Women’s Lacrosse Adds Nine for the 2025-26 Freshmen Class
11/15/2024 2:38:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
LYNCHBURG, Va. – Liberty women's lacrosse and head coach Kelly Nangle have announced the addition of nine student athletes for the 2025 freshmen class.
"We are extremely excited about the talented group of student-athletes we have signed this National Signing Day. Each of these young women brings unique skills, a strong work ethic and a passion for the game that aligns perfectly with our program's values," Nangle said. "We believe they will not only excel on the field but also contribute positively to our team culture and academic success. We can't wait to welcome them to our program and watch them grow as players and leaders in the coming years! Go Flames!"
The 2025 signing class is comprised of players from eight different states, including two from Georgia.
Aria Burton | Midfielder | Brentwood, Tenn.
Burton is a midfielder currently attending Brentwood High School. She has led her team to three state runner-up finishes. Burton has been named to the All-Region first team each year of her high school career and has been named to the All-State first team in each of the past two seasons.
The midfielder has scored at least 40 goals the past two years and has totaled 113 goals in three years at Brentwood, including 42 in her junior season. She plans on majoring in sports psychology at Liberty.
Burton has played club lacrosse with two clubs, TNLAX and No Excuse. She is a multi-sport athlete, also competing in cross country.
Aria Burton- "I am thrilled to be signing with the Liberty women's lacrosse team! It's a dream come true and a testament to how I've seen the Lord work in my life. Lacrosse has been such a gift in my life and it's a true blessing to get to continue my career for the next four years with my dream team.
Megan Clark (TNLAX head coach)- "Aria is one of the hardest working players on and off the field! She uses her speed and quickness to set up her dodge to goal and is a strong finisher. As a midfielder, she is a contributor on the draw circle and in transition. Aria is the most selfless player!
Brad Symonds (Brentwood head coach)- "Aria has always displayed a deep commitment to her faith, which serves as a foundation for her character on and off the field. She leads by example, not only encouraging but lifting those around her to create an atmosphere where others can excel and feel valued. I am confident she will continue to do the same at Liberty!"
Claire Christensen | Midfielder/Attacker | Issaquah, Wash.
Christensen is a midfielder/attacker currently attending Issaquah High School. She has guided her team to a semifinal appearance in the state tournament each year of her high school career. In her freshman year, she guided her team to a state runner-up finish and was selected as an All-American. Christensen was named to the All-State team her sophomore year, leading her team in goals and ground balls.
She has played club lacrosse for Tenacity Elite. A multi-sport athlete, she has also competed in volleyball, basketball and flag football.
Claire Christensen- "What stood out to me about Liberty was the combination of world-class facilities, a great team culture and a great offering of academic programs. More than anything, I felt it was a place of high moral character where I could live my faith and still experience everything in a D1 college lacrosse program that I could hope for. I can't wait to get to work and help win championships! Go Flames!"
Niki Demarinis (Issaquah head coach)- "Claire is an undeniable hard worker in all aspects of lacrosse. She elevates her own game by pushing herself and motivating those around her. A leader on and off the field."
Hilary Fratzke (Tenacity head coach)- "Claire is an incredibly quick and explosive athlete. She is already on her way out of a dodge before her defender has time to read what she's doing. She has separation speed in open space and isn't afraid to play physical. Her shots are accurate and powerful! More than anything, she has a wonderful attitude. She is grateful for the opportunity to play and receive coaching and continues to get better and better."
Zuri Crumpton | Midfielder | York, Pa.
Crumpton is a midfielder currently attending Red Land High School. She has tallied at least 100 points each year of her high school career, including 100 goals in her sophomore campaign.
Last year, Crumpton was named to the 2024 Academic All-American team, All-Sentinel first team, Mid-Penn All Star first team and Keystone All Division first team. She tallied 76 goals, 51 assists (127 points) along with 148 ground balls and 120 draw controls as a junior.
She has played club lacrosse for NEMS. Crumpton is a multi-sport athlete, also competing in soccer and basketball.
Zuri Crumpton- "Making the choice to play at Liberty wasn't even a question after getting on campus, meeting the coaches and being around the team. God being present in every way on the team is something I wouldn't have found anywhere else. I am so excited and ready to start this next chapter of my life with amazing, God loving people by my side!"
Megan Marshall | Goalkeeper | Hudson, Ohio
Marshall is a goalkeeper that has attended Cuyahoga Christan Academy (2021-23) and Weddington High School in Matthews, N.C. (2024). At Cuyahoga, Marshall guided her team to a regional semifinal making 176 total saves in her sophomore season. She was named to the Ohio All-Region first team while setting a single-season school record in saves. Marshall has averaged at least nine saves per game the past two seasons.
She has played club lacrosse for Maxim Lacrosse (2022-23) and Charlotte Style (2024). While playing with Maxim, Marshall received multiple IWLCA Player of the Match recognitions and earned a Continental Cup Combine Top 20 Player Award.
Megan Marshall- "I am beyond excited to sign with Liberty! This is my dream school, and I am so grateful for this opportunity God is giving me to glorify Him through the sport of lacrosse!"
Mila Mitchell | Defender | Waldorf, Md.
Mitchell is a defender currently attending St. Charles High School. As a defender, she has tallied over 200 goals across two seasons, including 138 goals in her junior year. Mitchell was named to the All-Conference first team and her team's MVP her junior season.
She has played club lacrosse for Uproar LAX where she helped lead her squad to a National Cup title. A multi-sport athlete, Mitchell has competed in indoor and outdoor track along with soccer.
Sophia Nesci | Attacker | Syracuse, N.Y.
Nesci is an attacker currently attending Cicero-North Syracuse High School. She guided her squad to the New York State Class A Championship title her junior season, leading her team to a 19-2 record and pacing her squad in points across the state championship. Nesci has mirrored her goals and assists output the past two years, tallying 45 goals and 45 assists her junior year and 25 goals and 25 assists her sophomore season.
The attacker plays club lacrosse for Aces Elite Upstate, helping lead the team to be nationally ranked (top 15) by USA Lacrosse in 2023. A multi-sport athlete, Nesci also participated in cross country and basketball in her freshman year.
Rilynn Price | Midfielder | Canton, Ga.
Price is a midfielder currently attending Creekview High School. In her past two years, she has led her team to consecutive State Final Four appearances. After tallying 33 goals in her junior year, Price was selected to the All-Area first team and All-State second team and was also named an Academic All-American.
She has played club lacrosse for Eagle Stix Lacrosse where she was the primary draw control specialist. A multi-sport athlete, Price also ran cross country at Creekview. She intends on majoring in American sign language and interpreting at Liberty.
Rilynn Price- "Liberty was my dream school since ninth grade. Being able to sign with them and soon play there is a such an honor."
Ava Thompson | Midfielder | Parkland, Fla.
Thompson is a midfielder currently attending American Heritage School. She has helped guide her team to a combined 62-5 record over the past three seasons, winning two state championship tiles and finishing as state runner-up her freshman year. Thompson is a two-time All-District and All-Region honoree. She has won at least 30 draw controls in each high school season.
Price has played club lacrosse for Florida Select from 2019-24, helping lead her squad to two National Cup Championships in 2021 and 2024. While playing in the 2022 National Cup, Thompson scored on a last second 8-meter penalty shot to tie the game, leading to an overtime victory.
A multi-sport athlete, Thompson has also competed in basketball.
Ava Thompson- "Signing with Liberty University is a blessing for me ever since I started playing lacrosse in 3rd grade. I dreamed and strived to be a D1 athlete. Playing lacrosse in college at Liberty is truly a dream come true!"
John McClain (Florida Select head coach)- "Ava has been a pleasure to coach over the last seven years. She is gritty and smart with an amazing top-side dodge that is unstoppable. I cannot wait to see her be that amazing asset to Liberty as she was for my teams all these years."
Kiley Wilson | Goalkeeper | Acworth, Ga.
Wilson is a goalkeeper for North Paulding High School, helping lead her team to consecutive state championships, also including a State Final Four appearance in her sophomore season. Wilson has tallied over 350 career saves, achieving a near 50 percent save rate. In her sophomore year, she led the team to a 17-3 record and was named to the All-Area first team.
Wilson also represented Georgia on the American Select team in 2023. She has played club lacrosse for Eagle Stix Blue.
"We are extremely excited about the talented group of student-athletes we have signed this National Signing Day. Each of these young women brings unique skills, a strong work ethic and a passion for the game that aligns perfectly with our program's values," Nangle said. "We believe they will not only excel on the field but also contribute positively to our team culture and academic success. We can't wait to welcome them to our program and watch them grow as players and leaders in the coming years! Go Flames!"
The 2025 signing class is comprised of players from eight different states, including two from Georgia.
Aria Burton | Midfielder | Brentwood, Tenn.
Burton is a midfielder currently attending Brentwood High School. She has led her team to three state runner-up finishes. Burton has been named to the All-Region first team each year of her high school career and has been named to the All-State first team in each of the past two seasons.
The midfielder has scored at least 40 goals the past two years and has totaled 113 goals in three years at Brentwood, including 42 in her junior season. She plans on majoring in sports psychology at Liberty.
Burton has played club lacrosse with two clubs, TNLAX and No Excuse. She is a multi-sport athlete, also competing in cross country.
Aria Burton- "I am thrilled to be signing with the Liberty women's lacrosse team! It's a dream come true and a testament to how I've seen the Lord work in my life. Lacrosse has been such a gift in my life and it's a true blessing to get to continue my career for the next four years with my dream team.
Megan Clark (TNLAX head coach)- "Aria is one of the hardest working players on and off the field! She uses her speed and quickness to set up her dodge to goal and is a strong finisher. As a midfielder, she is a contributor on the draw circle and in transition. Aria is the most selfless player!
Brad Symonds (Brentwood head coach)- "Aria has always displayed a deep commitment to her faith, which serves as a foundation for her character on and off the field. She leads by example, not only encouraging but lifting those around her to create an atmosphere where others can excel and feel valued. I am confident she will continue to do the same at Liberty!"
Claire Christensen | Midfielder/Attacker | Issaquah, Wash.
Christensen is a midfielder/attacker currently attending Issaquah High School. She has guided her team to a semifinal appearance in the state tournament each year of her high school career. In her freshman year, she guided her team to a state runner-up finish and was selected as an All-American. Christensen was named to the All-State team her sophomore year, leading her team in goals and ground balls.
She has played club lacrosse for Tenacity Elite. A multi-sport athlete, she has also competed in volleyball, basketball and flag football.
Claire Christensen- "What stood out to me about Liberty was the combination of world-class facilities, a great team culture and a great offering of academic programs. More than anything, I felt it was a place of high moral character where I could live my faith and still experience everything in a D1 college lacrosse program that I could hope for. I can't wait to get to work and help win championships! Go Flames!"
Niki Demarinis (Issaquah head coach)- "Claire is an undeniable hard worker in all aspects of lacrosse. She elevates her own game by pushing herself and motivating those around her. A leader on and off the field."
Hilary Fratzke (Tenacity head coach)- "Claire is an incredibly quick and explosive athlete. She is already on her way out of a dodge before her defender has time to read what she's doing. She has separation speed in open space and isn't afraid to play physical. Her shots are accurate and powerful! More than anything, she has a wonderful attitude. She is grateful for the opportunity to play and receive coaching and continues to get better and better."
Zuri Crumpton | Midfielder | York, Pa.
Crumpton is a midfielder currently attending Red Land High School. She has tallied at least 100 points each year of her high school career, including 100 goals in her sophomore campaign.
Last year, Crumpton was named to the 2024 Academic All-American team, All-Sentinel first team, Mid-Penn All Star first team and Keystone All Division first team. She tallied 76 goals, 51 assists (127 points) along with 148 ground balls and 120 draw controls as a junior.
She has played club lacrosse for NEMS. Crumpton is a multi-sport athlete, also competing in soccer and basketball.
Zuri Crumpton- "Making the choice to play at Liberty wasn't even a question after getting on campus, meeting the coaches and being around the team. God being present in every way on the team is something I wouldn't have found anywhere else. I am so excited and ready to start this next chapter of my life with amazing, God loving people by my side!"
Megan Marshall | Goalkeeper | Hudson, Ohio
Marshall is a goalkeeper that has attended Cuyahoga Christan Academy (2021-23) and Weddington High School in Matthews, N.C. (2024). At Cuyahoga, Marshall guided her team to a regional semifinal making 176 total saves in her sophomore season. She was named to the Ohio All-Region first team while setting a single-season school record in saves. Marshall has averaged at least nine saves per game the past two seasons.
She has played club lacrosse for Maxim Lacrosse (2022-23) and Charlotte Style (2024). While playing with Maxim, Marshall received multiple IWLCA Player of the Match recognitions and earned a Continental Cup Combine Top 20 Player Award.
Megan Marshall- "I am beyond excited to sign with Liberty! This is my dream school, and I am so grateful for this opportunity God is giving me to glorify Him through the sport of lacrosse!"
Mila Mitchell | Defender | Waldorf, Md.
Mitchell is a defender currently attending St. Charles High School. As a defender, she has tallied over 200 goals across two seasons, including 138 goals in her junior year. Mitchell was named to the All-Conference first team and her team's MVP her junior season.
She has played club lacrosse for Uproar LAX where she helped lead her squad to a National Cup title. A multi-sport athlete, Mitchell has competed in indoor and outdoor track along with soccer.
Sophia Nesci | Attacker | Syracuse, N.Y.
Nesci is an attacker currently attending Cicero-North Syracuse High School. She guided her squad to the New York State Class A Championship title her junior season, leading her team to a 19-2 record and pacing her squad in points across the state championship. Nesci has mirrored her goals and assists output the past two years, tallying 45 goals and 45 assists her junior year and 25 goals and 25 assists her sophomore season.
The attacker plays club lacrosse for Aces Elite Upstate, helping lead the team to be nationally ranked (top 15) by USA Lacrosse in 2023. A multi-sport athlete, Nesci also participated in cross country and basketball in her freshman year.
Rilynn Price | Midfielder | Canton, Ga.
Price is a midfielder currently attending Creekview High School. In her past two years, she has led her team to consecutive State Final Four appearances. After tallying 33 goals in her junior year, Price was selected to the All-Area first team and All-State second team and was also named an Academic All-American.
She has played club lacrosse for Eagle Stix Lacrosse where she was the primary draw control specialist. A multi-sport athlete, Price also ran cross country at Creekview. She intends on majoring in American sign language and interpreting at Liberty.
Rilynn Price- "Liberty was my dream school since ninth grade. Being able to sign with them and soon play there is a such an honor."
Ava Thompson | Midfielder | Parkland, Fla.
Thompson is a midfielder currently attending American Heritage School. She has helped guide her team to a combined 62-5 record over the past three seasons, winning two state championship tiles and finishing as state runner-up her freshman year. Thompson is a two-time All-District and All-Region honoree. She has won at least 30 draw controls in each high school season.
Price has played club lacrosse for Florida Select from 2019-24, helping lead her squad to two National Cup Championships in 2021 and 2024. While playing in the 2022 National Cup, Thompson scored on a last second 8-meter penalty shot to tie the game, leading to an overtime victory.
A multi-sport athlete, Thompson has also competed in basketball.
Ava Thompson- "Signing with Liberty University is a blessing for me ever since I started playing lacrosse in 3rd grade. I dreamed and strived to be a D1 athlete. Playing lacrosse in college at Liberty is truly a dream come true!"
John McClain (Florida Select head coach)- "Ava has been a pleasure to coach over the last seven years. She is gritty and smart with an amazing top-side dodge that is unstoppable. I cannot wait to see her be that amazing asset to Liberty as she was for my teams all these years."
Kiley Wilson | Goalkeeper | Acworth, Ga.
Wilson is a goalkeeper for North Paulding High School, helping lead her team to consecutive state championships, also including a State Final Four appearance in her sophomore season. Wilson has tallied over 350 career saves, achieving a near 50 percent save rate. In her sophomore year, she led the team to a 17-3 record and was named to the All-Area first team.
Wilson also represented Georgia on the American Select team in 2023. She has played club lacrosse for Eagle Stix Blue.
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