MSB Feature: Maryland’s Future Is Here — Incoming Freshman Cayden Reese Earns USA Lacrosse National Player of the Year

By Brian Hradsky | Maryland Sports Blog

The rich tradition of Maryland women’s lacrosse just became even stronger.

Incoming freshman Cayden Reese, the nation’s No. 1 recruit and daughter of legendary Maryland head coach Cathy Reese, has been named the 2026 USA Lacrosse High School Girls National Player of the Year, one of the sport’s highest individual honors before stepping onto a college field.

For a program that annually competes for national championships, landing the nation’s best player is significant. Having that player already recognized as the best high school athlete in America before her freshman season begins only raises expectations in College Park.

A Historic High School Career

Reese closes her remarkable career at Maryvale Preparatory School as one of the most decorated players ever produced by Maryland’s powerhouse girls lacrosse scene.

During her senior season, Reese led Maryvale to the prestigious IAAM A Conference championship, one of the toughest leagues in the country. She dominated every phase of the game, finishing with:

• 60 goals
• 35 assists
• 95 total points
• 40 draw controls

Her production wasn’t just about numbers. Reese routinely dictated games with elite field vision, explosive dodges, outstanding finishing ability, and relentless competitiveness. She could score from anywhere on the field while also creating opportunities for teammates, making her one of the most complete offensive players in recent high school lacrosse history.

The Nation’s No. 1 Recruit

Recruiting services have consistently ranked Reese as the No. 1 player in the Class of 2026.

Her game combines:

• Elite lacrosse IQ
• Outstanding change of direction
• Exceptional stick skills with either hand
• High-end finishing ability
• Playmaking vision
• Toughness between the restraining lines
• Ability to control possessions through draw circles

College coaches have long viewed Reese as a player capable of changing games immediately, and her commitment gave Maryland one of the nation’s premier recruiting classes.

Following in Family Footsteps

One storyline surrounding Reese has captured national attention.

She’ll now play for her mother, Cathy Reese, who has built Maryland into one of the greatest dynasties in NCAA women’s lacrosse history. Before arriving in College Park, Cayden also spent her high school career playing under her father, Brian Reese, at Maryvale, creating a unique family legacy.

The Reese family has become synonymous with lacrosse excellence in Maryland, and now another chapter begins with Cayden wearing the Terps’ red, black, gold, and white.

What She Brings to Maryland

Maryland doesn’t rebuild.

The Terps reload.

Following another outstanding season that ended with an NCAA semifinal appearance and an 18-win campaign, Maryland continues to recruit at an elite national level. Reese projects as one of the freshmen most capable of earning immediate playing time.

She can impact games in multiple ways:

• Quarterbacking the offense
• Initiating transition
• Winning draw controls
• Creating offense off the dodge
• Finishing in tight spaces
• Serving as both scorer and distributor

Few freshmen arrive with Reese’s polish, confidence, and championship pedigree.

Why This Award Matters

The USA Lacrosse High School Player of the Year Award recognizes more than statistics.

Recipients are selected based on:

• Overall performance
• Leadership
• Sportsmanship
• Team success
• Impact on the game

Many previous winners have gone on to become NCAA All-Americans, Tewaaraton finalists, professional players, and national champions.

Reese now joins one of the sport’s most prestigious lists before ever playing a collegiate game.

A Perfect Fit for Maryland

Maryland has built its identity around skilled attackers who play unselfishly while competing relentlessly for championships.

Reese appears to fit that mold perfectly.

She possesses the creativity to beat defenders one-on-one, the vision to find cutters, and the competitive edge that has defined Maryland lacrosse for decades.

With several experienced returners surrounding her, Reese won’t be expected to carry the offense immediately. Instead, she’ll have an opportunity to develop within one of college lacrosse’s premier programs while contributing from day one.

MSB Take

Landing the nation’s No. 1 recruit is impressive.

Landing the USA Lacrosse National Player of the Year is program-defining.

Maryland women’s lacrosse already boasts one of the richest traditions in NCAA history, but adding Cayden Reese ensures the Terps remain firmly positioned among the nation’s elite. If her high school career is any indication, Terp fans won’t have to wait long to see her become one of the next great stars in College Park.

The future of Maryland women’s lacrosse isn’t just bright—it has already arrived.