STANFORD, Calif. – Paul A. Violich Women’s Lacrosse Head Coach Danielle Spencer announced the signings of eight highly-touted student-athletes on Friday.
Bronwyn Bolton (Severna Park, MD), Emma Brown (Bayport, N.Y.), Mae Flanagan (Dallas, TX), Quinn Murray (Chevy Chase, MD), Olivia Prosper (Salt Lake City, UT), Amanda Stevens (Denver, CO), Ella Thomforde (Ithaca, N.Y.) and Avery Weetenkamp (Baltimore, MD) will join the Cardinal for the 2026 campaign.
"This class is an athletic, tough and ambitious group,” said Spencer, who begins her sixth season on The Farm in 2025. “Each of them committed to our program after it was announced we would be joining the ACC, the nation’s premier women’s lacrosse conference. They are eager and motivated to build on our program’s success at the next level. We’re incredibly excited for the positive impact they’ll bring to our team’s culture and performance as we continue to grow and elevate our program."
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Bronwyn Bolton • Severna Park, MD • Severn School
M&D Lacrosse • Defender
Quick Profile: Member of U18 USA Team (2024) … ILWomen Four-Star Recruit … four-time New Balance All-American … varsity starter at Severn School since her freshman season … three-sport varsity athlete at Severn School in lacrosse, soccer and swimming.
Off the Field: Member of National Honor Society … serves as a tutor for other students in a variety of subjects through school … performed at the Kennedy Center with the American Ballet Theatre at age 12 … co-founded the Morgan’s Message chapter at Severn School.
Why Stanford?: "I chose Stanford due to its great reputation and history for building a well-rounded individual in and out of the classroom, in addition to on and off the athletic field. The school offers a variety of resources so each student can not only pursue their passions, but excel at them as well. I am so excited to join the community at Stanford next year and have the opportunity to continue to grow as a student-athlete on The Farm.”
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Emma Brown • Bayport, N.Y. • Bayport Blue Point HS
Long Island Yellow Jackets (Spallina) • Defender
Quick Profile: ILWomen Five-Star Recruit … All-America All-Tournament team (2024) … ranked No. 12 overall and No. 1 defender by Lacrosse Magazine … member of the New York State Class C championship team (2023) … USA Lacrosse Academic All-American … multi-sport varsity athlete.
Off the Field: Member of four high school clubs … secretary of her school’s National Honor Society, completing 41 hours of community service last year … AP Capstone Diploma, AP Scholar with Honor Award and Summa Cum Laude, with a weighted GPA of over 100 … participates in running many local youth clinics for both lacrosse and soccer to help grow the love for both sports.
Why Stanford?: "I chose Stanford not only because of the amazing academic opportunity and unmatched athletic programs, but because of the people as well. Stanford provides the ability for any student who attends to succeed in whatever they aspire to, while creating pathways with the unbeatable resources brought to the table by both the professors and coaches on campus. I am beyond excited to pursue my dreams and attend Stanford for the next four years, as I will be joined by amazing peers who aspire to do the same, all while making me a better person both on the field and in the classroom.”
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Mae Flanagan • Dallas, TX • The Hockaday School
Grit Dallas • Midfielder
Quick Profile: ILWomen Four-Star Recruit … two-time USA Lacrosse All-American … USA Lacrosse Academic All-American … USA Lacrosse South Player of the Year finalist … two-time all-state (TGHSLL) selection and all-conference (SPC) pick in lacrosse and field hockey.
Off the Field: Founder and head of a United to Learn tutoring group … three-time Head of School List honors … Student Council Athletic Board Chair … Student Excellence in Science Award recipient … managing editor and sports editor of high school yearbook … two-time captain of high school lacrosse and field hockey teams.
Why Stanford?: "I chose Stanford because of its unparalleled athletic and academic excellence. The university provides the unique opportunity to challenge myself both intellectually and athletically, allowing me to grow in all areas of life. I am looking forward to joining such a supportive and dynamic community of leaders next year."
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Quinn Murray • Chevy Chase, MD • Georgetown Visitation Prep
Capital Blue • Midfielder
Quick Profile: Two-Time USA Lacrosse All-American … two-time Team USA Select (U16 and U18) … three-time All-ISL (League) … ILWomen Five-Star Recruit … First-Team All-Met … led high school in points (2022-24) … three-sport varsity athlete in lacrosse, field hockey and winter track.
Off the Field: Senior Team Board Member of the GirlsUp Foundation, a group advocating for social issues regarding women all over the world … frequent volunteer for Special Olympics, giving back to the community … coaches and mentors young lacrosse players to grow into the sport (on the club and individual level), which frequently translates to her field play … captain of Georgetown Visitation Prep cheer/stomp team.
Why Stanford?: "Unparalleled by any other institution, Stanford’s competitive environment pushes student-athletes to reach their highest potential. On-field, the athletics program excels to high levels with incredible facilities and a history of producing world-class athletes. In the classroom, Stanford has endless opportunities for students to study and explore their interests in innovative ways among their peers. This mix of competitive athletics and challenging yet scholarly academics, makes Stanford profoundly unique. All of this, along with the fabulous location and tight knit community, made Stanford the clear and best fit for me!”
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Olivia Prosper • Salt Lake City, UT • Juan Diego Catholic HS
Mass Elite/Tenacity • Attacker
Quick Profile: USA U18 Select National Team (2024) … US Lacrosse All-American (2024) … four-time New Balance/Under Armour All-American … three-time Utah 4A First-Team All-State selection … Utah 4A Player of the Year (2023).
Off the Field: Member of National Honor Society … Honor Roll … AP Scholar with Distinction … Juan Diego Catholic High School Senior Class President … Juan Diego Catholic High School Student Ambassador … Juan Diego Catholic High School Social Justice Leader.
Why Stanford?: "After visiting Stanford, I knew it was the place for me. I was drawn not only to the unrivaled academics and athletics, but also the incredible community that Stanford has to offer. I feel that Stanford Women's Lacrosse is building something special and I can’t wait to be a part of it!”
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Amanda Stevens • Denver, CO • Valor Christian HS
M&D Black • Midfielder
Quick Profile: First-Team all-conference as a junior … competed for the top-ranked club lacrosse team in the nation … four-year varsity starter at Valor Christian High School … led team in goals during her sophomore season … two-sport athlete at Valor Christian High School in lacrosse and volleyball.
Off the Field: Member of National Honor Society … member of Mock Trial … member of Biotechnology Club, Suture Club and Pre-Health Club … board member of the National Athletic Advisory Council … Summa Cum Laude for Latin … STEM Capstone Endorsement.
Why Stanford?: "I was drawn to Stanford because of its unrivaled athletic and academic legacy, the community and the opportunities it offers, which are unparalleled. The academics are not the only notable thing Stanford offers. The department also provides its athletes with a world-class training program and support facilities to guarantee their success on and off the field. I am so excited to join the women's lacrosse team as we build our way to the top of the ACC! Go Card!”
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Ella Thomforde • Ithaca, N.Y. • Ithaca HS
Salt City Snipers • Attacker
Quick Profile: USA High School Lacrosse All-American (2024) … two-time first-team all-conference selection … two-time Ithaca High School Attacker of the Year … leading points and goal scorer (2024) … ESPN Regional Outstanding Lacrosse Scholar-Athlete (2024) … All-America Lacrosse New York Upstate Selection (2024).
Off the Field: Member of National Honor Society … Student-Athlete Council … New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) high school representative … Youth Activation Committee member, responsible for organizing athletic and community events for students with disabilities … New York Special Olympics volunteer.
Why Stanford?: "Stanford was everything I wanted in a university. The academics and athletics are unparalleled in their excellence. The culture is competitive and encouraging, which I know will motivate me to become the best scholar, athlete and person I can be.”
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Avery Weetenkamp • Baltimore, MD • Maryvale Prep
SkyWalkers • Midfielder
Quick Profile: New Balance All-American (2024) … IAAM “A” All-Conference Team (2024) … George G. Litz Memorial Lacrosse Scholarship Award recipient … starter on varsity team ranked No. 4 nationally while SkyWalkers team is ranked No. 3 nationally … three-sport varsity athlete since freshman year while also serving as captain of lacrosse and soccer teams.
Off the Field: Member of National Honor Society … Scholar Athlete Award recipient… Maryvale Admissions Student Ambassador, panelist and tour guide leader … Peer Ministry Leader … interested in fitness and nutrition … enjoys baking.
Why Stanford?: "I’ve always been driven by the pursuit of challenge, and I am confident that Stanford will provide the perfect environment to push me to excel— both in the classroom and on the field. Stanford’s unmatched tradition of academic and athletic excellence, combined with its commitment to fostering individual growth, will inspire me to become the best version of myself. The opportunity to join this vibrant community of leaders and innovators is a dream come true, and I am excited to embark on my journey on The Farm next year!”