Wingate's Knowles Named USA Lacrosse Magazine National Player of the Week

STORY COURTESY OF WINGATE ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

Sparks, Md.----Wingate University All-American midfielder Leah Knowles has kicked off the final season of her career in style, earning National Player of the Week honors from the USA Lacrosse Magazine. Knowles earns National Player of the Week accolades for the fourth time in her career.

"Another amazing honor for Leah that is so well deserved!" head coach Abby Wiley says. "She truly finds a way to be an offensive weapon and a defensive threat. Very proud of her for another great accolade."

Knowles led the 11th-ranked Bulldogs to a thrilling 15-14 victory over Lander in the season opener on Friday. The Bearcats are the first team outside of the preseason IWLCA top 25 rankings. The victory gave the defending regular season and tournament champion Bulldogs their 14th straight win dating back to last season.

Knowles had five goals, an assist, nine draw controls, two caused turnovers and two ground balls to lead Wingate to the victory. With the game tied in the final two minutes, Knowles caused a Lander turnover and picked up the ground ball. She passed it up field, then got it back to net the game-winning goal with 1:20 remaining.

Knowles is Wingate's all-time leader in career draw controls and caused turnovers, ranking second in program history in goals and points and third in assists, ranking fifth in ground balls. The back-to-back SAC Offensive Player of the Year was Wingate's first All-American in 2022 and first Academic All-America honoree in 2023.