Florida Lacrosse Welcomes Eight Newcomers to the 2026-2027 Class
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 | Lacrosse
The highly touted class includes four 5-star and two 4-star recruits
GAINESVILLE, FLA. – The University of Florida lacrosse team added eight new Gators for the 2026-2027 season on National Signing Day, Head Coach Amanda O'Leary announced on Wednesday.
Maria Bragg, Kate DeWald, Emma Jean Greenberg, Gabi Johnson, Colleen Lorden, Ava Obloj, Emma Speed, and Anna Von Kennel will join the Gators for the 2026-2027 academic year.
"We are thrilled to welcome this exceptional group to our Gator Lacrosse family," Head Coach Amanda O'Leary said. "Each of them brings not only incredible skill and competitiveness but also strong character and a commitment to excellence, on and off the field. They represent the future of our program, and we can't wait to see the impact they will make at the University of Florida."
UF's recruiting class ranks third in the nation according to Inside Lacrosse and is highlighted by four 5-stars and two 4-stars.
Florida Lacrosse Signees
The 2026-2027 Gators
Maria Bragg – Severna Park, Md. – Midfield – 5'8"
Why Florida? "The awesome coaching staff and the culture of the team. Feeling like home and an amazing school that provides everything and more!"
Quick Facts
Kate DeWald – Rush, N.Y. – Attack – 5'6"
Why Florida? "I love the culture that the coaches have created at Florida. Everyone is so nice and are there to push you to be your best. I also loved how Florida is just as competitive academically as it is athletically along with the beautiful campus and facilities."
Quick Facts
Emma Jean Greenberg – Northport, N.Y. – Defense – 5'9"
Why Florida? "I chose Florida because the vibe was amazing. Everyone was so positive, the culture felt great, and the facilities were insane. The lacrosse team is super determined and I honestly fell in love with it the second I saw it. The academics are strong too, so it just felt like the perfect fit for me."
Quick Facts
Gabi Johnson – Alpharetta, Ga. – Midfield – 5'4"
Why Florida? "The University of Florida is a fantastic academic and athletic school, which is what I wanted and love. The coaching staff and team are all so kind, nice and loving and it feel like a family. I cannot wait for the next 4!"
Quick Facts
Colleen Lorden – Cockeysville, Md. – Defense – 5'9"
Why Florida? "When I visited Florida, the atmosphere was unmatched. I felt welcomed right away by the amazing coaches and players. The team culture seems strong, which is important to me. I was amazed by all the fantastic facilities, and I felt like there was a lot of support academically. I am so excited to start a new chapter of my life at the University of Florida!"
Quick Facts
Ava Obloj – West Islip, N.Y. – Midfield – 5'3"
Why Florida? "The University of Florida not only has an amazing lacrosse program with a great coaching staff, it also has top notch academics. You also can't beat the warm weather and big school vibe!"
Quick Facts
Emma Speed – Wantagh, N.Y. – Attack – 5'4"
Why Florida? "I chose Florida because of the coaches an amazing culture they have there. I also chose it for their academics including the business program there. When I visited it felt like another place I could call home.:
Quick Facts
Anna Von Kennel – Darien, Conn. – Midfield – 5'3"
Why Florida? "I chose Florida because it is not only a great school, but it has an outstanding lacrosse program with great team culture, incredible facilities, and a winning environment. I also really connected with the encouraging and dedicated coaching staff."
Quick Facts
Maria Bragg, Kate DeWald, Emma Jean Greenberg, Gabi Johnson, Colleen Lorden, Ava Obloj, Emma Speed, and Anna Von Kennel will join the Gators for the 2026-2027 academic year.
"We are thrilled to welcome this exceptional group to our Gator Lacrosse family," Head Coach Amanda O'Leary said. "Each of them brings not only incredible skill and competitiveness but also strong character and a commitment to excellence, on and off the field. They represent the future of our program, and we can't wait to see the impact they will make at the University of Florida."
UF's recruiting class ranks third in the nation according to Inside Lacrosse and is highlighted by four 5-stars and two 4-stars.
Florida Lacrosse Signees
| Name | Hometown | Position | High School | Club Team |
| Maria Bragg | Severna Park, Md. | Midfield | Severna Park H.S. | M&D |
| Kate DeWald | Rush, N.Y. | Attack | Rush-Henrietta H.S. | Monster Elite |
| Emma Jean Greenberg | Northport, N.Y. | Defense | Northport H.S. | Yellow Jackets Manning |
| Gabi Johnson | Alpharetta, Ga. | Midfield | Cambridge H.S. | Eagle Stix |
| Colleen Lorden | Cockeysville, Md. | Defense | St. Paul's School for Girls | M&D Black |
| Ava Obloj | West Islip, N.Y. | Midfield | West Islip H.S. | Long Island Jesters |
| Emma Speed | Wantagh, N.Y | Attack | St. Anthony's | Long Island Jesters Black |
| Anna Von Kennel | Darien, Conn. | Midfield | Darien H.S. | CT Grizzlies |
The 2026-2027 Gators
Maria Bragg – Severna Park, Md. – Midfield – 5'8"
Why Florida? "The awesome coaching staff and the culture of the team. Feeling like home and an amazing school that provides everything and more!"
Quick Facts
- No. 6 recruit in class of 2026 on Inside Lacrosse. 5-star recruit with an 89 overall scout grade. "An elite athlete, Bragg has the potential to develop into one of the best collegiate midfielders in her class. She makes big plays on both ends of the field, including hardnosed 1v1 defense and quick dodges to get her hands free with ease." – Inside Lacrosse
- 2025 USA Lacrosse All-American
- Two-time Maryland State Champ
- 2025 First Team All-Metro
- 2025 First Team All-County
- Best in Class 2026 Standout
- 2022 National Girls Lacrosse League Championship MVP
- Two-Time American Select All Star First Team
- Sister of current Gator defender Theresa Bragg
Kate DeWald – Rush, N.Y. – Attack – 5'6"
Why Florida? "I love the culture that the coaches have created at Florida. Everyone is so nice and are there to push you to be your best. I also loved how Florida is just as competitive academically as it is athletically along with the beautiful campus and facilities."
Quick Facts
- 5-star recruit on Inside Lacrosse with an 86 overall scout grade. "DeWald has a strong left hand and has the ability to dodge. She has great speed and her head is always up looking to feed. Performed very well on the draw. Can play low attack, at the elbow, or up top. Overall great athlete." – Inside Lacrosse
- 2025 US Lacrosse Academic All-American
- 2025 All Greater Rochester Team
- 2025 1st Team All-County
- Member of the 2024 USA U16 Team
- 20223 Inside Lacrosse IDX All-Tournament Team
Emma Jean Greenberg – Northport, N.Y. – Defense – 5'9"
Why Florida? "I chose Florida because the vibe was amazing. Everyone was so positive, the culture felt great, and the facilities were insane. The lacrosse team is super determined and I honestly fell in love with it the second I saw it. The academics are strong too, so it just felt like the perfect fit for me."
Quick Facts
- 2025 All-County and All-State
- 2025 Long Island Top 100 Player
- 2024 All-League and All-Tournament
- Two-Time USA Lacrosse Youth Nationals Champion (2022 & 2023)
- 2023 American Select All-Tournament Team
- UA150 Invitee
Gabi Johnson – Alpharetta, Ga. – Midfield – 5'4"
Why Florida? "The University of Florida is a fantastic academic and athletic school, which is what I wanted and love. The coaching staff and team are all so kind, nice and loving and it feel like a family. I cannot wait for the next 4!"
Quick Facts
- 4-star recruit on Inside Lacrosse with a 93 overall scout grade. "Johnson's biggest asset is the fact that she is dominate without hitting her potential. There is a rawness to her play the fuels grit and hustle. She has both top level speed and agility, combined with a fearlessness of contact makes getting to the cage a breeze." – Inside Lacrosse
- 2024 and 2025 First team All-Area, All-State and All-American
- 2025 Best in Class Committed Midfield MVP
- Member of the 2025 New Balance South – Highlight Team
- Member of the 2024 USA U16 Team
- 2024 American Select Standout
Colleen Lorden – Cockeysville, Md. – Defense – 5'9"
Why Florida? "When I visited Florida, the atmosphere was unmatched. I felt welcomed right away by the amazing coaches and players. The team culture seems strong, which is important to me. I was amazed by all the fantastic facilities, and I felt like there was a lot of support academically. I am so excited to start a new chapter of my life at the University of Florida!"
Quick Facts
- 2024 IAAM A Conference Champions
- Four-year varsity player
- 2023 and 2024 All America Champions with Team Baltimore
- 2023 and 2024 Under Armour 150 attendee
- 2022 National Girls Lacrosse League 2026 A National Champions
Ava Obloj – West Islip, N.Y. – Midfield – 5'3"
Why Florida? "The University of Florida not only has an amazing lacrosse program with a great coaching staff, it also has top notch academics. You also can't beat the warm weather and big school vibe!"
Quick Facts
- Inside Lacrosse 5-star recruit with an 88 overall scout grade. "Obloj has an elite quick first step. She likes to run and gets downhill easily. Has a nice on the run shot and split dodge. Can get to the goal whenever she wants." – Inside Lacrosse
- 2025 High School All American
- 1st team All NYS
- 2024 Class B Long Island Champions
- 2023, 2024, 2025 All Suffolk County
- 2024 and 2025 New Balance Games 1st team All-Tournament
Emma Speed – Wantagh, N.Y. – Attack – 5'4"
Why Florida? "I chose Florida because of the coaches an amazing culture they have there. I also chose it for their academics including the business program there. When I visited it felt like another place I could call home.:
Quick Facts
- 4-star recruit on Inside Lacrosse with an 87 overall scout grade. "A quick dodger that finishes nicely. Can score off the dodge and off-ball. A left attacker that can feed the ball from all over" – Inside Lacrosse
- Member of the No. 1 nationally ranked High School team in 2024 and 2025
- 2025 Newsday Top 100 Lacrosse Players on Long Island
- 2025 NYCHSAA All League
- 2024 Best in Class "Other Players That Impressed"
Anna Von Kennel – Darien, Conn. – Midfield – 5'3"
Why Florida? "I chose Florida because it is not only a great school, but it has an outstanding lacrosse program with great team culture, incredible facilities, and a winning environment. I also really connected with the encouraging and dedicated coaching staff."
Quick Facts
- Inside Lacrosse 5-star recruit with an 86 overall scout grade. No. 10 recruit in 2026 Class on Inside Lacrosse.
- "Von Kennel is a freak athlete that not only has straight away speed, but an explosive change of direction. She can weave through the defense to the cage untouched for a powerful shot to the corner. Her bursts of speed make her a major threat off ball. Von Kennel can get a step on almost any defender, making them pay for not giving her their full attention" – Inside Lacrosse
- Four-year varsity starter
- 2025 Connecticut Lacrosse Player of the year
- 2025 USA All American
- Member of the 2024 and 2023 USA Select U16 team & Brogden Cup champion
Players Mentioned
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