Thursday, October 1, 2026
Five victories were one too few for the Cougars to qualify for the girls’ lacrosse playoffs last spring, but coach Mallory Freeley is looking for balanced strength to lead the program back to the postseason.
“Playoffs are always the goal,” she said. “We have some holes to fill, but we’ve got several strong and experienced players in every part of the field. The conference will be competitive again and there’s a few must-win games on the schedule.”
Senior three-sport athletes Jordi Wohlleben and Samantha Frank are both entering their fourth varsity campaigns and will set the tone for Kennedy at midfield. Wohlleben, who takes the majority of draws, recorded 19 goals and 8 assists last spring and was Honorable Mention All-County. Frank added 13 goals and 8 assists and is vital on draw control.
“Both are leaders and communicators with strong stick skills,” Freeley said. “Jordi is just an all-around great athlete who runs all day. Samantha is our most improved kid over the last three years and is more of a defensive middie who can also score.”
The attack won’t fully hit stride until sophomore Nicole Donoghue returns from injury sometime in April. Donoghue had 17 goals and 14 assists to rank second on the team in points. Freshman Mia Monzidelis had 13 goals last season and works well behind the cage as the offensive quarterback. “Both are strong finishers with quick footwork,” said Freeley, who also returns senior Kristin Lichtenstein (12 goals), a lefty who goes “full steam ahead.”
The coach is excited about the high upside of another freshman, Lauren Blanshan, someone who could take the offense to another level.
On defense, the Cougars will rely on senior wing Dakota Hoehn and sophomore backer Izzy Ryan in front of an inexperienced goalie. Freeley, who also coaches varsity basketball, recruited freshman Daniella Diel from that team to serve as the last line of defense. “You’d never know Daniella just picked up a goalie stick,” Freeley said. “She’s really taken charge and looks the part.”
To read more about Kennedy Cougars' 2026 boys lacrosse team, click here. To see more of the Herald’s 2026 Lacrosse Preview, click here.
