Liberty Lacrosse Adds 9 Players in 2022-23 Class

The Liberty lacrosse team has announced the signing of nine student-athletes for the 2022-23 school year.

The recruiting class – Hannah Beard (Minnesota), Jenna Burrow (Georgia), Katie Colavito (North Carolina), Kendall Coss (Virginia), Delaney Donohue (New York), Karlie Hickson (Maryland), Amelia Loughery (Pennsylvania), Kendall Nye (Virginia), and Ava Rajala (Minnesota) – is comprised of student-athletes from seven different states.

“This is such a special time for our program. I couldn’t be more excited for the nine young women that will be joining our Flames family,” said Liberty head coach Kelly Nangle. “This group has endured a lot to get here, making this day extra special. These young women will add tremendous value to our program not just on the field but off the field as well. These are high character student-athletes who will make us better. I am excited to make them grow, flourish and help take our program to the next level. Go Flames!”

Hannah Beard (GK – Stillwater, Minn./Stillwater Area HS)

Beard, a goalkeeper from Stillwater, Minn., was an all-section first team and all-conference honorable mention selection during her junior season for the Stillwater Poinies. She compiled a .588 save percentage while leading her team to a 12-2 mark. As a freshman during the 2019 campaign, Beard had a .640 save percentage and led her team to the state tournament.

“Liberty is where I immediately connected with the coaches, the school and my future teammates,” Beard stated. “Liberty will help me grow as an athlete and spiritually as a student.”

Beard has competed at the club level for the St. Croix Eagles Lacrosse Club. Beard and her team won a championship at the Summer Shootout tournament in 2020.

Jenna Burrow (M – Cumming, Ga./West Forsyth HS)

Burrow is a midfielder from Cumming, Ga. A three-year varsity starter and two-year team captain, Burrow has totaled 135 goals, 37 assists, 172 points, 258 draw controls and 107 ground balls over the past three seasons for the West Forsyth Wolverines. As a junior, Burrow tallied 56 goals, 14 assists, 70 points, 96 draw controls and 41 ground balls while leading her team to a 20-3 and runner-up finish at the Georgia state tournament. She earned several awards, including: US Lacrosse All-American, Under Armour All-America South Highlight team, Midfielder Player of the Year, All-State first team and All-County first team.

“I am so blessed to have the opportunity to play lacrosse at the next level and grow my faith as a Christian athlete,” Burrow said. “I cannot wait to see what Liberty’s future holds. Go Flames!”

In a shortened sophomore campaign in 2020, Burrow recorded 26 goals, eight assists, 62 draw controls and 20 ground balls for an 8-0 West Forsyth squad that finished the season ranked No. 2 in the state. For efforts, she earned five accolades: Under Armour All-America South Highlight team, Under Armour 150, Midfielder Player of the Year, All-State first team and All-County first team. As a freshman in 2019, Burrow was a varsity starters and totaled 53 goals, 15 assists, 68 points, 100 draw controls and 46 ground balls for a 15-win Wolverines team that reached the state semifinals. She received four honors that season, including: Under Armour All-America South Command team, Under Armour 150, All-County first team and Newcomer Award.

Burrow has competed at the club level for Eagle Stix 2022 Blue, the eight-ranked club in the nation. A starting midfielder and starter at the draw, Burrow and Eagle Stix have won several tournaments and also feature 12 Division I commits.

“We would like to thank Jenna for her time at West. Her greatness is measured both in athletic ability and physical and mental toughness. No one will outwork Ms. Jenna Burrow. She is a dominating force on the circle and relentless in her pursuit of greatness.”

Chris Kiefer, West Forsyth High School Varsity Lacrosse Coach

“Jenna is a motivated and strong, athletic midfielder. She is a fierce competitor that is relentless on loose ground balls. She will be a great asset to Liberty Lacrosse!”

Erik Merkel, West Forsyth High School Varsity Lacrosse Assistant Coach, Eagle Stix and Lady Laxer Club Coach

Katie Colavito (M – Wake Forest, N.C./Wake Forest HS)

Colavito is a midfielder who hails from Wake Forest, N.C. and is the younger sister of current Lady Flame Andre Colavito. As a junior, Colavito earned All-American, first team all-state and all-conference honors for the Wake Forest Cougars. She scored 70 goals, tied for the most fourth in the state, and recorded 11 assists, 81 points, 77 ground balls and 43 caused turnovers. Colavito and Wake Forest reached the state semifinal round and finished with a 13-3 mark.

“I’m honored to play for a team that is on the rise, plays hard and glorifies God,” Colavito stated.

During her freshman season in 2019, Colavito notched 35 goals, 21 assists, 56 points, 27 ground balls and 10 caused turnovers for Johns Creek High School in Georgia. She received all-region honors and helped her team to a 17-3 overall record and the third round of the state playoffs.

Colavito has competed for the Eagle Stix 2022 Blue club team as well, a team that was ranked No. 1 in Georgia in 2019.

“Katie is the type of player that will run through a wall if that’s what it takes for her team to win!”

Ivan Braszo, Wake Forest High School Varsity Lacrosse Coach

“Katie has been a spark on the field since I first coached her in sixth grade. Watching her grow from high energy fun to a poised and passionate college-bound player has been a pleasure. Katie only knows how to go 100 percent both on the field and in everyday life, and I am so excited for her to bring all of her gifts to Liberty!”

Lindsey Dalton, Eagle Stix Elite Blue Coach

Kendall Coss (M – Virginia Beach, Va./Catholic HS)

Coss is a midfielder from Virginia Beach, Va. Coss put together a historic junior season in 2021, totaling 64 goals, 36 assists, 100 points, 96 draw controls, 64 ground balls and 31 caused turnovers in only 13 games for the Catholic High School Crusaders, who posted a 10-3 record and won the 2021 Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools (TCIS) title for the first time in 10 years. Coss’ 7.69 points per game was a new school record for highest points per game average in a season, and her 36 assists were also a single-season school record.

Coss’ junior season was filled with awards and recognitions, including: 2021 Under Armour All-American, 2021 US Lacrosse All-American, Under Armour 2022 Senior Class All-American Watch List, Under Armour All-American Spotlight team, 2021 US Lacrosse National Tournament Virginia team member, 2021 VISAA D1 first team all-state, TCIS 2021 Championship MVP and TCIS 2021 first team all-conference selection.

“First and foremost, I want to thank God for everything He has given me and the plan He holds for my future,” Coss said. “I am so excited to join a team of champions who are on fire for Christ. The combination of Liberty’s culture, athletic excellence, academic rigor and phenomenal coaching staff is truly unmatched, and I am so honored to become a Flame!”

Coss has competed at the club level for Storm Selection 2022 (Richmond, Va.) and led the team in goals, assists, draw controls, ground balls and caused turnovers in 2020 and 2021.

“Kendall is one of the most impressive, well-rounded young ladies that I have ever coached. In addition to being a phenomenal athlete, academically she is near the top of her class. She has been a school ambassador the entire time she has been at CHS while also serving as a Peer Ministry Leader, one of the top honors that you can receive at CHS. She leads by her actions on and off the field. It’s no surprise that she has been a two-time captain in all three of the sports she competes in. Coaching her has been and continues to be a great honor, and I am so excited for what the future holds for her.”

Lee Murphy, Catholic High School Varsity Lacrosse Coach

“As a club and high school coach with 14 years of coaching experience, I have interacted with hundreds of student-athletes. Kendall is by far one of the best young women I’ve had the opportunity to coach. Kendall has achieved many of the highest honors in the lacrosse realm. In combination with these awards and honors, Kendall in a natural born leader, which is not something you can teach or coach a player to do.”

Lauren Coleman, Storm Selection 2022 Coach

Delaney Donohue (A – Queensbury, N.Y./Queensbury HS)

Donohue is an attacker who hails from Queensbury, N.Y. As a junior in 2021, she totaled 28 goals, 21 assists and 49 points for the Queensbury Spartans, who went 14-0 and won the Section 2 Foothills title.

As a freshman during the 2019 season, Donohue recorded 12 goals, 21 assists and 33 points in 10 games while leading her team to a 10-0 record and a Section 2 Foothills title. She set the school record for most assists in a game by a freshman when she dished out five assists in a game

Donohue competed at the club level for the ADK Lacrosse Club.

Karlie Hickson (D – Centreville, Md./Queen Anne’s County HS)

Hickson is a defender from Centreville, Md. Hickson and her high school team, the Queen Anne’s County Lions, posted a perfect 12-0 record in 2021, winning the Maryland 2A state title and North Bayside crown. Hickson totaled four goals, two assists, six points, seven draw controls, seven ground balls and eight caused turnovers while being named to the North Bayside first team. As a freshman during the 2019 campaign, Hickson and the Lions went 10-2 and won the North Bayside title as well.

“I am abundantly thankful to God, my family, my coaches and teammates to be officially signing with the Liberty Flames,” Hickson stated.

Hickson has competed at the club level for Lady Blue Crabs Lacrosse (LBC), based out of Crumpton, Md. She has helped the Blue Crabs win three championships, including: National Fall Lax Festival (2019), The Grind (2017) and Beach Blast (July 2016).

Amelia Loughery (D – Bedminster, Pa./Pennridge HS)

A defender from Bedminster, Pa., Loughery was a Suburban 1 Conference first team all-league honoree last spring as a junior for Pennridge High School. She scored 36 goals and added 12 assists, 48 points, 37 ground balls and 28 draw controls. Loughery also received the 3D (drive, determination, and dedication) award.

“I am extremely humbled and excited to be signing to play lacrosse at Liberty University. Liberty has always been my favorite school, and I am so grateful that I will be able to play there,” Loughery said. “The environment on the lacrosse team is something that you can not beat. The thing I love most is that it is not just about lacrosse. You are playing for something much greater, God. I am so excited to be able to glorify God while playing a sport I love so much.

As a freshman, Loughery split time between the varsity and junior varsity teams and scored a combined 32 goals. Loughery has also played for the club team Ultimate Lacrosse.

“Amelia is one of the hardest working student-athlete that I have ever worked with. She never takes a day off. She leads by example. Amelia is relentless as a player. She is a fantastic role model for the younger players and is always trying to work with them and unite the team. Amelia has taken her natural talent to the next level through hard work and a tremendous desire to excel.”

Karen Feher, Pennridge High School Varsity Lacrosse Coach

“Amelia is the kind of player every coach wants on their team. She is a workhorse, a team player and an impact player on the defensive end. Amelia does the things she’s expected to do and the little things that other players may miss. It was a pleasure coaching Amelia. She has a bright future as a student-athlete at Liberty!”

Molly Wolf, Ultimate Lacrosse Coach

Kendall Nye (D – Lexington, Va./Rockbridge County HS)

Nye is a defender who hails from Lexington, Va., and has competed for the Rockbridge County High School Wildcats. During her junior season, Nye was named VHSL Region Player of the Year and RCHS Midfield MVP while serving as a team captain.

She averaged 7.2 draw controls per game, 3.7 goals per game, 3.1 assists per game, 4.7 ground balls per game and 2.5 caused turnovers per game while leading Rockbridge to an 11-1 record and a third place finish at the state tournament. Nye and the Wildcats were also region champions. Nye was a 76 percent shooter and a part of a Rockbridge defensive unit that surrendered only 1.5 goals per game in 2021.

“I am beyond excited to start this new chapter of my life,” Nye stated. “I look forward to the next four years playing for the best program!”

As a freshman in 2019, Nye was a VHSL All-Region first team honoree and RHSL Midfield MVP. She averaged 4.36 caused turnovers per game, 2.64 goals per game, 2.82 assists per game and 1.36 ground balls per game while helping her team to a second place finish in the district and third place finish in the region.

“She exemplifies the motto of our high school program, Wildcat WAY. The way stands for win all and you. For the you, she always gives 100 percent of herself in practices. She always wants to help all of her teammates to be successful, and she never quits in her desire to win.”

Susan Nye, Rockbridge High School Varsity Lacrosse Coach

Ava Rajala (M – Excelsior, Minn./Minnetonka HS)

Rajala is a midfielder from Excelsior and will be the third Minnesotan on the Liberty roster, joining Hannah Beard (Stillwater, Minn.) and current freshman Taiva Reinertson (Apple Valley, Minn.). As a junior during the spring 2021 campaign, she notched 61 goals, 16 assists, 77 points and 54 ground balls for the Minnetonka Skippers. For her efforts, she was named an All-American and earned MVP, all-state first team, all-section first team and all-conference accolades while leading the Skippers to an 11-4 season.

Rajala tallied 15 goals, two assists, 17 points and 12 ground balls for Minnetonka as a freshman in 2019, earning all-conference honorable mention distinction.

“It feels unreal to live the dream I’ve been dreaming of for so long,” Rajala said. “I can’t wait for this path that the Lord has opened and given to me.”

Rajala’s club lacrosse career has been spent with Minnesota Elite Girls Lacrosse, which was the No. 1-ranked club in Minnesota in 2020. Rajala and MN Elite went 4-0 at the Capitol Cup and 3-1 at the Champions Cup, last summer.