Charlotte, North Carolina, October 1, 2025
News Summary
The Charlotte Women’s Lacrosse team is gearing up for its inaugural season in spring 2025, with a strong roster featuring 12 transfers from top conferences. Head Coach Clare Short aims to build a competitive team culture as they join the American Athletic Conference. Key additions like standout midfielder Kiera Armitage and defender Bella Burke bolster the team’s skillset. The focus is on leveraging their experience and establishing leadership qualities within the squad to pave the way for future success both on and off the field.
Charlotte, North Carolina – The Charlotte Women’s Lacrosse team is set to make history as it launches its inaugural season in the spring of 2025. Head Coach Clare Short has finalized a promising roster that features 12 transfers, significantly enhancing the team’s skillset and experience level ahead of competitive play in the American Athletic Conference.
The transfers enriching the squad include players from prestigious conferences such as the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Big East, and Big Ten. One notable addition is Kiera Armitage, a junior midfielder from Xavier, recognized for her impressive capabilities in draw control. Also among the transfers is junior defender Bella Burke, hailing from Saint Francis University, who brings a strong record of caused turnovers and ground balls to the field.
Other key transfers include Morgan Badger, a sophomore defender from Longwood, known for starting all games as a freshman with notable defensive statistics, and Gianna Cutaia, a graduate student defender from Penn State who has made significant academic and athletic contributions to her past teams. Additionally, Kylie Gioia, a senior attacker from Cincinnati, stands out for her successful offensive season totaling 81 points. The transfer roster also includes Sammie Giroux, a graduate student midfielder from Pittsburgh, who is expected to add depth following her recovery from an ACL injury.
Additional notable players include Katie Kornacki, a senior midfielder from Stetson, and Katie Ling, a junior goalie from Niagara, recognized for her impressive save percentage. Defender Hailey O’Donoghue, who has experience in multiple NCAA National Championship games with Florida Southern, alongside junior midfielder Aly Prasinos from Louisville, known for being a two-time conference champion in high school, are also significant contributors to the squad.
The team’s inaugural season comes as Charlotte embarks on its journey in a competitive landscape that includes opponents like East Carolina and James Madison. The focus for the program is on establishing a strong foundation of leadership qualities derived from the experience of the transfers while building a competitive team culture.
Coach Clare Short has expressed excitement about the wealth of talent on the roster and the unique style of play the team is developing. The combination of skilled transfers and fresh recruits is aimed at positioning Charlotte Women’s Lacrosse for immediate competitive success in the upcoming season and beyond.
Background Context
The Charlotte Women’s Lacrosse program represents a significant step for the athletic community in Charlotte, bringing new energy and opportunities for female athletes in the region. Lacrosse has consistently been a growing sport at the collegiate level, and the establishment of this program reflects a broader commitment to enhancing athletic offerings at the university.
With the launch of this inaugural season in 2025, Charlotte Women’s Lacrosse hopes to foster both competitive excellence and a strong community connection, paving the way for future success both on and off the field.
FAQ
What is the Charlotte Women’s Lacrosse team’s season schedule?
The inaugural season is set to begin in spring 2025.
Who is the head coach for the Charlotte Women’s Lacrosse team?
The head coach is Clare Short.
How many transfers are there on the Charlotte Women’s Lacrosse roster?
The roster includes 12 transfers.
From which conferences do the transferred players come?
The transfers include players from the ACC, Big East, and Big Ten conferences.
What are some notable players on the team?
Notable players include Kiera Armitage, Morgan Badger, Bella Burke, and Kylie Gioia.
What competitive conference will Charlotte Women’s Lacrosse be playing in?
Charlotte will be competing in the American Athletic Conference.
Key Features Chart
| Player Name | Position | Previous School | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kiera Armitage | Midfielder | Xavier | Impressive draw control performance |
| Morgan Badger | Defender | Longwood | Started all games as a freshman |
| Bella Burke | Defender | Saint Francis University | Strong record of caused turnovers and ground balls |
| Gianna Cutaia | Defender | Penn State | Significant academic and athletic contributions |
| Kylie Gioia | Attacker | Cincinnati | Key offensive player with 81 points |
| Sammie Giroux | Midfielder | Pittsburgh | Impactful return after ACL injury |
| Katie Kornacki | Midfielder | Stetson | Significant contributions on both ends |
| Katie Ling | Goalie | Niagara | Impressive save percentage |
| Hailey O’Donoghue | Defender | Florida Southern | Experience in NCAA National Championship games |
| Aly Prasinos | Midfielder | Louisville | Two-time conference champion in high school |
| Claire Schotta | Attacker | Virginia Tech | Known for scoring and assists |
| Isa Torres | Midfielder | Charlotte | Led Charlotte in goals |
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Additional Resources
- Charlotte 49ers: Women’s Lacrosse to Launch Inaugural Season
- Inside Lacrosse: 2026 Women’s DI Transfer Class Rankings
- Charlotte 49ers: Women’s Basketball Finalizes 2025-26 Roster
- Google Search: Charlotte Women’s Lacrosse
- Rhode Island Athletics: Women’s Lacrosse Adds Trio of Transfers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lacrosse
Author: HERE Charlotte
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