Emma Muchnick and Coco Vandiver from Syracuse Women’s Lacrosse had a big night at the WLL Draft. Both were picked by the California Palms, marking an exciting step in their sports careers.
Muchnick, a senior midfielder, was chosen with the ninth overall pick. Throughout her college journey, she scored 71 goals and provided 21 assists. After starting at Maryland, she spent three successful years at Syracuse. Known for her strong two-way play, she’s also made a significant defensive impact with 25 caused turnovers in her career, including a personal best of 10 this season.
Vandiver went with the 16th overall pick. As a senior defender, she’s made her mark in Syracuse history with a record 114 caused turnovers. This season alone, she has 40 caused turnovers and ranks 11th in the nation with an average of 2.67 caused turnovers per game. Notably, she’s the first player in program history to achieve 40 or more caused turnovers in multiple seasons. Vandiver has also garnered recognition as a Tewaaraton Watch List player and a Nike Midseason All-American.
The upcoming WLL season kicks off with the Boston Guard facing the New York Charging on May 15 at Centreville Stadium in Rhode Island. Meanwhile, the Palms will play the Maryland Charm on May 29 in Baltimore.
Recent trends in women’s sports show an increasing interest and investment in female athletes, especially in leagues like the WLL. According to a 2021 report, women’s sports viewership increased by 54% from previous years. This growth indicates a promising future for players like Muchnick and Vandiver.
The excitement around these players is palpable on social media platforms where fans express their support and anticipation for the upcoming season. This sense of community further boosts the visibility of women’s lacrosse and the athletes who passionately compete in it.
With each pick in the draft, more young athletes are inspired to pursue their dreams in sports. The WLL’s commitment to showcasing women’s talent is not just a win for the players but also for fans who want to see the game grow.
For more information on women’s lacrosse and the impact of these athletes, you can check out NCAA Women’s Lacrosse for updates and insights.
