Agnes Irwin 2026 attack Ella Garner has been named the Michael Pansini Memorial Scholar-Athlete of the Week.

The award recognizes senior and junior lacrosse players who excel in academics, service, and athletics.

Ella Garner Profile:
High School: Agnes Irwin
Grad Year: 2026
Position: Attack
College Commitment: University of Pennsylvania
Club team: Philly Blast
Expected College Major: Biology

Honoree Questions:

How do you define leadership in athletics and school?

• Garner: “I believe that leadership doesn’t always come from being the most skilled player on the field or in the classroom, but rather from being the most persistent and hardworking in anything you do. I think that being a leader is leading both by example and making connections. With our team being so young this year, I have been able to connect with the younger girls, making me feel like a big sister to them all. They have made me feel more like a leader and helped me step into my role as a captain. In school, leadership for me is simply being present. I believe showing up for my friends and classmates has allowed me to gain their friendship and respect.”

How do you balance academics, service, and athletics?

• Garner: “As someone who values all of these equally, I try my hardest to participate in each as much as possible. I have developed a strong relationship with time management, as I have learned to love the pressure of working with limited time. Being so busy with lacrosse, service, and academics has forced me to develop good study habits. I enjoy fitting service into my school days, whether during a club I am a member of, the Produce Project, or in between practice and school, making casseroles for a food bank. I like to put the most effort into everything I do, which allows me to give back in so many ways, to my team, community, and teachers.”

What are your future goals?

• Garner: “Currently, my goals are to major in biology as an undergrad and hopefully attend medical school. Although I’m not sure exactly what area of medicine, I ultimately want to be in a field where I can help people.”

Agnes Irwin coach Lauren Wray on Ella: “Ella is a model student-athlete. She works incredibly hard both in the classroom and on the field. As a team captain, she has been a tremendous leader, welcoming our large freshman class. I have seen so much growth in Ella the past four years, both personally and on the lacrosse field, and I am confident she will continue to excel at Penn next year.”

High school coaches from the 5-county area, Delaware, South Jersey, the Lehigh Valley, and Central PA may nominate a player (junior or senior) for the Michael Pansini Memorial Scholar-Athlete of the Week by e-mailing us at golax@phillylacrosse.com.