SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Converse University head lacrosse coach
Lauren Frost has announced the signing of six athletes for the upcoming 2026 lacrosse season.
"While our 2024-2025 record may not fully reflect the competitive spirit and progress we made, this season laid a strong foundation for the future," Frost said. "With that solid core returning, plus a talented group of incoming freshmen, we're looking forward to building on the momentum and having another highly competitive season in 2025-2026."
Ally Benken (Charlotte, N.C.) – A four year letterwinner and a two-time team captain for the Ardrey Kell High School lacrosse team, Benken finished with 100 career points and 200 draw control wins. In 2022, Benken was the Team MVP as a Freshman and led the Conference in ground balls (80) and draw percentage (.601). In 2021, Benken played for the Nike American Select Team North Carolina, in 2024 Benken was a Charlotte Observer's Girls Athlete of the Week Nominee. Benken played on the US North Carolina National Tournament Team, a finalist for the Greater Charlotte Lacrosse Awards Draw Player of the Year. Benken was also a second team All-Conference selection and a third team All-Region selection. Benken also won the Ardrey Kell Heart of a Knight Awards. Benken played club lacrosse for M&D Orlando and Ultimate Charlotte. Outside of athletics she was Vice President of Student Government Association, Spanish Honor Society, CMS Athletic Honor Society, National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society.
Lila DeYoung (Manahawkin, NJ) – DeYoung was a four year letterwinner for Southern Regional and recorded 63 groundballs and forced 53 turnovers during her prep career. DeYoung was named to the All A-South Team and played club lacrosse for All Lax Select. Outside of athletics, DeYoung was a member of Key Club, and was named to the High Honor Roll and the National Language Honor Society. DeYoung comes from an athletic family, her brother Joey played lacrosse at Hofstra University.
Kayla Gooden (Pleasantville, N.Y.) – Gooden played both field hockey and lacrosse at Pleasantville High School. Gooden was an All-League Field Hockey player and played club lacrosse for Yellow Jackets North. Outside of athletics, Gooden was a senator in the student government, co-head of sources of strength and a peer leader for freshman. Gooden was also a member of yearbook club, ECHO club and ASL club.
Maia Marquez (North Las Vegas, NV) – Captain of the Lacrosse team at Founders Classical Academy of North Las Vegas. A three-time All-Conference selection, including being a first team selection in 2023 and 2024. Marquez was also a three-time team MVP that helped her team to a Regional and State Championship in 2024. Marquez played club lacrosse for Vegas Strong Elite and won the Cal Coast Championship. Outside of athletics, Marquez was an honor roll student.
Ava Smith (Eagle, ID) – A two-year captain of the lacrosse team at Eagle High School, Smith also competed on the swim team. The Idaho native also competed on the club lacrosse teams of Timberline white/black, verve, bolts, northwest rippers, and the national ID my wy team.
Makennah Williamson (Buda, Texas) – Played lacrosse for St. Michael's Preparatory School and the Legend Lacrosse Club. Williamson was an honor roll student, won the Volunteer Award, and won the National Spanish Recognition Award.
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