WLAX Announces 2026 Recruiting Class

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Marquette University Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach Meredith Black has announced the additions of nine incoming student-athletes from the class of 2026 to the Golden Eagles.

Representing seven different states and elite club programs, the class adds depth at every position and brings a mix of high-level experience, leadership, and versatility.

“I couldn’t be more excited about our incoming class- this is such a  promising group. They’re a midfielder-heavy class, which gives us incredible versatility and countless options for how they can impact our team right away. We’re also adding another outstanding goalie to our roster, strengthening us from the back forward” Black said. “As always, our players are coming from all over the country, bringing a dynamic mix of talents, playing styles, and backgrounds. They’re absolute workhorses, and what makes them even more special is the connection they’ve already built with each other over the past year. This group is going to elevate our program in a big way.”

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Rose Bilella | 5’4″ Midfield | Wilton, Conn. | Wilton High School

• 2025 USA Lacrosse High School All-American and First Team All-State
• First Team All-FCIAC and GameTime CT All-State First Team
• Posted 42 goals, 12 assists, 86 draw controls, and 41 caused turnovers as a junior
• Helped Wilton to a Top-20 national ranking and captained both lacrosse and basketball teams
• Plays for CT Grizzlies, ranked No. 1 in Connecticut and Top 20 nationally

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Giselle Lindert Olivencia | 5’3″ Midfield | Cottage Grove, Wis. | Monona Grove High School

• Two-time USA Lacrosse All-American and Wisconsin State Journal Player of the Year
• Back-to-back First Team All-State and Badger Conference Player of the Year
• Elite 12 selection at E12 Midwest Camp
• Multi-sport standout and team captain in lacrosse and tennis; state qualifier and conference champion in tennis
• Plays for Black Lax National 2026

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Reese Heim | 5’7″ Attack | West Chester, Pa. | Henderson High School

• USA Lacrosse All-Academic honoree and 2024 team captain
• Surpassed 100 career goals; scored 62 goals and added 33 assists in 2025
• Led Henderson to the state tournament
• Plays for NXT LC Black and helped win Lax for the Cure

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Madeline Allen | 5’7″ Midfield | Littleton, Colo. | Columbine High School

• 2025 team captain and four-year varsity lacrosse athlete
• Earned All-Conference and All-Academic honors three straight years
• Multi-sport athlete in basketball and flag football
• Plays for Team 180 Elite

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Mackenzie Ward | 5’4″ Defense | Phoenix, Md. | Notre Dame Preparatory School

• Two-year captain and four-year varsity defender
• Multi-sport athlete and indoor track record-holder in the 4×200 relay
• Plays for Sky Walkers Lacrosse Club

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Leilani Fiefia | 5’5″ Goalie | Salt Lake City, Utah | Pine View High School

• 2024 lacrosse team captain and four-year varsity athlete
• MVP wrestler of the year and 4th-place finisher at state wrestling
• Multi-sport athlete in basketball, volleyball, and cross country
• Plays goalie for Tenacity Lacrosse
• Comes from a family of collegiate athletes

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Giuliana Mancini | 5’6″ Midfield | Lockport, Ill. | Lockport Township High School

• Two-year captain and Porter Pride Award recipient
• Totaled 115 goals, 156 draw controls, 28 assists, 31 caused turnovers, and 102 ground balls in her career
• Helped Lockport to back-to-back Sectional Championships
• Plays for Lakeshore Lacrosse

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Kaija Walcott | 5’10” Attack | San Francisco, Calif. | Saint Ignatius College Prep

• Four-year varsity attacker and two-time CCS & WCAL lacrosse champion
• Multi-sport athlete with two varsity letters in tennis and back-to-back WCAL titles
• Plays for elite club program STEPS California

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Maeve Hogan | 5’8″ Midfield | Fort Washington, Pa. | Upper Dublin High School

• 2025 All-League Second Team midfielder and All-Academic honoree
• Posted 46 goals, 23 assists, 46 draw controls, 33 ground balls, and 22 caused turnovers for nationally ranked Upper Dublin
• Three-sport varsity athlete in soccer, basketball, and lacrosse
• Helped Upper Dublin to three straight conference titles and two state tournament appearances
• Plays for Reign Elite 2026

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.