News Summary

Riley Davis, a junior at the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur in Pennsylvania, is making waves as she transitions from basketball to lacrosse. Recognized for her exceptional athleticism and potential, she is poised to become one of the top recruits for the Class of 2027. With endorsements from coaches highlighting her skills and remarkable performances on the field, Riley’s commitment to lacrosse has captured the attention of college recruiters. As she enters the competitive recruiting landscape, Riley’s future in lacrosse shines bright.

Riley Davis of Pennsylvania Takes Lacrosse Giant Leap

In the spirited town of Radnor, Pennsylvania, a rising star is making headlines. Meet Riley Davis, a dedicated junior at the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur. This year, Riley has made a splashy shift in her athletic focus—she’s trading in her basketball sneakers for a lacrosse stick, positioning herself to become one of the hottest recruits for the Class of 2027. And as college coaches prepare to connect with high school juniors starting September 1, everyone is buzzing with excitement about what this talented athlete has in store.

A Turn in the Tide

Riley’s decision isn’t just her own—as other athletes like Emma LoPinto from Boston College and Sammy White of Northwestern are also taking advantage of their NCAA eligibility for basketball. It’s clear that the sports world is evolving, and for Riley, lacrosse has emerged as the front-runner. Coaches across multiple colleges are already taking notice, and one Division I coach has gone so far as to speculate that Riley could be “rookie of the year somewhere” because of her jaw-dropping skills.

Powerhouse on the Field

At a striking 5-10, this powerhouse midfielder is not just a pretty face on the field. Known for her athleticism, sharp instincts, and versatility, Riley is making waves in the lacrosse community. Her knack for using space effectively stems from her substantial basketball IQ, which is helping her dominate in lacrosse. From winning draws to scoring crucial goals, she has showcased a remarkable potential as she dives deeper into this sport.

Davis has already made a name for herself after leading her team to a stunning upset against Penn Charter in the state tournament semifinals, scoring four key goals in a thrilling match. With her club coach Colleen McGarity calling her an “insane athlete,” it’s evident that Riley’s rapid improvement is cementing her status as a standout player.

Support System

Riley’s head coach at Notre Dame, Anna McNevin, recognizes the rare talent she possesses, calling her a “once-in-a-lifetime” athlete. This glowing endorsement encapsulates the excitement surrounding Riley’s future in lacrosse. Just last year, she earned MVP honors in Inter-Ac girls’ basketball, making her standout status even more impressive. During her basketball season, she averaged 16 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals per game—a feat that helped catapult her team to its first outright league title in 26 years.

However, after a summer spent with the Githens Comets AAU team, Riley’s love for lacrosse tugged at her heartstrings, leading her to declare that she was ready to give lacrosse her all. She recognized where her heart was and chose to follow that passion.

A Family of Athletes

Riley is no stranger to athleticism as she hails from a family of sports enthusiasts. Her mother, Megan McGonagle, played lacrosse and soccer at Rutgers, while her father, Ben Davis, is a former Major League Baseball player. Not to be overshadowed, her older brother Tague is making waves as a baseball prospect, and her sister Finley is set to lace up her lacrosse cleats at Furman University.

Making strides in her lacrosse career, Riley made the transition from her mother’s True Belles club team to the HHH 2027 club team last fall. This new chapter in her journey included attending her first college lacrosse camp at North Carolina this summer, where she showcased her talents at several exhilarating events.

The Countdown to Recruitment

Riley’s exceptional performances this summer have placed her high on the lists of eager college recruiters as they prepare to reach out starting on September 1. As she navigates this exciting recruiting process, she aims to do so thoughtfully, focusing on finding the best fit for her collegiate journey—something she hopes to approach similarly to her older brother.

With 11 other rising talents in the Class of 2027 making their mark, the competition is fierce, but Riley Davis is ready to make her dream a reality. As she balances her passions, the world is eagerly waiting to see what this remarkable talent will achieve in the world of lacrosse. The future looks bright for Riley, and we cannot wait to watch her soar.

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