Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 9/15/23
From Press Release
The lacrosse program and Head Coach Anne Murray have officially announced the addition of seven newcomers that will be joining the team for the upcoming 2024 season.
“The class of 2027 comes to campus with such great pride in their hearts for Columbia and the Lions!” Murray said. “They are energetic, dynamic, and such balanced threats on the field. Hailing from seven different states, each player brings their own style that will greatly contribute to this team and our program in the years to come. We couldn’t be more proud to welcome them to the Lions Lacrosse family and wait with tremendous anticipation for the years ahead. We are ready to see these student-athletes hit the ground running and expect them to make an impact right away!”
The entire incoming class can be found below. The full 2024 lacrosse roster can be found HERE.
Michelle Zhai (Pennsylvania – Attack)
High School: Attended Methacton High School in Eagleville Pennsylvania… US Lacrosse All-Academic (2023)…PASLA Student-athlete of the Year (2023) … 1st Team All-League (2023, 2022)…Third Team All-Phillylacrosse, 2023 … Team Captain (2023)…Class Secretary…National Honor Society.
Personal: Parents – Ruijun Zhai and Fang Yi ; Has a younger brother, Michael… co-founder of PA Pockets, organization dedicated to complimentary stringing pockets for Philadelphia area school teams… played club lacrosse for Philly Blast…Intends to major in Economics.
Maddie Feldner (Virginia – Defense/Midfield)
High School: Attended Holton-Arms School, Bethesda, Maryland…Holton-Arms Varsity Lacrosse – Captain (2023)…All ISL – 2022, 2023…Academic All-American… MVP – 2023… Holton-Arms Field Hockey- Captain (2023)… Suzanne Bailey Athletic Award…Holton-Arms School… National Merit Finalist… Cum Laude Society… Michael Higgins Award for Intellectual Leadership… Alumnae Award for most outstanding contribution to the school’s academics, athletic program, and school life… Graduated with Highest Honors…STEM Scholar.
Personal: Father, Randy Feldner, attended the University of Richmond; Mum, Libbie Feldner was on the field hockey and lacrosse teams at the University of Richmond, and her Uncle, Rob Shawger, played Golf at the University of Richmond … .loves skiing..enrolled at Columbia College..intends to major in Computer Science, and minor in Economics and Math.
Maddy Goger (Maryland – Midfield)
High School: Attended Severna Park High School, Severna Park, Maryland…Dual sport athlete at Severna Park High School… 4-year varsity midfielder and senior captain (2023)… Maryland 3A state champions (2023)… Maryland 3A state runner-up (2022)… Club Team Maryland United East won inaugural Elite Eight Championship (2021)… AU Futures Maryland Team (2021)… USA Lacrosse Maryland Team (2021) … 4-year varsity member of swim team, 2x captain (2022, 2023)… USA Lacrosse Academic All American(2023)… All-County swim team (2022, 2023)… Team MVP (2022, 2023) … competed at YMCA Nationals in the 50 freestyle…Graduated summa cum laude…Vice President National Honor Society…Member of Leadership Institute… Vice President Science National Honor Society… Member of English National Honor Society … Certificate of Merit, Scholar Athlete Award all years.
Personal: Father, Jason Goger played lacrosse at Duke University; Mother, Joanna Goger, ran track at Duke University; Siblings: Younger sister Amelia Goger and younger brother, Myles Goger… Enrolled at Columbia.. Intends to major in Neuroscience and Behaviour.
Ava Kimche (Utah – Goalie)
High School: Attended Park City High School, Park City, Utah…US Lacrosse All-American 2022 & 2023.. High School Varsity Captain for 2022&2023… Adrenaline All-American, Utah Ms. Lacrosse… Utah Lacrosse State Champions (2021,2023)… 4-year Varsity Basketball Starter… Captain Varsity Basketball Team 2023…US Lacrosse All-Academic 2022 & 2023… National Honors Society, AP Scholar with Distinction… High Honor Roll.
Personal: Scott, father, played football at Furman University… Stefani, mother, did her undergraduate studies at Cornell University. Brother, Eli, is a sophomore at Dartmouth and plays on the men’s golf team. Sister, Livia, graduated from the University of Virginia ,UVA, in 2022, and was Captain of Virginia Rowing …. French Dual Immersion Program since 1st grade… Enrolled at Columbia; Intends to major in Biology.
Natalia Raiszadeh (California – Midfielder)
High School: Attended IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida…Nominated Adrenaline All American 2023 Player Watchlist… Mad Dog 2022 National Team… American Select Team 2022… First Team CIF Championship 2022…1st Team All-Coastal (CIF San Diego Section)… 2022 CIF San Diego Section Scholar Athlete Award… Varsity Team Captain 2022…Varsity Team Starter every year… Lead Varsity Team in overall points 2021 & 2022… Lead Varsity Team in draw controls 2022… Varsity Offensive MVP 2021 & 2022… Best sportsmanship …Hard Hat award Mad Dog… Western Winners All Star Player… All Academic American 2023…National Honor Society… Principal Honor Roll…California Scholarship Federation… CIF San Diego Scholar-Athlete Award.
Personal: Cousin, Sophie Raiszadeh, a Columbia graduate, played on the tennis team…Enrolled at Columbia..Undecided for major; will major in either Neuroscience and Behavior or psychology.
Grace Hoverman (Texas – Attack)
High School: USA Lacrosse All-American Selection (2023)…Named Captain, Hockaday Varsity Lacrosse for 2022-2023 season…Hockaday School Record of 104 Single Season Goals (Division 1, 2023)…Adrenaline All-American Selection (2023)…Texas Division 1 All-State Selection (2023)…Texas Division 1 All-State Selection (2022)…Southwest Preparatory Conference All-Conference Team Selection (2023)…Southwest Preparatory Conference All-Conference Team Selection (2022)…Sandstorm 2022 AIl Tournament Team Selection (2022)…American Select – Texas Region – 2023…Named a “Day 2 Player that Impressed” by US Club Lacrosse…Maryland Lacrosse Showcase – All-Star Team (2021).
Personal: Father, Daniel Hoverman, played lacrosse at Yale and graduated with a joint JD and MBA from Columbia in 2003…Mother Karin Hoverman, graduated Columbia Law School in 2001…Also has a brother, George, and sister, Daphne…enrolled at Columbia College…Intends to major in Neuroscience.
Anna Becker (New York – Midfield)
High School: Attended Bronxville High School, Bronxville, New York…Tri-sport Varsity athlete…All-Section Lacrosse 2023… All-League Lacrosse 2022… All-Section Basketball 2023… All-League Basketball 2022… All-League Tennis 2022 & 2023… Bronxville Athletics Virginia Landis Award 2023… Bronxville Athletics Karen Peterson Leadership Award.
Personal: Diane Becker (mother), Chris Becker (father), Jane Becker (sister), Sam Becker (brother)…Enrolled at Columbia College…Intends to major in financial Economics.