Aug. 24, 2016
By Megan Golden
NOTRE DAME, Ind. – The University of Notre Dame women’s lacrosse program welcomed 11 freshmen to their roster this week, including two Under Armour All-Americans.
The class of 2020 features seven midfielders, two attackers, one defender and one goalkeeper, bringing the updated roster to 30 student-athletes. This marks the largest incoming freshman class since 11 freshmen signed on with the Irish prior to the 2013 season.
“We are thrilled to announce our freshman class,” head coach Christine Halfpenny said. “When we were recruiting the 2016 class, we knew that we had many needs for our team. We just graduated a large class that filled many on-field roles as well as huge leadership positions on the team. Each of the 11 incoming student-athletes are strong individuals that are goal-orientated, driven and hard-working young women. Individually, they bring depth and talent to each position from attack to the goalkeeper position.
“They are also champions. They have played for and won state championships and know what it takes to win.”
The freshman class is highlighted by two Under Armour All-Americans, Jessica Masinko and Savannah Buchanan. Masinko, who played attack at Milton High School (Roswell, Ga.), is a three-time Georgia State Champion and Under Armour South team member. Masinko led Milton in goals (72), assists (32) and draw controls (57) her senior season. Buchanan, a graduate of McDonogh High School (Baltimore, Md.) and The Baltimore Sun’s Female High School Athlete of the Year, scored 43 goals and collected 24 assists as a senior. She led her team to its eighth consecutive championship and 155th consecutive win to conclude her senior year.
The 11 freshmen hail from seven different states, including four student-athletes from Colorado, Georgia and North Carolina, all of which were not previously represented on the roster.
“It’s exciting to see how many different states this class represents. Very similar to the national footprint that our University represents,” Halfpenny said. “Bringing top players in from Maryland, New Jersey, Georgia, Indiana, Colorado, New York, and North Carolina will give this class a dynamic look. While each region may play a unique style of lacrosse, we are excited that all of the players bring their own version of our fast, aggressive, passionate and together brand.”
The team’s eight seniors will look to fill the leadership role of last year’s graduating class, a group that led the team to a 4-3 record in the Atlantic Coast Conference and a 14-7 overall record in 2016.
“Our team and coaching staff can’t wait to start working with each new member of the team,” Halfpenny said.
Women’s Lacrosse Freshmen Bios
Sydney Anderson – Durham, N.C. – Cardinal Gibbons
PREP and PERSONAL: Graduated Cum Laude from Cardinal Gibbons High School in the spring of 2016 ââ’¬¦ lettered all four years in both lacrosse and field hockey ââ’¬¦ started as a freshman in lacrosse and field hockey ââ’¬¦ was named to the North Carolina Tournament Team freshman and sophomore year ââ’¬¦ was a Brine All-American as a sophomore ââ’¬¦ was a state runner-up and named to the Under Armour Underclassman All-America Tournament South Team as a junior ââ’¬¦ during her junior and senior season she joined the first team all-conference ââ’¬¦ also was chosen as a US Lacrosse Academic All-American as a junior and senior ââ’¬¦ named team captain at the beginning of her senior season and led the team to a North Carolina state championship … named first team all-state ââ’¬¦ played for the Carolina Fever ââ’¬¦ was president of the Dance Club at Cardinal Gibbons ââ’¬¦ born in Durham, N.C. to David and Cheryl Anderson ââ’¬¦ full name is Sydney Gabrielle Anderson ââ’¬¦ intends to major in marketing.
Cecilia Biagini – Chevy Chase, Md. – Georgetown Visitation
PREP and PERSONAL: Graduated from Georgetown Visitation in May of 2016 ââ’¬¦ lettered in lacrosse for three years and soccer for one year ââ’¬¦ served as JV captain for lacrosse and soccer as a freshman ââ’¬¦ was JV soccer champion during her freshman year ââ’¬¦ was a JV lacrosse finalist the same year ââ’¬¦ joined the varsity lacrosse team as a starter her sophomore year ââ’¬¦ scored 11 goals and recorded seven assists ââ’¬¦ selected for the DC Metro Team and Elite 120 ââ’¬¦ selected for Nike’s “The Ride” but did not play due to an ACL injury ââ’¬¦ also was named a starter prior to her junior and senior seasons ââ’¬¦ chosen as the varsity lacrosse captain her senior season ââ’¬¦ racked up 27 goals, 21 assists and 19 ground balls ââ’¬¦ was an All-Met Honorable Mention ââ’¬¦ mentioned and pictured in Inside Lacrosse magazine as Top Incoming College Freshman ââ’¬¦ Selected for Inside Lacrosse Committed Team ââ’¬¦ was part of the Rebels 2016 Black Lacrosse team alongside Irish teammate Madison Carr ââ’¬¦ served as counselor in Jamaica for Lacrosse Volunteer Corps ââ’¬¦ was a counselor at Rosemary Hills Lacrosse Camp ââ’¬¦ up until the age of 12 she was model/actor and was featured in several magazines and print ads ââ’¬¦ full name is Cecilia Marie Biagini ââ’¬¦ born in Washington, D.C., to Raymond and Celeste Biagini ââ’¬¦ her dad Ray Biagini graduated from Notre Dame in 1976 and received his J.D. from the university in 1979 ââ’¬¦ has three older brothers: Nick, who graduated from Notre Dame in 2011; Johnny, who will gradate from Notre Dame in 2020; and Anthony, who plays men’s lacrosse at Mitchell College.
Savannah Buchanan – Baltimore, Md. – McDonogh
PREP and PERSONAL: Graduated from McDonogh in June of 2016 ââ’¬¦ Lettered all four years in lacrosse, soccer, and basketball ââ’¬¦ won the Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland Championship in lacrosse all four seasons ââ’¬¦ the lacrosse team was ranked No. 1 nationally all four years ââ’¬¦ Under Armour Underclass champion with Team Baltimore during her sophomore and junior seasons ââ’¬¦ named to the Baltimore Sun second team All-Metro during her junior season ââ’¬¦ named a USA Today Third Team Pre-Season All-American and US Lacrosse Honorable Mention All-American her junior season ââ’¬¦ also named to the Under Armour All-Tournament Team her junior year ââ’¬¦ won the IAAM Championship in both soccer and basketball as a junior ââ’¬¦ the soccer team was ranked No. 1 nationally her junior and senior years ââ’¬¦ scored 43 goals and totaled 24 assists her senior season ââ’¬¦ named a USA Today First Team Pre-Season All-American ââ’¬¦ named The Baltimore Sun’s Female High School Athlete of the Year ââ’¬¦ joined the all-conference team ââ’¬¦ received USA Today First Team All-American and Under Armour All-American honors as a senior ââ’¬¦ named Baltimore Sun Athlete of the Year in basketball her senior year ââ’¬¦ the lacrosse team won its eighth consecutive championship and 155th consecutive game to conclude her senior year ââ’¬¦ member of the TLC Lacrosse Club ââ’¬¦ was a leader of “Support Our Troops” and a volunteer at Kennedy Krieger’s program for disabled youth ââ’¬¦ made the Dean’s list all four years of high school ââ’¬¦ full name is Savannah Nicole Buchanan ââ’¬¦ born to Philip and Donna Buchanan in Towson, Md. ââ’¬¦ she joins former McDonogh teammates Grace Muller and Hannah Rees.
Madison Carr – Rockville, Md. – Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart
PREP and PERSONAL: Graduated from Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart in the spring of 2016 ââ’¬¦ lettered all four years in soccer, basketball and lacrosse ââ’¬¦ was an honorable mention by the All-Star Gazette her freshman year ââ’¬¦ placed third in the Independent Schools League during her freshman and senior seasons ââ’¬¦ named to the Schoolgirl’s National Tournament DC Metro Team 4 as a freshman ââ’¬¦ named to the All ISL Lacrosse Team as a sophomore, junior and senior ââ’¬¦ was a Washington Post All-Met Honorable mention as a junior and senior ââ’¬¦ named Second Team All-Star Gazette as a sophomore ââ’¬¦ was part of the Schoolgirl’s National Tournament DC Metro Team Three her sophomore season ââ’¬¦ named First Team All-Gazette as a juniorââ’¬¦ led the team in goals her junior year ââ’¬¦ named to the Schoolgirls National Tournament DC Metro Team One her junior season ââ’¬¦ named varsity MVP at the conclusion of her junior and senior seasons ââ’¬¦ named varsity team captain her senior year ââ’¬¦ named First Team All-ISL ââ’¬¦ led the team in goals, assists, draw controls and ground balls ââ’¬¦ chosen as Bethesda Magazine’s Player of the Year Honorable Mention ââ’¬¦ played for the Rebels 2016 Black Lacrosse Team with Irish teammate Cecilia Biagini ââ’¬¦ served as a volunteer coach for Winners Lacrosse Program ââ’¬¦ volunteered at Bright Beginnings Daycare for Homeless Children ââ’¬¦ was a member of Girl Up International and Best Buddies International ââ’¬¦ born in Rockville, Md., to Chuck and Stacy Carr ââ’¬¦ full name is Madison Taylor Carr.
Kelly Donnelly – Indianapolis, Ind. – Cathedral High School
PREP and PERSONAL: Graduated from Cathedral High School in the spring of 2016 ââ’¬¦ lettered all four years in lacrosse and one year in soccer ââ’¬¦ chosen for the 2013 Elite 120 as a freshman ââ’¬¦ named to the 2013 Maverick Showtime All-Star Team ââ’¬¦ joined the Rising Indiana All-Star team in 2013 ââ’¬¦ named Indiana All-State her sophomore, junior and senior seasons ââ’¬¦ won an award as the top athlete at Nike, “The Ride” Lacrosse camp and recorded the highest SPARQ score in girl’s lacrosse as a sophomore ââ’¬¦ racked 61 goals and 23 assists her junior season ââ’¬¦ named an Under Armour All-American and Brine All-American as a junior ââ’¬¦ was a 2015 Academic All-American as well as an All-American Honorable Mention ââ’¬¦ was part of the Indiana girl’s state championship team her junior season ââ’¬¦ chosen as team captain at the beginning of her senior season ââ’¬¦ snagged 84 goals and 25 assists ââ’¬¦ led the team in goals and points scored ââ’¬¦ state runner-up her senior season ââ’¬¦ member of Indy United lacrosse club team ââ’¬¦ received four years of High Honors and was part of National Honor Societyââ’¬¦ volunteered with Girls on the Run and Habitat for Humanityââ’¬¦ participated in the YMCA’s Blue Ridge service trip ââ’¬¦ born in Clearwater, Fla., to Joseph and Lynn Donnelly ââ’¬¦ full name is Kelly Lorraine Donnelly ââ’¬¦ mother, Lynn Donnelly, ran track and was a junior college All-American at Nassau College ââ’¬¦ brother, Colin Donnelly, played three years of club lacrosse at Indiana University and one year at the University of Tampa.
Cassandra Ford – Summit, N.J. – Oak Knoll School
PREP and PERSONAL: Graduated from Oak Knoll School in May of 2016 ââ’¬¦ lettered all four years in lacrosse and once in soccer and basketball ââ’¬¦ started on the varsity roster as a freshman ââ’¬¦ was the recipient of the Outstanding First Year Player award for soccer in the fall of 2012 and in the spring of 2013 for lacrosse ââ’¬¦ helped lead the lacrosse team to the New Jersey Prep State Championship in 2013, 2015 and 2016 ââ’¬¦ also helped lead the team to a New Jersey Group 1 State Championship in 2013, 2015 and 2016 … was a member of the New Jersey Under Armour underclassmen lacrosse team in 2013 and 2015 ââ’¬¦ was the recipient of Most Improved Player on the varsity basketball team her sophomore year ââ’¬¦ started seven lacrosse games before a season-ending ACL tear her sophomore year ââ’¬¦ returned from the ACL tear her junior season and helped lead the team to a 2015 New Jersey Group 1 state championship ââ’¬¦ scored 79 goals and had 31 assists ââ’¬¦ earned US Lacrosse High School All-American honors as a junior ââ’¬¦ was also selected New Jersey All-State third team ââ’¬¦ snagged 80 goals, 35 assists and 110 points ââ’¬¦ selected as a first team all-league, all-conference, and All-American as a senior ââ’¬¦ named team captain prior to her senior year ââ’¬¦ honored as the Oak Knoll School Athlete of the Year at the conclusion of her senior season ââ’¬¦ led her team to the Tournament of Champions in 2013, 2015 and 2016 ââ’¬¦ led the team in every statistical category as a senior ââ’¬¦ member of the STEPS Elite ’16 team, which medaled at the U15 National Club Championships in Orlando, Fla. ââ’¬¦ was a mentor/coach for New Jersey’s Special Olympics track/field program ââ’¬¦ was the recipient of the Oak Knoll School Bridget Gibbons Award which is given to the one junior who exemplifies character, leadership and dedication ââ’¬¦ volunteered at The Food Bank of New Jersey ââ’¬¦ full name is Cassandra Ellen Ford ââ’¬¦ born in Summit, N.J., to Steven and Amanda Ford ââ’¬¦ father was the captain of the football team at Middlebury College in Vermont ââ’¬¦ brother played lacrosse at Middlebury College in Vermont ââ’¬¦ sister played lacrosse at the College of Holy Cross in Massachusetts.
Jessica Masinko – Roswell, Ga. – Milton High School
PREP and PERSONAL: Graduated from Milton High School in the spring of 2016 ââ’¬¦ lettered in varsity lacrosse all four years ââ’¬¦ was a three-time state champion and three-time Under Armour South team member ââ’¬¦ was named to the Georgia High School First Team All-State three times and was named to the National Tournament Georgia Team 1 as a freshman ââ’¬¦ was an Elite 120 team member and helped lead her team to a tournament championship ââ’¬¦ led the team to a national ranking in the top 10 her freshman season ââ’¬¦ lead the team in goals, assists and interceptions her sophomore year … was a High School All-American Honorable Mention ââ’¬¦ named a High School All-American her junior season ââ’¬¦ named Lax Magazine South Player of the Week April 13th, 2015 ââ’¬¦ chosen as co-captain prior to her senior seasonââ’¬¦ led the team in goals (72), assists (32), and draw controls (57) her senior season ââ’¬¦ chosen as a member of the USA Today Second Team All-USA as a senior ââ’¬¦ named Georgia High School AAAAAA Player of the Year ââ’¬¦ chosen as the Lacrosse Magazine South Player of the Week twice during her senior season ââ’¬¦ named a 2016 Under Armour All-American ââ’¬¦ selected as a 2015 US Lacrosse High School All-American ââ’¬¦ was a member of the Eagle Stix club team alongside current Irish teammate Erin McBride ââ’¬¦ made the honor roll all four years of high school ââ’¬¦ was a three-time Milton Scholar Athlete ââ’¬¦ full name is Jessica Susan Masinko ââ’¬¦ born in Atlanta, Ga., to John and Pam Masinko ââ’¬¦ mother played basketball under current Irish head coach Muffet McGraw as well as lacrosse at Lehigh University.
Erin McBride – Marietta, Ga. – George Walton Comprehensive High School
PREP and PERSONAL: Graduated from George Walton Comprehensive High School ââ’¬¦ lettered in lacrosse all four years of high school ââ’¬¦ was named First Team All-State all four years ââ’¬¦ chosen to be part of the All-County Team all four years ââ’¬¦ snagged 88 goals, 12 assists and 36 ground balls during her freshman season ââ’¬¦ named Nike/ US Lacrosse south region top performers ââ’¬¦ was named Milton High School offensive player of the year at the conclusion of her freshman and sophomore seasons ââ’¬¦ snagged 94 goals, 21 assists, and 98 ground balls as a sophomore ââ’¬¦ named a US Lacrosse First Team All-American three years in a row ââ’¬¦ chosen as Lacrosse Magazine’s player of the week on April 29, 2014 ââ’¬¦ named Cobb County Women’s Lacrosse Player of the Year her sophomore, junior, and senior seasons ââ’¬¦ was a member of the 2014 State Championship runner-up team as a sophomore and junior ââ’¬¦ chosen as the Atlanta Journal Constitution High School Athlete of the Year for girls lacrosse her junior and senior years ââ’¬¦ honored as the Walton High School Midfielder of the Year ââ’¬¦ chosen as the Lacrosse Magazine South Player of the Week on March 3, 2015 ââ’¬¦ added to the US Lacrosse Girls High School Academic List as a junior and senior ââ’¬¦ recorded 61 goals, 20 assists and 55 ground balls her senior season ââ’¬¦ named Lacrosse Magazine’s South Player of the Year ââ’¬¦ rounded out her high school lacrosse career with a state championship in 2016 ââ’¬¦ played club lacrosse for the Eagle Stix alongside current Irish teammate Jessica Masinko ââ’¬¦ was a member of the National Honor Society ââ’¬¦ was an Atlanta Children’s Charity member for three years ââ’¬¦ received the AP Scholar with Honor Award ââ’¬¦ full name is Erin Katherine McBride ââ’¬¦ born in Atlanta, Ga., to Mark and Mary Kay McBride ââ’¬¦ former Irish swimmer Jess Eaton also attended Walton High School.
Kathleen Roe – Denver, Colo. – Regis Jesuit High School
PREP and PERSONAL: Graduated from Regis Jesuit High School in the spring of 2016 ââ’¬¦ lettered all four years in lacrosse and three years in field hockey ââ’¬¦ was a Nike “The Ride” participant ââ’¬¦ chosen as first team all-league four times and named second team all-state as a freshman ââ’¬¦ played for Colorado National Team her freshman, sophomore and junior seasons ââ’¬¦ named first team all-state three times ââ’¬¦ named league Player of the Year her junior season ââ’¬¦ chosen for the Academic All-State first team her junior and senior seasons ââ’¬¦ honored as an All-American her senior year ââ’¬¦ played for the Team 180 Lacrosse club team, which won the championship from 2012-2014 ââ’¬¦ named Sandstorm Tournament Team 180 MVP ââ’¬¦ maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout her high school career ââ’¬¦ was a member of the National Charity League ââ’¬¦ born in Denver, Colo., to Steve and Brigid Roe ââ’¬¦ full name is Kathleen Donohue Roe ââ’¬¦ mother and father graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1990 ââ’¬¦ brother is attending Notre Dame and is expected to graduate in 2019.
Haley Schultz – Burnt Hills, N.Y. – Ballston Lake High School
PREP and PERSONAL: Graduated from Ballston Lake High School in June of 2016 ââ’¬¦ earned six letters in lacrosse, three in soccer and two in basketball ââ’¬¦ recorded 14 goals, six assists and 20 ground balls her freshman season ââ’¬¦ helped lead the team to a Section 2 soccer championship as a freshman, sophomore and junior ââ’¬¦ snagged 19 goals, nine assists and 32 ground balls as a sophomore ââ’¬¦ received the Un-Sung Hero Award ââ’¬¦ was named captain prior to her junior year and remained captain as a senior ââ’¬¦ collected 30 goals, eight assists, and 36 ground balls as a junior ââ’¬¦ received Academic and Lacrosse All-American honorable mention honors her junior year ââ’¬¦ added to the Under Armour Upstate Team ââ’¬¦ finished her high school career with 44 goals, eight assists and 21 ground balls as a senior ââ’¬¦ holds the Ballston High school record for most goals in a single game with eight goals ââ’¬¦ chosen for the Lacrosse All-American first team ââ’¬¦ was a member of the Capital Women’s Lacrosse Project ââ’¬¦ played for the Albany Power club team as well as LDK Lacrosse ââ’¬¦ coached and refereed for Spartan Junior Lacrosse games ââ’¬¦ was a member of the National Honor Society and a senator for the Ballston Lake High School Student Government ââ’¬¦ was a member of the Diversity Club ââ’¬¦ received a Merit Diploma ââ’¬¦ born in Schenecady, N.Y., to Richard and Kathleen Schultz ââ’¬¦ full name is Haley Elizabeth Schultz ââ’¬¦ her brother played football at the University of Albany.
Grace Steffens – Chestertown, Md. – Queen Anne’s County High School
PREP and PERSONAL: Graduated from Queen Anne’s County High School in June of 2016 ââ’¬¦ lettered in swimming four times, lacrosse three times and field hockey twice ââ’¬¦ carried the lacrosse team to the state finals as a junior and reached the semifinals as a sophomore and senior ââ’¬¦ led the swimming team to states all four years ââ’¬¦ was a member of the TLC Lacrosse team ââ’¬¦ named valedictorian of her high school class ââ’¬¦ born in Chestertown, Md., to Walt and Maddie Steffens ââ’¬¦ full name is Grace Kathleen Steffens ââ’¬¦ father was a wrestler at UMBC and mother played volleyball at Longwood ââ’¬¦ brother, Matthew, played lacrosse for the United States Naval Academy ââ’¬¦ has two sisters, Corey and Allison ââ’¬¦ intends to major in English.
Megan Golden, athletics communications assistant director at the University of Notre Dame, has been part of the Fighting Irish athletics communications team since 2016 and coordinates all media efforts for the Notre Dame women’s lacrosse, cross country and track and field programs. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Golden is a 2014 graduate of Saint Mary’s College, and prior to arriving at Notre Dame held positions with Major League Baseball’s Cleveland Indians and Chicago White Sox.