By: Owen Albright, Athletics Communications Graduate Assistant
ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. – The St. Bonaventure women's lacrosse team has added six student-athletes to the program as part of its 2027 recruiting class, head coach
LeighAnn Stauffer announced. The recruits represent four states and provinces across the United States and Canada.
"We are extremely excited to welcome our 2027 recruiting class to the Bonaventure family," Stauffer said. "This is a very talented group of gritty, competitive athletes who bring a variety of playing styles and strengths to our program. Beyond their abilities on the field, their confident, vibrant personalities will fit seamlessly into our team culture."
"What excites us most is that this group has fully embraced our championship mindset and is eager to be part of the continued growth and success of our program," Stauffer added. "We can't wait to see the impact they make both on and off the field."
Cece Shia | A | Fort Mill, S.C.
In her junior season at Fort Mill High School, Shia was named an All-American on attack, surpassing 200 goals which broke her school's career record. She was ranked the top player in South Carolina that season, also being named a First Team All-State selection, a First Team All-Region selection and the 5A Region 3 Attacker of the Year. A team captain, she also played for the Charlotte Style and was ranked a top-60 player nationally in her club lacrosse class. Shia plans to major in business at SBU.
"Cece is a dynamic and physical attacker who uses her size and power to create opportunities on the offensive end," Stauffer said. "Her ability to dodge with purpose and finish around the cage will add another dynamic scoring threat to our offense."
Kelsey Brunelle | A | Jordan, N.Y.
Brunelle set career program records in both goals and assists as an attacker for Jordan-Elbridge High School. She was named a First Team All-Central New York selection and her hometown newspaper, the Auburn Citizen, named her the player of the year. She also played club lacrosse for the Orange Crush. Brunelle intends to major in physical education at St. Bonaventure.
"Kelsey is a versatile and smart left-handed attacker who brings a dynamic presence to the offensive end and will also contribute to our draw team," Stauffer said. "Whether she is finding the back of the net or creating opportunities for her teammates, she has the ability to impact the game in a variety of ways."
Natalie Gaffney | A | Downingtown, Pa.
Gaffney has been a varsity starter on attack for Bishop Shanahan High School since her freshman season, also competing in club lacrosse for the Philadelphia Blast. She plans to major in business at SBU.
"Natalie is a quick and shifty attacker who has the ability to create scoring opportunities from anywhere on the offensive end," Stauffer said. "Her explosiveness, creativity, and ability to finish around the cage will make her a great addition to our offense."
Elinor Meyer | G | Penfield, N.Y.
A goalie for Our Lady of Mercy High School, Meyer was rated a four-star recruit by Inside Lacrosse. She also played club for Monster Elite Lacrosse and intends to major in history at St. Bonaventure.
"Ellie is a quick and athletic goalkeeper who uses her length and explosiveness to make her presence known in the cage," Stauffer said. "She brings a commanding presence to the defensive end and her ability to take control and make big stops will be a great to watch."
Maliya Holder | A | Oakville, Ontario
A standout attacker for St. Martin Catholic Secondary School, Holder was named her team's MVP as a successful multi-sport athlete. She also played club for Monster Elite Lacrosse. An honor roll student, she plans to major in either criminology or pre-law at SBU.
"Maliya is a strong and athletic left-handed attacker who brings and versatility to our offense," Stauffer said. "Her ability to create opportunities for her teammates while also being a threat to get to the cage makes her a difficult matchup for defenders."
Paige Lindenmuth | D | Pottstown, Pa.
A defender for Owen J. Roberts High School, Lindemuth also played club lacrosse for Phantastix. A National Honor Society student, she plans to major in sports management at St. Bonaventure.
"Paige is an aggressive and explosive defender who brings great energy and intensity to the defensive end," Stauffer said. "Her ability to communicate, organize and lead those around her, combined with her physical presence, will make her a great addition to our defensive unit."
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