KINGSTON, R.I. – Rhode Island women's lacrosse head coach Jenna Slowey announced the program's inaugural class Monday. The class features 15 student-athletes that will make history as the first Division I women's lacrosse team at Rhode Island.
 

CARALIE BASUEL | ATTACK | 5' 2" | FAIRFAX, VA. | OAKTON HIGH SCHOOL

Before Rhode Island: Member of the lacrosse team as a midfield/attack all four years and earned four varsity letters… For club lacrosse, Caralie was a member of 3D VA for four years, and VA Metro Black for one year… Named First Team All-District for three straight years (2021, 2022, 2023)… Earned a spot on the First Team All-Region Team in back-to-back seasons (2022, 2023)… Was Second Team All-State in 2022 before being named to the First Team in 2023… Earned the Coaches Award in 2022… Member of the VHSL 6A State Championship Team in 2023…  In the classroom, was All-A Honor Roll… Earned the Honor of Excellence… Member of DECA, Pantry Club, and National Honor Society
 
Personal: Has one older brother, Riley… Enjoys painting reading, and swimming… Majoring in Nursing… Chose Rhode island over Virginia Tech, James Madison, and William & Mary
 
Why Rhody? "I chose URI because of their extensive support system for student athletes that I was given the second I stepped on campus. They provide many resources that help us succeed both athletically and academically, which is very important to me. Their newfound lacrosse program also gives me the chance to continue the sport I love for a few more years. Lastly, URI's nursing program gives me an opportunity to explore the medical field as a future career."
 

EMMA BRAVO | DEFENSE | 5'4" | OCEAN TOWNSHIP, N.J. | RED BANK CATHOLIC

Before Rhode Island: Member of the lacrosse team as a defender and attack for three years on varsity… Played club with United Lacrosse for two years, and Jersey Shore Select for five years
 
Personal: Has two brothers, Aiden and Alex… Considered Bentley before choosing Rhode Island… Interests include baking, listening to music, coaching, and traveling… Favorite athlete is Simone Biles… Favorite team is NY Yankees… Majoring in Accounting
 
Why Rhody? "The beautiful campus and amazing lacrosse coach"
 

CALLI DUNN | MIDFIELD | 5' 11" | BARNEGAT, N.J. | MARINE ACADEMY OF TECHNOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

Before Rhode Island: Attended MATES but played sports at Barnegat High School… Member of the lacrosse, soccer, winter track, and basketball teams at Barnegat… In the classroom, was a part of the National Honors Society… Earned Research Awards for three straight years… At the Jersey Shore Science Fair, claimed second place and first place in the Zoology and Physics Categories … Also was a part of the Delaware Valley Regional Science Fair, and claimed second place in Zoology Category and earned the NOAA Special Award and Drexel BEES Special Award for research
 
Personal: Has one brother, Keegan… Considered Stevens Institute of Technology, USF, Trinity, and Brown… Interests include traveling, playing any sport, reading, and painting… Favorite athlete is Taylor Cummings… Always watched Notre Dame football with her dad growing up… Majoring in Ocean Engineering
 
Why Rhody? "I felt the culture, people, and coaches were truly a fit for me. URI also offers the unique major that I want to pursue."
 

IZZE GILL | DEFENSE | 5' 10" | NASHVILLE, TENN. | ENSWORTH HIGH SCHOOL | OHIO STATE

Before Rhode Island: Transfer from Ohio State… Spent her first year competing in the Big 10 with the Buckeyes and was named to the Dean's List for both semesters… Attended Ensworth High School as a member of the lacrosse team all four years… Played club with No Excuse for four years and TNLax for five years…. Named US Lacrosse Academic All-American in 2022… Selected All-Region for two years… 2022 TGLA All-State Team… Member of the Ensworth School Lacrosse State Championship in 2019… Also a member of the soccer team… While at Ensworth, was a member of the  Ensworth Annual Dance Marathon Spirit Committee…Was the Ensworth School Yoga & Meditation Club Co-founder and Vice President… A Project Talk Facilitator and Spreading Sunshine Service Scholar
 
Personal: The oldest of three, has two younger siblings Talon and Sophie… Her father, Hal Gill, played hockey at Providence before playing in the NHL for nearly 20 years… Enjoys traveling, reading, fitness, fashion and cooking… Favorite athlete is Becky Sauerbrunn… Favorite team is Nashville Predators… Majoring in Psychology and Criminology with plans of becoming an FBI Agent
 
Why Rhody? "I chose URI because of the opportunity I had to help build a program. The dedication and kindness from the athletic staff and coaches to not only help build a Women's Lacrosse program but to help develop student athletes was something I hadn't seen anywhere else."
 

MARISSA HERMANS | DEFENSE | 5' 4" | AGAWAM, MASS. | AGAWAM HIGH SCHOOL

Before Rhode Island: Attended Agawam High School… Member of the lacrosse team for four years… Team captain… Scored 28 goals in 2022 with 37 assists… Named First Team All-Western Massachusetts in 2022… Earned a spot on the Second Team All-Western Massachusetts in 2021… Also a member of the volleyball and track and field teams… In the classroom, earned the Agawam Academic Letter as well as the Award for Academic Growth and Student Leadership in Learning… Member of the National Honors Society… Was the Agawam Youth girls lacrosse coach… President of the Peer Meditation Club
 
Personal: Has one brother, Cooper… Chose Rhode Island over North Carolina and UMass… Enjoys working out, baking, and spending time with friends and family… Favorite team is the New England Patriots… Majoring in Kinesiology with career plans of becoming a physical therapist
 
Why Rhody? "URI had the most appealing campus and financially was best option for me."
 

EMMA HUGHES | DEFENSE/ MIDFIELD | 5' 8" | RICHMOND, R.I. | CHARIHO HIGH SCHOOL

Before Rhode Island: Attended her first year of college at Keene State… Attended Chariho High School… Member of the lacrosse team for all for years in the midfield… Was a captain her senior year… Named Rookie of the Year in 2018… Set the school record for most assists in a game, season, and career… Named First-Team All-Division… Also was on the soccer team as a captain and indoor track team… In the classroom, was a member of the National Honors Society
 
Personal: Favorite athlete is Lizzie Colson… Has two brothers, Riley and Anderson… Majoring in Biological Science
 
Why Rhody? "I have a passion for the ocean and pursuing a strong biological education. Being a part of building a lacrosse program in my home state is an amazing opportunity."
 

MADISON ILER | DEFENSE | 5'8" | ALPHARETTA, GA. | MILTON HIGH SCHOOL

Before Rhode Island: Attended Milton High School… Member of the varsity lacrosse team as a defender… Played club with Eaglestix for six years and Yellow Jackets South for four years… Back-to-back GHSA State Champions in 2022 and 2023
 
Personal: Her mom was on the softball team at Coppin State… Enjoys trying new foods and traveling… Favorite athletes are Shaquille O'Neil and Serena Williams… Is a certified girls lacrosse referee… Majoring in Psychology
 
Why Rhody? "I chose URI because I wanted to be a part of a new program and make history. Along with athletics, I get to pursue my passion of medicine."
 

KAYSE KIERNAN | GOALIE | 5' 7" | RUMSON, N.J. | RUMSON FAIR HAVEN HIGH SCHOOL

Before Rhode Island: Attended Rumson Fair Haven High School… Goalie for three years and was a starter on varsity… Captained the lacrosse team her senior year… Named All-American in 2022… Started every game and set the school record in saves
 
Personal: Has a brother and two sisters, Austin, Mackenzie and Sydney… Her dad, Scott, was a member of the football team at Syracuse… Chose Rhode Island over Coast Guard… Enjoys lifting and cooking… Favorite athlete is Ernie Davis… Majoring in Civil Engineering
 
Why Rhody? "The amazing coaching staff as well as the beautiful campus, I also loved how close it was to the beach"
 

CAROLYN KIRK | ATTACK | 5' 7" | CHERRY HILL, N.J. | CHERRY HILL HIGH SCHOOL

Before Rhode Island: Attended Cherry Hill High School…  Member of the lacrosse team for all four years… Played club lacrosse with NXT LC Black 2023 for two years… Captained the lacrosse team her senior year… Led the team in points (96) and assists (66)… Named US Lacrosse Academic All-American her senior year… Named Offensive MVP in 2022-23… NJSIAA Scholar Athlete her senior year… Earned a spot on the First Team All-Conference in 2021-22 and 2022-23… Set the record for most assists in a single season her senior year… Was Olympic Conference Champions for three straight seasons… Also a member of the soccer and tennis teams… Was Class Valedictorian... Earned the Seal of Biliteracy… Member of Women In Stem, Athletes Against Bullying, National Honor Society, Art Honor Society, and Spanish Honor Society
 
Personal: Has one sister, Vivian… Her mom, Carrie, was a member of the soccer and lacrosse team at Drew University… Enjoys reading, art, and lifting… Majoring in Ocean Engineering
 
Why Rhody? "Because of the unique opportunity to be a part of the school's first lacrosse team."
 

ZOE LOCKWOOD | MIDFIELD | 5' 8" | WAKEFIELD, R.I. | SOUTH KINGSTOWN HIGH SCHOOL

Before Rhode Island: Attended South Kingstown High School… Played all positions of the lacrosse team… Played club lacrosse with Revolution Lacrosse for seven years… Captained the lacrosse team her senior year… Recorded 155 points playing in every game all three years at South Kingstown… Named Second Team All-Division her sophomore and junior year… Earned a spot on the Second Team All-State her senior year… Also a member of the field hockey and track team… Member of the National Honor Society… Was a class office social chair…  Member of the field hockey team as well as the track team
 
Personal: Has one sister, Delia… Her dad, David, was a member of the Rutgers lacrosse team… Chose Rhode Island over American and Detroit Mercy… Enjoys rock climbing, kickboxing, biking, shopping, and film photography… Favorite athlete is Taylor Cummings and favorite team is the New England Patriots… Majoring in Political Science and Journalism
 
Why Rhody? "It felt like home."
 

SYDNEY MACDONALD | MIDFIELD | 5'5 | MEDFORD, N.J. | SHAWNEE HIGH SCHOOL

Before Rhode Island: Attended Shawnee High School… Was a member of the lacrosse team for two years and earned two varsity letters… Played club with South Jersey Select for seven years… Captained the lacrosse team her senior year… Scored 32 goals and had 16 assists her junior year…. Her last season at Shawnee, she scored 36 goals and recorded 39 assists… Also a member of the soccer team her freshman year… Named First Team All-Conference in back-to-back seasons in 2022 and 2023… Earned honorable mention All-South Jersey in 2022 and 2023… Was the conference scholar athlete in 2023… South Jersey Group 3 Champions in 2023… In the classroom, earned the Academic Achievement Award in Spanish 3 honors… Was a USA Lacrosse Academic All-American her junior and senior year… Graduated in the top 10 percent of her class… Was a conference scholar athlete… Was the student council recording secretary… Member of the National Honors Society and the World Language Honors Society
 
Personal: Has one sister, Sami… Her sister plays lacrosse at High Point… Chose Rhode Island over Duquesne and Lehigh… Enjoys hanging with my friends and family, sports, the beach, and reading… Favorite athlete is Jimmy Butler… Favorite team is the Philadelphia Eagles… Majoring in Biological Sciences
 
Why Rhody? "The ability to start a new program and play for an awesome coach. Also the location right near the beach."
 

DANIELLE MCHUGH | ATTACK | 5' 1" | SEAFORD, N.Y. | SEAFORD HIGH SCHOOL

Before Rhode Island: Attended Seaford High School…  Was a tri-sport athlete at Seaford, competing on the lacrosse, volleyball, and basketball teams… Captain of the lacrosse team for two years… Played club lacrosse with Liberty Lacrosse Black for three years, Empire Lacrosse for four years, and 91 Lacrosse for two years… Was named the Seaford High School Female Athlete of the Year in 2023… Earned the United States Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award in 2023…  Garnered the Seaford High School Booster Club Scholar Athlete Award her senior year…  Her senior year, earned the All-County Award… 2022 and 2023 Outstanding Athlete Award… Earned Principals Honor Roll and the High Honor Roll… Member of National Junior Honors Society, National Honor Society, Viking Cove Club, Best Buddies, Peer Tutoring, and LEO's Club
 
Personal: Has one sister, Katelyn, and one brother, James… Her brother, James, is a member of the football team at Wesleyan… Chose Rhode Island over Quinnipiac… Enjoys going to the gym, football, and fishing… Favorite athlete is Belle Smith… Favorite team is New England Patriots… Majoring in Nursing
 
Why Rhody? "The campus, academic programs, and my love for lacrosse."
 

BRINLEY MYERS | MIDFIELD | 6' 0" | DANVILLE, CALIF. | SAN RAMON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL

Before Rhode Island: Attended San Ramon Valley High School… Was a member of the lacrosse team for three years and was a captain her senior year… Also a member of the basketball team for two years… Played club lacrosse with Diablo Scorpian Lacrosse Club for seven years, California Attack for two years, and Tenacity for three years… Named 2023 USA Lacrosse All-American and Adrenaline All-American… Was a NorCal USA Lacrosse All-Star... 2023 SRVHS Women's Lacrosse District recognition... Earned the 2023 SRVHS Athletic Boosters Scholarship... Was named 2023 SRV Lacrosse MVP.... 2023 SRVHS Scholar Athlete Award... Named to the 2023 East Bay Athletic League All-League First Team… Was the 2022-23 NCS lacrosse champions... 2022 ALL STAR Western Shootout Adrenaline… Western Winners ALL STAR 2022... 2022 American Select players that impressed list 23's (Calif.)… American Select California 2021… 14A Scorpions - NCJLA champions…. California Scholar Federation Honor Member…  Member of the Speech and Debate Team
 
Personal: Has one older brother, Graham, and two sisters, Jalen and Keaton… Enjoys baking, basketball, art, and traveling… Favorite athlete is Stephen Curry… Favorite team is the Golden State Warriors… Majoring in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
 
Why Rhody? "I chose the University of Rhode Island because once on campus I instantly got a feeling that Rhode Island was the place for me. Not only was it pretty but it felt like home. The main reason I chose Rhode Island was for lacrosse and the great school environment and community."
 

AVERY SMITH | ATTACK | 5' 5" | VIENNA, VA. | JAMES MADISON HIGH SCHOOL

Before Rhode Island: Attended James Madison High School… Four-year varsity attacker on the lacrosse team.. Played club with VA Metro for four years… Captained the lacrosse team her senior year… Earned the Amy Willard Award for lacrosse in 2023… Was also a member of the field hockey team…  Was a contributing writer for the school newspaper
 
Personal: Has two siblings, a younger brother Holden and a younger sister Harper… Both of her parents were student-athletes at George Mason… Chose Rhody over William and Mary and James Madison… Enjoys playing the guitar, reading, and going to concerts… Favorite athlete is Simone Biles… Favorite teams are the Washington Nationals and the Washington Capitals… Loves fashion and traveling… Majoring in Political Science
 
Why Rhody? "I loved the location of campus, as it is right by the beach, as well as the opportunity to be a part of something brand new with the lacrosse program!"
 

AISLINN SWEENEY | GOALIE | 5' 10" | HALFMOON, N.Y. | SHENENDEHOWA HIGH SCHOOL | UALBANY

Before Rhode Island: Transfer from UAlbany…Spent four years at UAlbany… Named America East Second Team All-Conference in 2022… Earned a spot on the IWLCA Academic Honor Roll in back-to-back years (2022, 2023)… Earned the America East Helping Hands Award in 2022… Collected an America East Defensive Player of the Week Honor her senior year… Captained the Great Danes…  UAlbany reached the first and second rounds in the 2023 NCAA Tournament… Attended Shenendehowa High School… Was a goalie for two years on the lacrosse team
 
Personal: Has one brother, Liam, and three sisters, Shannon, Kilian, and Teagan… Her dad, Jim, played in the NFL for 16 seasons… Considered Marquette and New Hampshire before deciding on Rhode Island… Favorite athlete is Charlotte North… Favorite team is Pittsburgh Penguins… Majoring in International Affairs
 
Why Rhody? "The opportunity to start a brand new program."