Hempstead, NY - Hofstra University Head Women's Lacrosse Coach Shannon Smith announced today the addition of 10 talented student-athletes to join the Pride for the 2024-25 academic year. 

The 10 student-athletes signing their National Letters of Intent with Hofstra are: Kayleigh Bender (Huntington Station, New York), Olivia Hoover (Ellicott City, Maryland), Brooke Kenedy (Babylon, New York), Kate Lemery (Bayport, New York), Olivia McCue (Northport, New York), Jordyn Poll (Macungie, Pennsylvania), Melina Sarlo (East Hampton, New York), Jacky Sutherland (East Moriches, New York), Maggie Turco (East Windsor, New Jersey), Logan Walsh (Baltimore, Maryland). 

"What an exciting time for Hofstra and our women's lacrosse program," commented Smith. "These 10 young women will be great additions to our team and the Hofstra community. They all are very skilled lacrosse student-athletes who will help our team in several key areas."

Bender, an attacker, is a student at Huntington High School. She plays lacrosse and basketball for the Blue Devils. An All-County selection last season, she had 41 goals and 26 assists on the lacrosse field. 

Hoover, who plays midfield, attends Mount Hebron High School. She has played lacrosse and soccer for the Vikings. Last season she totaled 43 goals, eight assists, 37 draw controls, and 18 ground balls. A First Team All-County selection, she was also her team's offensive MVP. 

Kenedy, a midfielder, attends Babylon Junior-Senior High School. She has played lacrosse, track, and soccer for the Panthers. Last season she had 27 goals and eight assists and has been named All-County Honorable Mention. 

Lemery plays midfield and attends Bayport Blue Point High School. She has played lacrosse, basketball, and soccer for the Phantoms. A member of two straight Suffolk County Championship teams, the 2023 squad captured the Long Island Championship and the Class C New York State title. She has been named to the All-Long Island Preseason Team.  

McCue, a defender, is a student at St. Anthony's High School. She is a member of the Friars lacrosse and track teams. An AP scholar, she was part of a team in 2023 that was ranked eighth in the county and compiled a 16-2 record. 

Poll, a midfielder, attends Emmaus High School. She has played lacrosse and field hockey for the Green Hornets. A highly-decorated lacrosse player, she earned multiple all-conference and all-area honors last season and was the Team MVP. Last year she had 48 goals, 35 assists, 128 draw controls, and 16 caused turnovers. 

Sarlo, a midfielder, attends East Hampton High School. A three-sport athlete, she has played lacrosse, field hockey, and winter track. A member of the All-County lacrosse team, she posted 46 goals, 15 assists, 62 draw controls, 38 ground balls, and 22 caused turnovers last season. Her father played basketball at Gettysburg. 

Sutherland, who plays midfield, attends William Floyd High School. She has played lacrosse, basketball, tennis, and soccer for the Colonials. An All-County selection and a captain on the lacrosse team, she posted 45 goals, 15 assists, and 35 draw controls last season. 

Turco, who plays attack, currently attends Rutgers Preparatory School. A member of the lacrosse and cross country teams, she had 114 points last season with 75 goals, 39 assists, 88 draw controls, 42 ground balls, and 37 caused turnovers. The school record holder for points in a single season, she was named First Team All-Conference last year. Her father played lacrosse at Denver and Hampden-Sydney and her grandfather played lacrosse at Washington and Lee. 

Walsh, a defender, is a student at Notre Dame Preparatory School. She has played lacrosse and also ran track. A school record holder in the 300-meter, her father played baseball at Arizona and her brother plays lacrosse at Ohio State.