Avila Named IWLCA Defensive Player of the Year

NORTHBOROUGH, Mass. – The IWLCA has recognized four All-Americans from Division II as positional Players of the Year. The Division's selection committee has also chosen one of the positional honorees as the Player of the Year.

DIVISION II

Sophia Wood, Midfielder and overall Player of the Year in Division II, posted career-high marks across the board. Wood finished the year with 78 total points, 67 goals, 12 assists, recovered 63 draw controls, and scooped up 27 groundballs. Wood scored her 100th career goal and her 100th career point this season and also broke her program's single-season record for goals. Wood was also named the IWLCA Player of the Week back in mid-April.

A two-time All-American, Sadie Kauffman earns this year's Attacker of the Year honors after a stellar offensive performance on the field, notching 110 goals and 32 assists for 142 points this season. Her goal and point total mark her as the leader in all of Division II this season. In the quarterfinal game versus Kutztown, Kauffman broke her own single-season records for goals and points, doing so in each of her first two seasons at ESU. Kauffman was named an IWLCA Player of the Week twice this season.

A Worthington, Ohio native, Isabella Avila had an outstanding 2026 campaign. Through 19 games as a defender, she recorded 111 draw controls, 38 ground balls, and ranks in the top 10 in the Division in caused turnovers (56). She also added three goals and two assists to her stat line as a bonus.

One of the nation's premier goalkeepers, Dakota Capolino helped guide the Flagler Saints to an incredible 20-4 season. She ranks second in the nation in save percentage with .519 and was also named USA Lacrosse Magazine Second-Team All-America. The backbone of one of Division II's most successful defenses this season, Capolino has saved 120 total shots, resulting in Flagler's 6.76 goals allowed per game.

Media Contact: Tiffany Taylor // ttaylor@iwlca.org // 713-856-8006