Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 3/15/25
One of a series of scholastic previews for the 2025 season
Academy of Notre Dame
League: Inter-Ac
Head Coach: Anna McNevin, 2nd year, 13-9; Assts: Megan Davis, Monica Manley, Belle McHugh
2024 Record: 13-9
Opener: Sat, 3/15, Downingtown East
Key returners: Anya Dunn, Cate Fox, Abby Sims, Keira McHugh, Riley Davis
Key newcomers: Emma Anthony, Erin Conroy, Lila McGrath, Ella Andrews
Coach’s Outlook for 2025: “With a solid core of returners, combined with the influx of talented freshmen and transfers, the team has a balanced mix of experience and youthful energy. The veteran returners will be key in leading the way, while the new players have the potential to make a significant impact from day one.
“The team’s offense looks poised to take a big leap forward, thanks to the continued development of key players like Riley Davis, Keira McHugh, Abby Sims, and Cate Fox, along with the addition of several newcomers who will help keep opposing defenses on their toes. Defensively, Anya Dunn’s leadership and Morgan Kelly and Madyn Arata’s strong goaltending should provide stability and a solid foundation.
“Overall, the combination of experienced leaders and promising newcomers gives the team high potential to compete, with a strong mix of offensive firepower, defensive strength, and skilled goaltending. The team’s success will depend on how well the new players adapt to the high school game and how the returners elevate their performances to match the high expectations.”
Penn Charter
League: Inter-Ac
Head Coach: Colleen Kelly, 10th season; Assistant Deb White
2024 Record: 16-8
2024 Team Honors: nationally ranked as high as 15, lost in semifinals of the PAISAA
Opener: defeated Hill Academy, 11-3
Key returners: Kenighan Mattice, Molly Dougherty, Harbor Campbell, Maeve Magarity, Ana Buckley, Ailyah Leonard
Key newcomers: Sailor Campbell and Nora Schmalbach
Coach’s Outlook for 2025: “We are a generally young team and we have a lot of speed and athleticism on the defensive end. We are excited to get better every day, work hard and together. We have a tough schedule out of the league and in our conference so we will definitely be tested by the best this season.”
