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Syracuse, N.Y. — The 2026 All-Central New York small school girls lacrosse team features athletes chosen by syracuse.com reporters.
Marcellus’ Cece Powell has been named small school player of the year. The other finalists were Emma Kelley of South Jefferson, Sophia Lasher of Westhill and Grace Marquardt of Skaneateles.
>> Ever wonder how syracuse.com selects its All-CNY all-star teams? Here’s how we do it
Here’s a full rundown of the all-stars:
Leah Alteri
School: Clinton
Class: senior
Position: A
What is next for you? Attending the University at Albany to play Division I lacrosse.
Who has inspired you the most in your sport? My older sisters, Alexis and Ava, who introduced me to lacrosse, along with my dad, who has always given me great advice and support.
What is your favorite memory from this season? Beating Rome at home for the first time in nine years and scoring nine goals to break the school record with my 203rd career goal.
What is your biggest goal for your life? To constantly improve as both an athlete and a person.
If you could spend the day with any character from movies, television, books or history, who would you pick? Kobe Bryant because his “Mamba Mentality” and dedication to improvement align with my values.
If you could be a contestant on any game show, which one would you pick? “Jeopardy!” because it looks like the most fun.
Maggie Bliss
School: Jamesville-DeWitt
Class: senior
Position: MF
What is next for you? I will attend Niagara University and play Division I lacrosse.
Who has inspired you the most in your sport? My parents. They have always pushed me to be the best version of myself on and off the field.
What is your favorite memory from this season? Playing in the program’s first state championship game. It was an incredible experience with an amazing group of teammates.
What is your biggest goal for your life? To eventually play professional lacrosse.
If you could spend the day with any character from movies, television, books or history, who would you pick? Jim Halpert from “The Office” because his pranks are unmatched.
If you could be a contestant on any game show, which one would you pick? “Family Feud” because Steve Harvey is hilarious.
Kelsey Brunelle
School: Jordan-Elbridge
Class: junior
Position: A
What is next for you? Playing with Orange Crush this summer while continuing to train and improve.
Who has inspired you the most in your sport? My family because they always push me to be my best and support me no matter what.
What is your favorite memory from this season? Simply playing every day with my teammates because we always create great memories together.
What is your biggest goal for your life? To be successful and serve as a role model for others.
If you could spend the day with any character from movies, television, books or history, who would you pick? Adam Sandler because he’s funny and loves sports.
If you could be a contestant on any game show, which one would you pick? “Survivor” because it would be a fun challenge.
Pearson Eckrich
School: Jamesville-DeWitt
Class: sophomore
Position: G
What is next for you? I have a big recruiting summer with Salt City Snipers and then will play varsity soccer again this fall.
Who has inspired you the most in your sport? Coaches Jim and Allie Gallagher inspired me when I was younger. Coach Allie used to bribe me with Icees to play goalie, and Coach Jim helped teach me the position. Coach Bob Deegan also helped build the fundamentals I still use today.
What is your favorite memory from this season? Beating South Jefferson in the sectional final. We wanted revenge after losing to them 14-3 last year, and winning another sectional championship made it even sweeter.
What is your biggest goal for your life? To play high-level college lacrosse and become an orthopedic surgeon.
If you could spend the day with any character from movies, television, books or history, who would you pick? Mikaela Shiffrin because skiing with her would be a lot of fun.
If you could be a contestant on any game show, which one would you pick? “American Ninja Warrior” because I already compete in the sport and have qualified for Worlds the past three years.
Kate Falkenberg
School: Skaneateles
Class: junior
Position: defense
What is next for you? Summer and soccer preseason.
Who has inspired you the most in your sport? Paige Willard because I admire her hard work and dedication.
What is your favorite memory from this season? Celebrating Coach Marquardt’s 400th career victory as a team.
What is your biggest goal for your life? To be happy and do something meaningful that I can be proud of.
If you could spend the day with any character from movies, television, books or history, who would you pick? Katniss Everdeen because she is brave, determined and willing to stand up for what she believes in.
If you could be a contestant on any game show, which one would you pick? “The Amazing Race” because traveling and taking on challenges with someone I care about sounds exciting.
Kylee Gallagher
School: Jamesville-DeWitt
Class: freshman
Position: MF
What is next for you? Travel lacrosse with the Long Island Yellow Jackets, showcases, prospect camps and then my sophomore year.
Who has inspired you the most in your sport? My family. Lacrosse became part of my life when I was 4 years old watching my brother Cayden play. My mom’s positivity and my dad’s passion for the game have also had a huge influence on me.
What is your favorite memory from this season? Beating South Jefferson in the sectional championship. We were prepared, played great as a team and earned the win.
What is your biggest goal for your life? To play high-level Division I lacrosse.
If you could spend the day with any character from movies, television, books or history, who would you pick? The cast of “Outer Banks,” especially JJ Maybank.
If you could be a contestant on any game show, which one would you pick? “Wipeout” because the obstacle course looks fun.
Emma Kelley
School: South Jefferson
Class: junior
Position: A
What is next for you? Looking forward to my senior year and then playing lacrosse at Binghamton University.
Who has inspired you the most in your sport? My high school coach because she holds me accountable and constantly challenges me to improve.
What is your favorite memory from this season? Our team trip to Florida, where we competed and created great memories together.
What is your biggest goal for your life? To be successful academically and athletically and make my family, coaches and teammates proud.
If you could spend the day with any character from movies, television, books or history, who would you pick? The Lorax because he stands up for what he believes in.
If you could be a contestant on any game show, which one would you pick? “Family Feud” because it looks like a lot of fun.
Sophie Lasher
School: Westhill
Class: junior
Position: A
What is next for you? My final summer of club lacrosse.
Who has inspired you the most in your sport? Coach Bob Elmer because he always pushed me to do my best and supported me throughout my development.
What is your favorite memory from this season? Winning the first sectional championship in school history.
What is your biggest goal for your life? To have successful careers both in lacrosse and academically so I can set myself up for the future.
If you could spend the day with any character from movies, television, books or history, who would you pick? Jane Goodall because she inspired my interest in animal sciences.
If you could be a contestant on any game show, which one would you pick? “Family Feud” because my family is competitive and would have a great chance to win.
Anna Lazzaro
School: Chittenango
Class: sophomore
Position: A
What is next for you? Playing club lacrosse for Orange Crush this summer.
Who has inspired you the most in your sport? My brother. I’ve always looked up to him, and he’s the reason I started playing lacrosse. He helped me grow into the player I am today.
What is your favorite memory from this season? Senior Night. In a tied game with two minutes left, I scored the go-ahead goal and Susanna Horning made a game-winning save on an 8-meter shot.
What is your biggest goal for your life? To play college lacrosse while receiving a great education.
If you could spend the day with any character from movies, television, books or history, who would you pick? Andrew Garfield because I love Spider-Man.
If you could be a contestant on any game show, which one would you pick? “Deal or No Deal” so I could win millions.
Grace Marquardt
School: Skaneateles
Class: sophomore
Position: A
What is next for you? Club lacrosse and hockey this summer.
Who has inspired you the most in your sport? My mom. As a five-time state champion and longtime coach, she taught me the value of hard work, discipline and perseverance.
What is your favorite memory from this season? Beating Shaker to secure my mom’s 400th career victory.
What is your biggest goal for your life? To play Division I lacrosse in college.
If you could spend the day with any character from movies, television, books or history, who would you pick? Happy Gilmore because he is hilarious and competitive.
If you could be a contestant on any game show, which one would you pick? “American Ninja Warrior” because I enjoy competition and challenging myself.
Ryann Murphy
School: Christian Brothers Academy
Class: sophomore
Position: midfield
What is next for you? Summer travel lacrosse with Monster Elite along with showcases and camps.
Who has inspired you the most in your sport? My parents. They have always pushed me to keep working hard and never give up. My mom especially has sacrificed so much to help me pursue my goals.
What is your favorite memory from this season? Senior Night. Making posters, laughing and spending time together brought everyone closer.
What is your biggest goal for your life? To be successful and make a positive impact on others while inspiring younger athletes.
If you could spend the day with any character from movies, television, books or history, who would you pick? Kobe Bryant because of his work ethic, discipline and determination.
If you could be a contestant on any game show, which one would you pick? “The Amazing Race” because I love competition, teamwork and challenges.
Amalia Netto
School: South Jefferson
Class: junior
Position: MF
What is next for you? Travel lacrosse.
Who has inspired you the most in your sport? Nicole Levy. I grew up watching her play.
What is your favorite memory from this season? Playing alongside my sister.
What is your biggest goal for your life? To be successful and make positive changes that help others.
If you could spend the day with any character from movies, television, books or history, who would you pick? Elsa Dutton from “1883.”
If you could be a contestant on any game show, which one would you pick? “American Ninja Warrior.”
Ella Parker
School: Jamesville-DeWitt
Class: Sophomore
Layla Perry
School: South Jefferson
Class: sophomore
Position: D/MF
Cece Powell
School: Marcellus
Class: senior
Position: A/MF
What is next for you? Attending the University of North Carolina to play lacrosse.
Who has inspired you the most in your sport? My entire family. They have all played important roles in helping me become the person and player I am today.
What is your favorite memory from this season? Beating Skaneateles for the first time in my lacrosse career.
What is your biggest goal for your life? To one day have a big, loving and healthy family of my own.
If you could spend the day with any character from movies, television, books or history, who would you pick? Judy Hopps from “Zootopia” because solving mysteries with her and Nick Wilde would be fun.
If you could be a contestant on any game show, which one would you pick? “Family Feud” because it looks like a lot of fun and I could bring teammates along.
Grace Stroman
School: Westhill
Class: sophomore
Position: MF
What is next for you? Travel lacrosse with Salt City Snipers, followed by junior-year soccer, basketball and lacrosse.
Who has inspired you the most in your sport? Former Westhill teammates who have graduated.
What is your favorite memory from this season? Making school history by helping Westhill win its first sectional championship.
What is your biggest goal for your life? To be a hardworking person who reaches her full potential.
If you could spend the day with any character from movies, television, books or history, who would you pick? Aaron Judge because he is a humble leader with a tremendous work ethic.
If you could be a contestant on any game show, which one would you pick? “Kids Baking Championship” because I love to bake.
Natalia Viola
School: New Hartford
Class: senior
Position: A
What is next for you? Playing Division I lacrosse at Austin Peay State University.
Who has inspired you the most in your sport? My parents because they taught me the value of hard work and dedication.
What is your favorite memory from this season? Scoring my 200th career point and celebrating it with my teammates.
What is your biggest goal for your life? To be successful academically and athletically in college.
If you could spend the day with any character from movies, television, books or history, who would you pick? Wonder Woman because she is strong and powerful.
If you could be a contestant on any game show, which one would you pick? “Jeopardy!” because I am very competitive.
Coach of the year
Megan Murphy
School: Jamesville-DeWitt
Years coaching: 5
Who inspires you to coach in your sport? The athletes I coach. Their willingness to work hard, support one another and persevere through challenges inspires me every day. I’m also inspired by my fellow coaches, Tracy and Reilly, whose support and dedication make me better.
What is your favorite sports memory from this season? Our entire postseason run. Watching the team rise to every challenge and trust one another throughout the playoffs is something I’ll never forget.
If you could spend the day with any character from movies, television, books or history, who would you pick? Ted Lasso because of his positivity, leadership and ability to bring out the best in people.
If you could be a contestant on any game show, which one would you pick? “The Amazing Race” because I love the combination of teamwork, competition and adventure.
Second team
Allison Mainville, Fulton
Aliana West, South Jefferson
Tara Pratt, Cazenovia
Tricia Price, General Brown
Mackenzie Blum, Jamesville-DeWitt
Sloane Massa, Christian Brothers Academy
Nora Cass, Christian Brothers Academy
Mackenzie Conroy, Westhill
Melissa Mondo, Westhill
Fiona Starowicz, Westhill
Keira Etoll, Westhill
Avery Shute, Marcellus
Hailey Workman, Mexico
Mollie Peckham, General Brown
Nithya Suryadevara, Jamesville-DeWitt
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