Clemson lacrosse team is making waves nationally, with junior defender Paris Masaracchia being named to the Third Team Nike Lacrosse Preseason Women’s DI Media All-American. This highlights her vital role in the Tigers’ defense and the expectations for her in the upcoming 2025 season.
Masaracchia began her lacrosse journey at Bishop Shanahan High School, where she earned five Under Armour All-American honors and was recognized as a USA Lacrosse All-American. Her choice to join Clemson was driven by the chance to help establish its inaugural women’s lacrosse program and the university’s dedication to excellence in both academics and athletics. Since her arrival at Clemson, she has quickly become one of the team’s most dependable and impactful players, playing a crucial role in the defensive lineup from the outset.
During her time at Clemson, Masaracchia has emerged as a defensive leader, demonstrating her skill in controlling possessions, forcing turnovers, and making pivotal plays. In her sophomore season, she recorded 35 ground balls and 28 caused turnovers, ranking among the top defenders in the ACC. Her ability to disrupt opposing offenses made her an essential piece of Clemson’s defensive strategy. Offensively, she also contributed with two goals and an assist, demonstrating her versatility on the field. As a freshman, she tallied 25 ground balls and 43 draw controls, further proving her ability to make an impact on both ends of the field. Her outstanding performances earned her a spot on the All-ACC Second Team and the NCAA All-Region South First Team.
Beyond her collegiate accomplishments, Masaracchia has gained recognition at the national level. She was selected for the U.S. Women’s U20 training team, marking her as one of the top young defenders in the country. As she heads into the 2025 season, she has been ranked as the No. 41 player by Inside Lacrosse, further cementing her status as a standout in the sport. Her leadership and skills continue to shine.
Her leadership and consistency have been vital to Clemson’s growth as a program, and her ongoing development will be essential for the Tigers’ success this season. These accomplishments highlight the rapid progress and competitiveness of Clemson’s women’s lacrosse program, now entering its third year. Under head coach Allison Kwolek, the team has made impressive advancements in a short period, competing at a high level in the ACC, one of the toughest conferences in the nation.
With key players like Masaracchia and junior goalkeeper Emily Lamparter leading the charge, Clemson is ready to make an even bigger impact in the upcoming season. Lamparter, who earned an honorable mention on the USA Lacrosse Preseason All-America list, was among the top goalkeepers in the ACC last season, ranking second in save percentage (46.2%) and third in saves per game (8.17). Together, Masaracchia and Lamparter create a strong defensive unit that will be crucial to Clemson’s success in 2025.
The Tigers are set to kick off their 2025 season on February 8, taking on Davidson College in Davidson, North Carolina. This marks the beginning of what promises to be an exciting season for Clemson, as the team aims to build on its previous achievements and strive for its first NCAA postseason tournament appearance. As one of the program’s standout players, Masaracchia will be instrumental in helping Clemson reach this goal.
Beyond her lacrosse career, Masaracchia is also committed to her academic endeavors. She is majoring in Business, managing the challenges of being a student-athlete while excelling on the field. Her dedication and leadership have earned her the admiration of teammates and coaches alike, making her a role model within the Clemson lacrosse program.
As the 2025 season draws near, the spotlight is on Paris Masaracchia and the Clemson Tigers as they strive to make a mark in the ACC and beyond. With her strong defensive skills, leadership qualities, and knack for performing under pressure, Masaracchia is poised to make a significant impact on Clemson’s lacrosse program and solidify her reputation as one of the premier players in collegiate women’s lacrosse.
