamlessly between offense and defense has been a vital asset to our team. She has great control to finish under pressure around the cage and works tirelessly to win any loose ball. Sara contributes consistently to our scoring efforts with her instincts, strong stick skills and her drive to create scoring opportunities. Her vision and agility make her a threat to any opposing defense. She continues to work on her game to become an even more outstanding player. She is a great teammate and leads by example. She is a trustworthy teammate, and the coaching staff can rely on her to get tasks done. We are so proud of all her contributions to our program and are excited for all the great things to come for her future."
Pam Henry, Frisco Fury Head Coach (town team)
Katy Varaksa (GK – Charlottesville, Va./The Covenant School)
Varaksa is a goalkeeper out of Charlottesville, Va. and The Covenant School. She has been in goal for all three years of her high school career, tallying 324 saves, a save percentage over .540, 90 ground balls and 27 caused turnovers. She has collected 37 wins over three years. In her junior year, Varaksa made 110 saves with a .526 save percentage and collected 39 ground balls and nine caused turnovers. In her junior and sophomore years, she helped lead her team to back-to-back VISAA Division ll Blue Ridge Conference titles and consecutive state titles while being awarded consecutive 2023 VISAA First Team All-Conference and the Girl's All-State team honors.
During her freshman season, Varaksa recorded a 5-4 record and made 100 saves, good for a .598 save percentage. She also three ground balls and two caused turnovers. That season, she was named to the 2021 VISAA Girl's All-State second team.
A multi-sport athlete, Varaksa played basketball for three years and field hockey for two.
Leah Watson (M – Shillington, Pa./Conestoga Christian School)
Watson is a midfielder out of Shillington, Pa. and Conestoga Christian School. She has totaled 264 goals and 65 assists (329 points) while also recording 162 ground balls, 69 caused turnovers and 293 draw controls. Watson helped lead her team to be runner-up in the CCAC Championship, scoring 114 goals and 33 assists (147 points) along with 64 ground balls, 37 caused turnovers and 151 draw controls. That season, Watson was named to the All-American Philly Highlight Division, AU Futures third team, and the CCAC All-Conference team.
During her freshman season, Watson scored 55 goals and finished as runner-up at the CCAC Championship. She was awarded with her first CCAC All-Conference team honor and MVP accolade. She was also tabbed to the American Select Team and the Central PA A Team.
Watson played at the club level with Phantastix West 2023 and was selected as a US Lacrosse Player to Watch for the Cure and a three-time Player of the Game at the IWLCA Capital Cup.
"Leah is a gift. She is true to herself and honors the Lord both on and off the field. When things get tough, she turns up her strength and encourages others with a smile. Leah is competitive and coachable, always looking for ways to improve. She leads by example and with a heart of JOY. Teammates naturally gravitate to Leah for her lax skills and game knowledge. Her trials always make her stronger."
Jeni Watson, Conestoga Head Coach
Olivia Young (M – Lancaster, Pa./Manheim Township)
Young is a midfielder out of Lancaster, Pa. In her last two high school seasons, Young has totaled 87 goals, 25 assists (112 points). Young is also the draw control specialist for her team. Over her junior year, Young recorded 65 goals and 18 assists (83 points) to help lead her team to a 19-4-1 record and the state quarterfinals. Young was recognized as an LL League first team All-Star for her junior season performance.
Young played at the club level for Xtreme Lacrosse. A multi-sport athlete, Young also ran cross country and played basketball while at Manheim Township.
"Olivia is a versatile player who is a playmaker all over the field. Her height, speed, power and vision make her a constant threat with or without the ball on offense. She uses her hustle, physical presence, and determination to make plays in the draw game, between the thirties and on defense. Olivia works hard at her game, loves to compete and is a pleasure to coach."
Mark Pinkerton, Manheim Township, Xtreme Lacrosse head coach
The recruiting class – Yasmin Arriola, Natalya Eichberger, Grace Galanis, Nina Grat, Alivia Gurley, Ava McGlothlin, Sara Olivia, Katy Varaksa, Leah Watson and Olivia Young – is comprised of studet-athletes across from seven different states including two from Texas and three from Pennsylvania.
"We are excited to welcome the newest members of our Flames family! This class will bring an exciting element to our program. We trust in their abilities, dedication and potential to make a significant impact," Nangle commented on this year's signing class. "We are honored to have them as part of our organization. We can't wait to get them to campus and get to work! Go Flames!"
Yasmin Arriola (A/M – Canton, Ga./Creekview HS)
Arriola is an attacker/midfielder from Canton, Ga. and Creekview High School. A three-year starter for Creekview, Arriola led her squad to three straight playoff runs, with the Grizzlies finishing as the 6A state runner-up during her sophomore year. In three seasons at Creekview, Arriola's team earned a 55-5 record. Arriola recorded 42 goals during her sophomore season and 30 goals in her freshman year.
Arriola has competed at the club level with Grizzly Elite. She was awarded the Grizzly Breakout honor in her sophomore year with the club.
"Yasmin has always been a natural lacrosse player. From the time she began in elementary school, the coaches and other players knew she was special. A player with few words spoken, she has always led by example with her hard work at practice, conditioning and play on the field. It has been an honor and a blessing to watch her grow from the shy young girl playing the sport for the first time to the dynamic player and fantastic young lady she is today. I cannot wait to see what she does at the next level."
Ashley Petty, Grizzly Elite Coach/Director
Natalya Eichberger (M – Katy, Texas/Cinco Ranch HS)
Eichberger is a midfielder out of Katy, Texas and Cinco Ranch High School. She is a three-year starter and has totaled 159 goals and 42 assists (201 points) along with 97 ground balls, 49 caused turnovers and 162 draw controls. In her junior year, Eichberger scored 56 goals and 14 assists (70 points) to go with 25 ground balls, eight caused turnovers and 50 draw controls. During her sophomore year, she recorded 79 goals and 14 points (93 points) along with 27 ground balls, 27 caused turnovers and 67 draw controls.
Across her high school career, Eichberger was a two-time Katy Lady Cavalier MVP, Texas All-State team and a USA All-American Attacker her junior year. She also won the Honor and Glory award 12 times and the Cavalier and Courage award nine times. In her freshman season, Eichberger was named to the All-District team and received the Top Midfielder award, while guiding her team to the Division 2 District Championship title.Fourth signee to the class of 2024 ??
— Liberty Lacrosse (@LibertyWLAX) November 8, 2023
Congratulations and welcome to the Flames family ?? pic.twitter.com/oDqAA4doqp
Eichberger also played at the club level for Grit Lacrosse (Houston). A multi-sport athlete, Eichberger also played tennis for four years for Cinco Ranch.
"She is a special player with a unique combination of skill, attitude, leadership and competitiveness and does it all with a smile on her face. She has a big heart and is a mentally tough competitor. She is coachable, passionate, dedicated and cares deeply. She is one of the favorite players I have ever coached in 25 years of coaching. Just a joy to have on the team."
Tim Brown, Cinco Ranch Head Coach
Grace Galanis (D – Urbana, Md./Saint John's Catholic Prep)
Galanis is a defender out of Urbana, Md. and Saint John's Catholic Prep. In three years, Galanis led her team to the IAAM Championship title her junior year while being named to the IAAM All-Conference and All-County team.
Galanis played at the club level for the Maryland Select Renegades. She was a 2023 All-American Baltimore Highlight team champion, a Maryland Showcase All-Star Game selection and an MD Metro selection.Seventh signee of the class of 2024 ??
— Liberty Lacrosse (@LibertyWLAX) November 9, 2023
Congratulations and welcome to the Flames family ?? pic.twitter.com/2llMKHAQp3
Nina Gray (M/D, Palatine, Ill./Wiiliam Fremd HS)
Gray is a midfielder/defender out of Palatine, Ill. and William Fremd High School. In three years at the high school level, she totaled 164 goals, including 72 in her junior year. As a team captain, Gray tallied 91 draw controls and 48 ground balls during her junior season, and she was also a team captain in her sophomore season. Gray was named to the all-conference and all-sectional team three times.
Gray played at the club level for True Lacrosse, both on the state and national team. She made the 2022 All-America Midwest Girls Highlight team in 2022. A multi-sport athlete, Gray also played volleyball for four years at William Fremd.Third signee of the class of 2024??
— Liberty Lacrosse (@LibertyWLAX) November 8, 2023
Congratulations and welcome to the Flames family?? pic.twitter.com/IpwB0oMGpe
Alivia Gurley (M – Winston-Salem, N.C./West Forsyth High School)
A defender out of Winston-Salem, N.C., Gurley played at the club level for the Charlotte Style. Gurley and Charlotte Style have been the third-ranked club team in the nation.
The most important thing in my life is Christ. He is more important to me than winning or losing, joy or pain. My identity is in him," Gurley stated.Seventh signee of the class of 2024??
— Liberty Lacrosse (@LibertyWLAX) November 10, 2023
Congratulations and welcome to the Flames family?? pic.twitter.com/5fVNuIFtiR
Ava McGlothlin (D – Oxford, Pa./Oxford Area HS)
McGlothlin is a defender out of Oxford, Pa. and attends Oxford Area High School. She was named a Chesmont League honorable mention selection in both her sophomore and junior year and led her club in draw controls her junior year.
McGlothlin played at the club level for Belles Lacrosse Club. In both years that she was on the squad, she was ranked in the top 100 nationally for the 2024 age group.Sixth signee to the class of 2024??
— Liberty Lacrosse (@LibertyWLAX) November 9, 2023
Congratulations and welcome to the Flames family?? pic.twitter.com/5fQrsUv2dX
A multi-sport athlete, McGlothlin also played field hockey and soccer for four years and ran track in her senior year.
Sara Olivia (M – Frisco, Texas/Reedy High School)
Olivia is a midfielder out of Frisco, Texas and Reedy High School. She has totaled 24 goals in three seasons and 14 assists (38 points) while recording 47 ground balls, 11 caused turnovers and 39 draw controls. Guiding her team to an 11-2 record, Olivia was named a team captain her junior year and scored 14 goals and added eight assists (22 points) along with eight ground balls, four caused turnovers and 20 draw controls.
As a sophomore, Olivia tallied three goals and an assist to go with 33 ground balls, three caused turnovers and 15 draw controls. During this season, she was recognized with the 'Heart and Hustle' award. In her freshman season, Olivia recorded seven goals and two assists while grabbing six ground balls with four caused turnovers and draw controls.Fourth signee to the class of 2024 ??
— Liberty Lacrosse (@LibertyWLAX) November 8, 2023
Congratulations and welcome to the Flames family ?? pic.twitter.com/oDqAA4doqp
Olivia played at the club level with 214 Lacrosse Dallas, leading the team to be the No. 1-ranked club from Texas in Aug. 2022. A multi-sport athlete, Olivia played volleyball and ran track for Reedy High School."
"Sara Oliva is a hardworking athlete who excels on both ends of the lacrosse field. As a midfielder, her ability to control the game's tempo, win crucial draw controls and transition seamlessly between offense and defense has been a vital asset to our team. She has great control to finish under pressure around the cage and works tirelessly to win any loose ball. Sara contributes consistently to our scoring efforts with her instincts, strong stick skills and her drive to create scoring opportunities. Her vision and agility make her a threat to any opposing defense. She continues to work on her game to become an even more outstanding player. She is a great teammate and leads by example. She is a trustworthy teammate, and the coaching staff can rely on her to get tasks done. We are so proud of all her contributions to our program and are excited for all the great things to come for her future."
Pam Henry, Frisco Fury Head Coach (town team)
Katy Varaksa (GK – Charlottesville, Va./The Covenant School)
Varaksa is a goalkeeper out of Charlottesville, Va. and The Covenant School. She has been in goal for all three years of her high school career, tallying 324 saves, a save percentage over .540, 90 ground balls and 27 caused turnovers. She has collected 37 wins over three years. In her junior year, Varaksa made 110 saves with a .526 save percentage and collected 39 ground balls and nine caused turnovers. In her junior and sophomore years, she helped lead her team to back-to-back VISAA Division ll Blue Ridge Conference titles and consecutive state titles while being awarded consecutive 2023 VISAA First Team All-Conference and the Girl's All-State team honors.
In her sophomore season, Varaksa recorded an 18-1 record and made 114 saves for a .504 save percentage, along with 48 ground balls and 16 caused turnovers. She was also named to the All-Central Virginia Girls Lacrosse first team for her performance.Ninth signee of the class of 2024??
— Liberty Lacrosse (@LibertyWLAX) November 11, 2023
Congratulations and welcome to the Flames family?? pic.twitter.com/Lwg9Us2zeS
During her freshman season, Varaksa recorded a 5-4 record and made 100 saves, good for a .598 save percentage. She also three ground balls and two caused turnovers. That season, she was named to the 2021 VISAA Girl's All-State second team.
A multi-sport athlete, Varaksa played basketball for three years and field hockey for two.
Leah Watson (M – Shillington, Pa./Conestoga Christian School)
Watson is a midfielder out of Shillington, Pa. and Conestoga Christian School. She has totaled 264 goals and 65 assists (329 points) while also recording 162 ground balls, 69 caused turnovers and 293 draw controls. Watson helped lead her team to be runner-up in the CCAC Championship, scoring 114 goals and 33 assists (147 points) along with 64 ground balls, 37 caused turnovers and 151 draw controls. That season, Watson was named to the All-American Philly Highlight Division, AU Futures third team, and the CCAC All-Conference team.
Watson guided Conestoga to an 11-2 record, CCAC title and its first round of districts in the team's history. She notched 95 goals and 32 assists (127 points) to go with 98 ground balls, 32 caused turnovers and 142 draw controls. Watson was named to the Central PA A Team, AU Futures Team and CCAC All-Conference team and earned MVP honors.Second signee of the class of 2024??
— Liberty Lacrosse (@LibertyWLAX) November 8, 2023
Congratulations and welcome to the Flames family?? pic.twitter.com/qqdLJCGdzu
During her freshman season, Watson scored 55 goals and finished as runner-up at the CCAC Championship. She was awarded with her first CCAC All-Conference team honor and MVP accolade. She was also tabbed to the American Select Team and the Central PA A Team.
Watson played at the club level with Phantastix West 2023 and was selected as a US Lacrosse Player to Watch for the Cure and a three-time Player of the Game at the IWLCA Capital Cup.
"Leah is a gift. She is true to herself and honors the Lord both on and off the field. When things get tough, she turns up her strength and encourages others with a smile. Leah is competitive and coachable, always looking for ways to improve. She leads by example and with a heart of JOY. Teammates naturally gravitate to Leah for her lax skills and game knowledge. Her trials always make her stronger."
Jeni Watson, Conestoga Head Coach
Olivia Young (M – Lancaster, Pa./Manheim Township)
Young is a midfielder out of Lancaster, Pa. In her last two high school seasons, Young has totaled 87 goals, 25 assists (112 points). Young is also the draw control specialist for her team. Over her junior year, Young recorded 65 goals and 18 assists (83 points) to help lead her team to a 19-4-1 record and the state quarterfinals. Young was recognized as an LL League first team All-Star for her junior season performance.
In her sophomore year, Young collected 22 goals, seven assists (29 points) and 34 draw controls. Her team ended the season with a 24-3 record, finishing as the state runner-up.First signee of the class of 2024??
— Liberty Lacrosse (@LibertyWLAX) November 8, 2023
Congratulations and welcome to the Flames family?? pic.twitter.com/ck499kD02i
Young played at the club level for Xtreme Lacrosse. A multi-sport athlete, Young also ran cross country and played basketball while at Manheim Township.
"Olivia is a versatile player who is a playmaker all over the field. Her height, speed, power and vision make her a constant threat with or without the ball on offense. She uses her hustle, physical presence, and determination to make plays in the draw game, between the thirties and on defense. Olivia works hard at her game, loves to compete and is a pleasure to coach."
Mark Pinkerton, Manheim Township, Xtreme Lacrosse head coach
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