COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Eight high school recruits have signed a National Letter of Intent to play women's lacrosse in 2024-25 at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, announced today by Mountain Lions head coach Melissa Rausch.  Joining the program next fall will be Lily Bachmann, Delaney Gnos, Ellia Maready, Lauren Schindlbeck, Elsa Swenson, Sydney Thibodeau, Talya Wilson and Sofia Watts.
 
"This recruiting class exemplifies what the staff and I have been committed to since the day we were hired," said Rausch. "We will remain dedicated to hitting the recruiting trail and finding the very best people, students and athletes to become a part of the Mountain Lion family. This group will continue to raise the bar of our program and push our program to new heights."
 
Colleyville, Texas native Lily Bachman will be part of the backline on the Mountain Lions defensive unit.  The 5-foot-10 defender will graduate this spring from Fort Worth Christian High School where she has been named the Keller Girls Lacrosse Defensive Player of the Year and the D11 All-State Defensive Player of the Year.  Bachman and the Cardinals qualified for the playoffs in 2021 and 2022 before winning the state championship title in 2023.
 
"Lily is the tall forceful defender that attackers fear," commented Rausch. "She is someone that will dominate on the defensive side of the field and push our attackers every day in practice to be better."
 
A 5-foot-10 goalkeeper from Wayzata, Minn., Delaney Gnos has posted a 0.61 save percentage and a 7.54 goals against average for the Trojans at Wayzata High School.  A four-year varsity letterwinner, the team captain has collected two all-conference accolades and helped WHS to the Section 6A runner-up spot four times.  She is a member of the National Honors Society and the National Honors Society Committee Head.
 
"Delaney will add to our depth in net," noted Rausch. "Her quick hands and athleticism will push both our goalies and our attackers to continue to work hard. We can't wait to see what Delaney can accomplish under Coach Kallio's leadership." 
 
A local product from The Village High School in Colorado Springs, Colo., Ellia Maready plays her prep lacrosse at Cheyenne Mountain High School.  As a junior last year, Maready led her team in assists, draw control percentage and she was third in points.  A four-year letterwinner and starter, Maready was named all-conference in 2023 and to the Gazette 5A All-State Second Team.  A two-sport student-athlete, Maready has helped her teams to two state tournament appearances in both lacrosse and volleyball.
 
"Ellia is a scrappy midfielder from right here in Colorado Springs," said Rausch. "One of the best midfielders in Southern Colorado and being coached by one of the stronger high school coaches in Colorado, we know Ellia will continue to grow and be a force as a Mountain Lion."
 
From Champlin, Minn. and a product of Champlin Park High School, Lauren Schindlbeck has accounted for 88 goals, 36 assists, 124 points, 180 shots on goal, 137 ground balls and 158 draw controls in three years for Rebels.  Schindlbeck has garnered All-Section 7 Second Team and All-Section 7 First Team honors and picked up two all-conference accolades the past two years.  The team captain has earned the Rebel Award for most dedication and improvement, selflessness and team first, and the Coach's award.  She helped CPHS qualify for the state tournament last year and win the sectional title.
 
"Lauren has the grace and agility that make her someone you are just drawn to watch, but the determination and athleticism to win every 50/50 ball," remarked Rausch. "She will be someone that will have an immediate impact on the draw circle for us." 
 
Elsa Swenson comes to UCCS by way of Stillwater, Minn. where she plays for the Ponies at Stillwater Area High School.  As a junior last season, the defender registered 23 ground balls and forced 27 turnovers while starting 18 of 19 games.  A two-time varsity letterwinner heading into her senior campaign, Swenson earned all-conference recognition last year and was named the team's Defensive Player of the Year.  After winning the conference championship in 2022 and 2023, the Ponies finished fifth at the state tournament in 2022 and fourth place the following year.
 
"Elsa Swenson is a speedy defender that will add even more to our program's ability to push the fast break," said Rausch.
 
Sydney Thibodeau is entering her senior season at Emerald Ridge High School in Puyallup, Wash.  The midfielder/attacker has earned all-conference first team honors twice and has captained the Jaguars the past two years.
 
"Syd was a very welcome late surprise," noted Rausch. "She adds depth for us as a defensive midfielder, that could easily play both sides of the ball. Syd challenges everything and will be a welcome addition of a player who can pressure the ball anywhere with success."
 
One of four signees in this class from Minnesota, Sofia Watts has played prep lacrosse at Cretin-Derhmam Hall and Gentry Academy.  She ranked third in the state in goals (67) and added 19 assists and 66 draw controls.  The midfielder from Eagan, Minn. has been awarded all-conference honors three times, and has been named to the all-state second team.
 
"Sofia Watts is the two-way midfielder you dream about," said Rausch. "Sofia could play attack, she could be a defender, but her athleticism and speed make her an amazing midfielder. She will be a welcome addition to our draw specialists, and we know she will help take our midfield to the next level."
 
Talya Wilson will be graduating this spring from Pueblo West High School in Pueblo West, Colo. where she has tabulated 48 goals, 14 assists, 130 shots on goal, 106 ground balls and caused 12 turnovers for the Cyclones.  The 5-foot-10 defender/midfielder has collected four varsity letters, two 4A All-State Second Team accolades and a 4A All-State Honorable Mention honor.  Wilson and Pueblo West HS qualified for state for the first time in school history in 2022 and then made a second straight appearance in 2023.
 
"T (Talya) has the grace that is captivating to watch as she runs through the midfield and then has the bull in her to get her way through the eight to the net," said Rausch. "This offensive midfielder will give us depth on the attacking end with her IQ and determination." 
 
The Mountain Lions, who will play their first nine matches at home inside Mountain Lion Stadium, will open the 2024 season on February 27 against Findlay.