UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.- Penn State women's lacrosse head coach Missy Doherty announces the nine-member 2022 National Signing Day class. Doherty will bring in athletes from across the country including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, California, North Carolina, Texas, Maryland and Ohio.
Doherty said "We are very excited for the class of 2024 to come to Happy Valley and make an impact. They are a diverse group, with talent at every position. We look forward to having them join our Penn State lacrosse family."
ABBY BAKER
Abby Baker is a midfielder from Flowermound, Texas. She attends Argyle High School where she has had an impressive career. She is a four-year varsity starter, two-time captain, 2020 Freshman of the Year, 2020 Rookie of the Year, and won the Unsung Hero Award in 2022. Baker plays club lacrosse for 214 Lacrosse. The Texas native also played for the Under Armour All-American Team and American Select.
Baker on why Penn State
"I chose Penn State because it is the perfect mix of having great academics, competitive athletics, great alumni networks, and a positive team culture."
Doherty on Baker
"Abby is a smart, tenacious midfielder who never stops working. She keeps getting better and better in her position and we are looking forward to her making an impact in Happy Valley."
CAILIN HETRICK
Cailin Hetrick is a defender coming to Penn State from Bel Air, Md. She is set to graduate from Milton Wright High School in 2023 and is a four-year member of its lacrosse program. Wright made All-Country first team in 2022 and second team in 2021. She is a three-sport athlete at Milton Wright, also playing soccer and basketball. Wright has played club lacrosse for Elite Lacrosse Club since 2014. She also played for Team Maryland in American Select in 2021.
Hetrick on why Penn State
"I chose Penn State because of the tradition, family atmosphere of the team, and excellent academics. Penn State feels like home to me."
Doherty on Hetrick
"Cailin is a smart, efficient low defender who has great 1v1 presence. Her knowledge of the game will help her adapt quickly to the collegiate setting."
KELLY MACKINNEY
Kelly MacKinney is an attacker from Martinsvile, N.J. She attends Bridgewater Raritan High School and plays for its women's lacrosse team. She was named a U.S. Lacrosse Highschool All-American and a NJ.com Mid-Season Player of the year, both in 2022. The New Jersey native also led her team to be 2022 Somerset County Champions. MacKinney plays club lacrosse for Steps Elite Lacrosse.
MacKinney on why Penn State
"I chose Penn State because of the high level of lacrosse and top academics it offers. The school spirit as well as the culture is incredible here and I had to be a part of it."
Doherty on MacKinney
"Kelly is an extremely talented lefty attacker who has the ability to make an immediate impact. She is a very mature player who sees the field well and is a double threat to assist and score."
SYDNEY MANNING
Sydney Manning is a goalie from Westchester, Pa. She attends Great Valley High School and is a four-year member of the lacrosse program there. She was an Eastern Pa. All-American and a USA Lacrosse All-American in 2021. Manning also plays for Ultimate Lacrosse Club, which is ranked second in Pennsylvania and six in the country this year. She also played for the 2020 and 2021 Under Armour Command Philly Team, was named Queen of the Crease in the 2021 NXT Philly Showcase and was named to the 2023 Senior Games Watch List.
Manning on why Penn State
"As soon as I stepped on campus and saw the town, faculties and athletic culture, I knew it was the perfect place for me."
Doherty on Manning
"Sydney is one of the most dynamic goalies I've seen in a long time. She is extremely active making saves and does a fantastic job of coming up with big plays outside the crease."
MINKA MARTINEZ
Minka Martinez is a Laguna Niguel, Calif. native who plays attack. She is a four-year varsity lacrosse player at St. Margaret's Episcopal School and also plays on the basketball and surf team. Martinez is a member of Mad Dog West Elite and the Mad Dog National Team. She played in the Under Armour All-American League for the last two years as well as the American Select for Team California.
Martinez on why Penn State
"I chose Penn State for the high level of lacrosse, extensive choice of majors, and welcoming community in Happy Valley."
Doherty on Martinez
"Minka is an aggressive, strong lefty attacker who has a blazing shot. She doesn't back down from scoring a big goal and we can't wait for her to score some huge points here at Panzer Stadium."
EVELYN SCALLION
Evelyn Scallion joins the Nittany Lions from Waxhaw, N.C. The midfielder attends Marvin Ridge High School where she is a four-year varsity lacrosse team member and two-team captain as well as a four-time varsity field hockey team member. In 2022, she led the team in groundballs, draws and points. She was selected to first team All-Conference, first team All-Region and first team All-State. Scallion has also played for Charlotte Style for four years, Carolina Flight for four years and Carolina Ladies Lacrosse for two years.
Scallion on why Penn State
"I chose Penn State because as soon as I stepped on campus it felt like home. I love the atmosphere, all the opportunities offered and the amazing lacrosse program. Competing at this level is something I have dreamed of and look forward to."
Doherty on Scallion
"Evie is an all-around impactful middie who can make great plays at both ends. Her versatility as a midfielder will be a huge help to our lineup."
LILLY SPILKER
Lilly Spilker joins her older sister, Rachel Spilker on the Penn State women's lacrosse team. The defender plays for Severna Park High School's women's lacrosse team. Lilly joins not only current Nittany Lion Rachel Spilker but 2017 alumni Erika Spilker to keep Penn State lacrosse in the family.
Spilker on why Penn State
"Penn State has amazing athletic and academic opportunities. I also love the family atmosphere it gives."
Doherty on Spilker
"Lilly shows both great presence and anticipation on the defensive end. She has the ability to come up and cause turnovers when needed and she does a great job organizing the defense."
RYAN ST. PIERRE
Ryan St. Pierre is a midfielder from Hudson, Ohio. She attends Hudson High School where she plays varsity lacrosse and field hockey. St. Pierre was a 2022 All-American, she made first team All-Region, second team All-State, and was nominated for the Player of the Year Award by USA Today this year. The midfielder also helped lead her team to win the Suburban League Championship in 2021 and 2022.
St. Pierre on why Penn State
"I fell in love with Penn State the second I stepped on campus. It has the perfect balance of exceptional athletics, academics and a community which felt like home immediately."
Doherty on St. Pierre
"Ryan does a fantastic job of utilizing her speed in the midfield. She hustles on every play and will add a great presence in our midfield."
LAINEY STRAUB
Lainey Straub is a Pennsylvania native from Downingtown. She plays attack for Archbishop Carroll High School's girls lacrosse team. In 2022, Straub was named to All-Chesmont second team and was an All-Area Honorable Mention. Straub plays club lacrosse for Phantastix Lacrosse. She was on the U.S. Lacrosse Nationals All-Tournament Team in 2019 and Under Armour Command Division in 2020. In 2021, she was a member of the National Cup All-Tournament Team, an All-Star selection and was named Brine Player of the Game. This past year, the Pennsylvania native played on the Under Armour All-American team.
Straub on why Penn State
"It was always my dream to go to Penn State and the second I stepped on campus, I knew it was where I was supposed to be."
Doherty on Straub
"Lainey is a quick and crafty attacker who can weave through the defense. Her speed will be an asset at the next level, both in cutting and challenging to goal."
