Hempstead, NY - Hofstra University Head Women's Lacrosse Coach Shannon Smith announced today that seven student-athletes will join the Pride beginning with the 2026-27 academic year. Joining the Hofstra program are Reese Achille, Ava Bonalsky, Lila Callahan, Mia Modica, Rylie Poll, Valentina Puccio, and Claire Whipkey.

"We are very excited to welcome this talented group of student-athletes to the Hofstra women's lacrosse family," commented Smith. "Each of them brings a unique combination of skill, athleticism, and character that will strengthen our program on and off the field. They represent the values of Hofstra University and will continue the proud tradition within our program."

Reese Achille (Brick, NJ) joins the Pride from Brick Township High School, where she is a standout midfielder and team captain in both lacrosse and soccer. A multiple-time All-Division and All-County selection, Achille was named Brick Lacrosse MVP and Offensive Player of the Year and tallied 76 goals and 85 points as a junior. She plays club lacrosse for Jersey Shore Select. Achille's father, John Achille, rowed for the Rutgers University men's crew program.

Ava Bonalsky (Madison, CT) is a goalkeeper from Daniel Hand High School and a member of the Nor'Easter Lacrosse Club. Bonalsky recorded more than 200 career varsity saves and helped lead her team to multiple state tournament appearances, including a runner-up finish in 2025. Her mother, Caroline Bonalsky, was a member of the U.S. National Short Track Speed Skating Team (1987–89) and served as an alternate for the 1988 U.S. Olympic Team in Calgary.

Lila Callahan (Mount Sinai, NY) is an attacker from Mount Sinai High School and a member of the Long Island Yellow Jackets. A two-time LILJ Watch List honoree and All-Star Game participant, Callahan has been recognized among Long Island's top Class of 2026 players. Her brother, Dylan Callahan, plays collegiate ice hockey at Adrian College and competes internationally for the Puerto Rico Men's National Ice Hockey Team.

Mia Modica (East Setauket, NY) is a midfielder from Ward Melville High School and a member of the Long Island Yellow Jackets. Modica helped lead her team to Suffolk County and New York State championships and was an All-League selection. Her father, Robert Modica, played football at the University at Albany, and her sister, Greenley Modica, played soccer at Haverford College.

Rylie Poll (Macungie, PA) joins the Pride from Emmaus High School, where she was a multi-sport athlete in lacrosse and field hockey. A two-time EPC and District champion, Poll earned EPC All-Star and Attacker of the Year honors while posting 33 goals, 18 assists, and 124 draw controls as a junior. She plays for NXT Lacrosse. Poll will reunite at Hofstra with her sister, Jordyn Poll, a current member of the Pride women's lacrosse team.

Valentina Puccio (Huntington, NY) is a midfielder from Huntington High School, where she helped lead her team to Suffolk County and Long Island Class A Championships. A 2025 All-County tennis player as well, Puccio earned her team's Most Outstanding Player Award and was recognized with the All-Tournament Award for exceptional playoff performance. She competes for the Long Island Top Guns.

Claire Whipkey (Ellicott City, MD) is a midfielder from Centennial High School and a member of M&D Lacrosse. A two-time team MVP and captain, Whipkey has earned multiple All-County honors and helped her team capture a Sierra Division Championship.