Baltimore — Inside Lacrosse released its Top‑15 Impact Freshmen list for the 2026 season, and Loyola University Maryland's
Mae Murphy earned a spot in the rankings.
"It's such an honor to be recognized, but for me it's never been about rankings," Murphy said. "It's about the impact this team has had on me as a person and a player. I am absolutely certain that Loyola has allowed me to flourish in a way that would not have been possible anywhere else."
Murphy was ranked No. 11 and is the lone Patriot League player included on the list. She has also recently been added to the Tewaaraton Watch List, as she was one of two freshman who were added to the watch list.
Through nine games, Murphy has recorded 102 draw controls, breaking both the Loyola freshman draw control record and the freshman single‑game record. She has posted double‑digit draws in seven of nine games, including 17 against Lehigh, followed by 16 against No. 10 Florida.
"The coaching staff is out of this world and knows the game inside and out," Murphy said. "The team culture runs so deep, to the point where we don't feel like teammates but a family. When I take a draw, the thought of my own statistics never even crosses my mind. I'm thinking about putting my team in the best position to gain possession and giving it all for my best friends standing next to me."
Murphy has led the Greyhounds' draw unit to another standout season, as Loyola ranks third nationally in draw control percentage (67.0%) and sixth in draw controls per game (17.1). She has also been named Patriot League Rookie of the Week three times this season.
In addition to her draw control dominance, Murphy has added three caused turnovers and four ground balls.
Before joining the Greyhounds, Murphy graduated from Moorestown High School in New Jersey, where she was a four‑year varsity member of the lacrosse, soccer, and basketball teams. During her senior season, she was named a USA All‑American, Co‑Midfielder of the Year for South Jersey, First Team All‑South Jersey, and First Team All‑Conference. She was also part of three South Jersey Group 3 Sectional Championship teams.
"To future incoming freshmen: awards and accolades may look nice on the outside, but the true value is being at a place where you can reach your full potential, are accepted and valued for who you truly are, and are surrounded by a community that does nothing but support you, no matter what," Murphy said.
