TEMPE, Ariz. – As the Sun Devil Lacrosse season approaches, fans will be provided a position-by-position breakdown of the 2020 team as part of the Season Preview series.
The final edition of the series delivers a closer look at the loaded attack position now under the direction of a former All-American attacker.
SEASON PREVIEW: ATTACKERS
The balance throughout the unit and variety of reliable scoring options make this Sun Devil attack extremely difficult to prepare for and defend. When building his staff, Head Coach Tim McCormack emphasized a need for coaches that had excelled at this level and moved on to play professionally. He found exactly that in first-year Assistant Coach Nicole Graziano. Despite returning a majority of their production, a special characteristic of this group is their hunger to constantly improve. Luckily for the Sun Devils, they have a coach that can provide the knowledge and mentorship to help take them to the next level.
"I've been most impressed with the attacking unit's willingness to learn," new Assistant Coach Nicole Graziano remarked. "Ever since we arrived on campus, they've been extremely eager to soak in everything we've taught them. They're an enthusiastic group that brings energy every day and loves to compete."
Graziano is a tremendous asset to the attacking group, as she knows exactly what it takes to excel at this level. While at the University of Florida from 2012-16, Graziano made an impact on the lacrosse program, leaving as one of the most decorated student-athletes in school history. A 2016 Tewaaraton Award finalist and Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) All-American, Graziano was among the top players in the nation during her career. Considered a team leader, Graziano was a two-time captain at Florida.
One of the tone setters of the group is junior Emily Glagolev, who leads by example with her effort and intensity. The Second Team All-Conference selection returns to Tempe after a breakout sophomore season.
The star attacker broke her own school record by dishing out 33 assists, a total that led the Pac-12 Conference. Glagolev managed to stuff the stat sheet, emerging as a go-to offensive threat and dependable all-around player for the Sun Devils. She scored 23 goals to give her a team-best 56 points, while adding 25 ground balls and 12 draw controls. Coach Graziano recognizes the advantageous situation she has been put in with Glagolev back in the fold, offering up high praise with a lofty comparison.
"Glag is a very special player and a leader on our offensive unit," Coach Graziano mentioned. "She's similar to Steph Curry in the respect that she has the ability to break you down 1v1 and sink the shot herself, but also draw the attention of off ball defenders and feed her teammates. She can get fancy with the ball as well and is always willing to learn new tricks."
The always humble Glagolev knows that her season would not have been as productive if it wasn't for the play of her fellow attackers.
"I definitely couldn't have done it without my teammates," Glagolev reflected. "Everyone worked so hard off ball to get open and then to finish shots."
Redshirt senior Kerri Clayton fits that description, as she has developed into one of the toughest covers in the nation. The Arizona State attacking unit boasts not one, but two returning All-Conference players. Coming off her second consecutive Second Team All-Conference selection, Clayton represents a foundational piece of the new program.
Over the past two seasons, Clayton has combined to score 77 goals in 35 games. The two-time team captain has recorded at least a point in 32 games, putting together a multi-goal performance on 18 different occasions. She made history during a record-breaking performance in a victory over Oregon. A memorable performance earned her Pac-12 Player of the Week honors, as she refused to let her team lose in a thrilling 15-14 overtime victory. Clayton not only racked up a school-record eight goals, her 12 total points tied Colorado's Darby Kiernan for the most in a single game by a Pac-12 player. Entering her final season in Tempe, Clayton's teammates and coaches have noticed an increased sense of urgency.
There is no shortage of scoring options among for the Sun Devils, as they feature a balanced attack that is challenging to game plan for. A big part of the arsenal is the trio of Taylor Carson, Kate Dougherty, and Carley Adams. Coach Graziano appreciates the growth of the group and the impact they have on the offense.
"I'm thrilled with the improvement out of TCars (Taylor), Kate (Eddy) and Carley since we started practice in August," Coach Graziano acknowledged. "They are a great group to be around and show up each day ready to get better. Their competitiveness and energy are contagious and I think it brings up the rest of the group."
Junior Taylor Carson has shown a knack for finding the back of the net. Coming off an 18 goal campaign a season ago, Carson now has 31 goals in two seasons. She came on strong at the end of last season, finishing with 10 goals over her last seven games. Carson looks to continue the momentum built off last season under the tutelage of Coach Graziano.
"Taylor is so aggressive if she gets the ball in the 8 she always finds her way to the goal," Glagolev noted. "She is also a great cutter. She always seems to be open when she cuts."
"Kate is an amazing finisher," Glagolev pointed out. "She has a super hard shot and always finds the corners."
The trio is completed by senior attacker Carley Adams, who is a dynamic playmaker in the open field. She looks to build off a season in which she tallied five goals in 16 games, with four of those goals coming in the final five games of the season. Adams fills a crucial role in the offense, adding another dimension with her ability to create in transition.
"Carley is really shifty with the ball and is a huge threat in transition," Glagolev explained.
Coach Graziano has the benefit of a deep stock of talented attackers with game experience at this level.
"Having depth is huge at this level because it's something you can't coach," Coach Graziano stated.
Katie Brodsky, Graci Fulkerson, Emma Carlson, and Caryn Takeuchi fit that description, as all four come back with a year of experience under their belt.
"Brodsky, Graci, Carlson and Caryn all bring different skills to the offense and mesh well with each other," Coach Graziano commented. "It's important that they all have game experience and will continue to grow on that."
Sophomore Katie Brodsky is back after earning immediate playing time as a freshman. She played in four games a season ago, taking draws and providing another attacking option for the Sun Devils.
Battling back from an injury that sidelined her in 2018, junior Emma Carlson earned playing time in three games last season. All the hard work to get back healthy paid off in the Sun Devils victory over Presbyeterian, as she recorded her first career goal.
This Sun Devil roster is full of resilient stories, including junior Caryn Takeuchi. After suffering an injury during her first season in Tempe, she worked relentlessly to get back on the field. Takeuchi saw action in three games last season, recording her first collegiate point with an assist against No. 22 USC.
A talented pair of freshmen enter the mix, as Anna Winkeler and Kate Gauntlett enter their first season in Tempe. The duo has wasted no time making an instant impact, as both have caught the eye of Coach Graziano.
"We are very excited about the freshman class' potential," Graziano exclaimed. "Gauntlett and Anna bring two different styles of play to our offensive unit and are extremely valuable. Both are from non-traditional lacrosse areas (Gauntlett from Georgia and Anna from Texas) and have brought their own perspectives out west. They both love the sport of lacrosse and continue to improve each practice."
Winkeler hails from Allen, Texas, where she enjoyed an extremely productive prep career. She compiled 445 points (290 goals, 155 assists), 420 draw controls, and 91 ground balls at Episcopal School of Dallas. Winkeler lead her team to the 2019 Texas Girls High School Lacrosse League Division I Championship, earning game MVP honors. The two-time U.S. Lacrosse All-American (2018 & 2019) has immediately made her presence felt.
"Anna has been a lot of fun to play with," Glagolev remarked. "She plays smart and is always composed. We have been playing really well together and I think she is gonna really gonna help the offense this season."
Her counterpart Gauntlett is from Canton, Georgia and had a wildly successful prep career of her own. She compiled 299 points (232 points & 67 assists), 92 ground balls, and 250 draw controls at Creekview High School. Gauntlett is a two-time Under Armour All-American Selection and earned 6A/7A Georgia Athletic Coaches Association Second Team All-State honors.
"Kate is so fast and she is an extremely hard worker," Glagolev mentioned. "She is always out putting in extra time."
The third newcomer of the group comes to Arizona State from another Pac-12 program. Junior Emily Munro joins the Sun Devils after spending the past two seasons at Oregon. While in a Duck uniform, Munro made 13 starts in 2019, playing in 16 of her team's 18 games. She finished her sophomore campaign tied for sixth on the team with 12 points, including nine goals. It hasn't taken her long to impress her coaches and fellow attackers.
"Emily has only been here a few weeks but she fits in really nicely," Glagolev observed. "She learned the offense really quick and I am excited to get to play with her more."
"Emily has been great since getting to Tempe this spring," Coach Graziano added. "She brings a wealth of lacrosse knowledge to the offense and has fit in well with the team. She's been very coachable and has really soaked in our offensive tactics. I'm excited that she chose to become a Sun Devil!"
Iron sharpens iron, and in this case, the competition in practice has helped the attacking unit continue to progress. Having one of the top goaltenders in the nation has paid dividends.
"It helps shooting on Berkeley every day at practice too," Glagolev added. "We really have to focus on getting the ball around her which translates to games."
The Sun Devils prepare to open the season on Saturday, February 8th against UC Davis. The 2:00 pm MST game between the Sun Devils and Aggies will be broadcasted live on the UC Davis Lacrosse Facebook page, which can be found at the following link. Another way to follow the game is through Stat Broadcast, who will be providing live stats here.
HOW TO FOLLOW
For coverage all season long, follow our Twitter and Instagram accounts (@SunDevilWLax) and like our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/sundevilwlax/). Visit our website, TheSunDevils.com, for the latest updates and information on the program leading up to the 2020 season.
The final edition of the series delivers a closer look at the loaded attack position now under the direction of a former All-American attacker.
SEASON PREVIEW: ATTACKERS
The balance throughout the unit and variety of reliable scoring options make this Sun Devil attack extremely difficult to prepare for and defend. When building his staff, Head Coach Tim McCormack emphasized a need for coaches that had excelled at this level and moved on to play professionally. He found exactly that in first-year Assistant Coach Nicole Graziano. Despite returning a majority of their production, a special characteristic of this group is their hunger to constantly improve. Luckily for the Sun Devils, they have a coach that can provide the knowledge and mentorship to help take them to the next level.
"I've been most impressed with the attacking unit's willingness to learn," new Assistant Coach Nicole Graziano remarked. "Ever since we arrived on campus, they've been extremely eager to soak in everything we've taught them. They're an enthusiastic group that brings energy every day and loves to compete."
Graziano is a tremendous asset to the attacking group, as she knows exactly what it takes to excel at this level. While at the University of Florida from 2012-16, Graziano made an impact on the lacrosse program, leaving as one of the most decorated student-athletes in school history. A 2016 Tewaaraton Award finalist and Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) All-American, Graziano was among the top players in the nation during her career. Considered a team leader, Graziano was a two-time captain at Florida.
One of the tone setters of the group is junior Emily Glagolev, who leads by example with her effort and intensity. The Second Team All-Conference selection returns to Tempe after a breakout sophomore season.
"I think confidence is one thing that helped me a lot from freshman to sophomore year," Glagolev pointed out in reference to her improvement from freshman to sophomore year. "I played a lot more free and that always helps on the offensive end."Have a day, @emily_glagolev!
— Sun Devil Lacrosse (@SunDevilWLax) March 16, 2019
5? goals on the day for the sophomore!
??17 | ??7 pic.twitter.com/SZpMzrAFuo
The star attacker broke her own school record by dishing out 33 assists, a total that led the Pac-12 Conference. Glagolev managed to stuff the stat sheet, emerging as a go-to offensive threat and dependable all-around player for the Sun Devils. She scored 23 goals to give her a team-best 56 points, while adding 25 ground balls and 12 draw controls. Coach Graziano recognizes the advantageous situation she has been put in with Glagolev back in the fold, offering up high praise with a lofty comparison.
"Glag is a very special player and a leader on our offensive unit," Coach Graziano mentioned. "She's similar to Steph Curry in the respect that she has the ability to break you down 1v1 and sink the shot herself, but also draw the attention of off ball defenders and feed her teammates. She can get fancy with the ball as well and is always willing to learn new tricks."
The always humble Glagolev knows that her season would not have been as productive if it wasn't for the play of her fellow attackers.
"I definitely couldn't have done it without my teammates," Glagolev reflected. "Everyone worked so hard off ball to get open and then to finish shots."
Redshirt senior Kerri Clayton fits that description, as she has developed into one of the toughest covers in the nation. The Arizona State attacking unit boasts not one, but two returning All-Conference players. Coming off her second consecutive Second Team All-Conference selection, Clayton represents a foundational piece of the new program.
"Kerri is player who has the ability to draw attention from off ball defenders and open up her teammates," Coach Graziano observed. "She is known to be a strong dodger with a powerful shot which causes defenders to slide early. I think her competitiveness is one of her greatest attributes because she never wants to lose and it shows in her play."DYNAMIC DUO ????
— Sun Devil Lacrosse (@SunDevilWLax) May 2, 2019
Congratulations to Kerri Clayton and Emily Glagolev for earning a spot on the Pac-12 All-Conference Second Team #ForksUp
MORE INFO: https://t.co/iRLRHRFECE pic.twitter.com/roiszB4ddf
Over the past two seasons, Clayton has combined to score 77 goals in 35 games. The two-time team captain has recorded at least a point in 32 games, putting together a multi-goal performance on 18 different occasions. She made history during a record-breaking performance in a victory over Oregon. A memorable performance earned her Pac-12 Player of the Week honors, as she refused to let her team lose in a thrilling 15-14 overtime victory. Clayton not only racked up a school-record eight goals, her 12 total points tied Colorado's Darby Kiernan for the most in a single game by a Pac-12 player. Entering her final season in Tempe, Clayton's teammates and coaches have noticed an increased sense of urgency.
"She brings an intensity when she has the ball that not many people do," Glagolev said. "She draws so much attention by the defense that it opens things up and makes everyone else's job a little easier."12. POINT. DAY.
— Sun Devil Lacrosse (@SunDevilWLax) April 6, 2019
Take a bow, @kerriclayton, who assisted on the game-winner! pic.twitter.com/RxEuaXOuTW
There is no shortage of scoring options among for the Sun Devils, as they feature a balanced attack that is challenging to game plan for. A big part of the arsenal is the trio of Taylor Carson, Kate Dougherty, and Carley Adams. Coach Graziano appreciates the growth of the group and the impact they have on the offense.
"I'm thrilled with the improvement out of TCars (Taylor), Kate (Eddy) and Carley since we started practice in August," Coach Graziano acknowledged. "They are a great group to be around and show up each day ready to get better. Their competitiveness and energy are contagious and I think it brings up the rest of the group."
Junior Taylor Carson has shown a knack for finding the back of the net. Coming off an 18 goal campaign a season ago, Carson now has 31 goals in two seasons. She came on strong at the end of last season, finishing with 10 goals over her last seven games. Carson looks to continue the momentum built off last season under the tutelage of Coach Graziano.
"Taylor is so aggressive if she gets the ball in the 8 she always finds her way to the goal," Glagolev noted. "She is also a great cutter. She always seems to be open when she cuts."
Fellow junior Kate Dougherty provides plenty of scoring prowess herself, another dangerous threat returning for the Maroon & Gold. Dougherty has put together two consecutive double-digit goal campaigns, scoring 13 goals in 15 games in 2019. She will be a key component of the offense, with a majority of the defensive attention focused to Glagolev and Clayton.?? ???????? ??
— Sun Devil Lacrosse (@SunDevilWLax) April 26, 2019
Look up threading the needle in the dictionary...
You will find this clip of @emily_glagolev's assist! @taylorrcarson ties the game up with a big-time goal!
?? 3 | ?? 3
12:29 - First Half
Watch on @Pac12Network pic.twitter.com/prsNfHvP9t
"Kate is an amazing finisher," Glagolev pointed out. "She has a super hard shot and always finds the corners."
The trio is completed by senior attacker Carley Adams, who is a dynamic playmaker in the open field. She looks to build off a season in which she tallied five goals in 16 games, with four of those goals coming in the final five games of the season. Adams fills a crucial role in the offense, adding another dimension with her ability to create in transition.
"Carley is really shifty with the ball and is a huge threat in transition," Glagolev explained.
Coach Graziano has the benefit of a deep stock of talented attackers with game experience at this level.
"Having depth is huge at this level because it's something you can't coach," Coach Graziano stated.
Katie Brodsky, Graci Fulkerson, Emma Carlson, and Caryn Takeuchi fit that description, as all four come back with a year of experience under their belt.
"Brodsky, Graci, Carlson and Caryn all bring different skills to the offense and mesh well with each other," Coach Graziano commented. "It's important that they all have game experience and will continue to grow on that."
Sophomore Katie Brodsky is back after earning immediate playing time as a freshman. She played in four games a season ago, taking draws and providing another attacking option for the Sun Devils.
Battling back from an injury that sidelined her in 2018, junior Emma Carlson earned playing time in three games last season. All the hard work to get back healthy paid off in the Sun Devils victory over Presbyeterian, as she recorded her first career goal.
Fellow junior Graci Fulkerson demonstrated she can score at this level, as she enters the season with 28 career points. She saw action in six games last year and figures to play a bigger role in the offense this season.Cool moment here for @SunDevilWLax!
— Arizona State Sun Devils (@TheSunDevils) April 14, 2019
After not playing due to injury last season, @carlson_emmaa scored her first collegiate goal today! pic.twitter.com/V3PysgteM6
This Sun Devil roster is full of resilient stories, including junior Caryn Takeuchi. After suffering an injury during her first season in Tempe, she worked relentlessly to get back on the field. Takeuchi saw action in three games last season, recording her first collegiate point with an assist against No. 22 USC.
A talented pair of freshmen enter the mix, as Anna Winkeler and Kate Gauntlett enter their first season in Tempe. The duo has wasted no time making an instant impact, as both have caught the eye of Coach Graziano.
"We are very excited about the freshman class' potential," Graziano exclaimed. "Gauntlett and Anna bring two different styles of play to our offensive unit and are extremely valuable. Both are from non-traditional lacrosse areas (Gauntlett from Georgia and Anna from Texas) and have brought their own perspectives out west. They both love the sport of lacrosse and continue to improve each practice."
Winkeler hails from Allen, Texas, where she enjoyed an extremely productive prep career. She compiled 445 points (290 goals, 155 assists), 420 draw controls, and 91 ground balls at Episcopal School of Dallas. Winkeler lead her team to the 2019 Texas Girls High School Lacrosse League Division I Championship, earning game MVP honors. The two-time U.S. Lacrosse All-American (2018 & 2019) has immediately made her presence felt.
"Anna has been a lot of fun to play with," Glagolev remarked. "She plays smart and is always composed. We have been playing really well together and I think she is gonna really gonna help the offense this season."
Her counterpart Gauntlett is from Canton, Georgia and had a wildly successful prep career of her own. She compiled 299 points (232 points & 67 assists), 92 ground balls, and 250 draw controls at Creekview High School. Gauntlett is a two-time Under Armour All-American Selection and earned 6A/7A Georgia Athletic Coaches Association Second Team All-State honors.
"Kate is so fast and she is an extremely hard worker," Glagolev mentioned. "She is always out putting in extra time."
The third newcomer of the group comes to Arizona State from another Pac-12 program. Junior Emily Munro joins the Sun Devils after spending the past two seasons at Oregon. While in a Duck uniform, Munro made 13 starts in 2019, playing in 16 of her team's 18 games. She finished her sophomore campaign tied for sixth on the team with 12 points, including nine goals. It hasn't taken her long to impress her coaches and fellow attackers.
"Emily has only been here a few weeks but she fits in really nicely," Glagolev observed. "She learned the offense really quick and I am excited to get to play with her more."
"Emily has been great since getting to Tempe this spring," Coach Graziano added. "She brings a wealth of lacrosse knowledge to the offense and has fit in well with the team. She's been very coachable and has really soaked in our offensive tactics. I'm excited that she chose to become a Sun Devil!"
Iron sharpens iron, and in this case, the competition in practice has helped the attacking unit continue to progress. Having one of the top goaltenders in the nation has paid dividends.
"It helps shooting on Berkeley every day at practice too," Glagolev added. "We really have to focus on getting the ball around her which translates to games."
The Sun Devils prepare to open the season on Saturday, February 8th against UC Davis. The 2:00 pm MST game between the Sun Devils and Aggies will be broadcasted live on the UC Davis Lacrosse Facebook page, which can be found at the following link. Another way to follow the game is through Stat Broadcast, who will be providing live stats here.
HOW TO FOLLOW
For coverage all season long, follow our Twitter and Instagram accounts (@SunDevilWLax) and like our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/sundevilwlax/). Visit our website, TheSunDevils.com, for the latest updates and information on the program leading up to the 2020 season.