Michigan lacrosse commit Ellie Kaplan
Twin Valley has had one of the top girls lacrosse programs in Pennsylvania for several years. The Raiders were the PIAA-2A runner-up in three consecutive seasons from 2022-24. They reached the state quarterfinals last year before falling to eventual champion Villa Maria in the quarterfinals. Will Twin Valley be able to get over the hump and bring home state gold this spring? "It would mean everything. Our whole team's mindset is let's do it. Why not go for it," said Ellie Kaplan. The senior midfielder reached 200 career goals during a 19-2 win at Schuylkill Valley one week ago. Kaplan scored five goals against the Panthers and came back with five more in a 10-8 victory at Downingtown East last Saturday. She is used to finding the back of the net. Kaplan was named an All-American by USA Lacrosse in 2025 after setting a Berks County single-season record with 116 goals. She also had 38 assists, 66 ground balls, and 254 draw controls.
The Raiders are off to a perfect (7-0) start. They're ranked third in the state in Class 2A by Pennsylvania Lacrosse News, one spot behind Wyomissing. Twin Valley is very familiar with the Spartans. Wyomissing beat the Raiders 9-7 in the BCIAA Championship and 10-6 in the District 3 semifinals a season ago. "I feel like there's nothing better than a rivalry in Berks County. When you know the people you're playing against, it gets you more amped up. We're definitely ready to come back this year," Kaplan told SV Sports' Paul Roberts. She has plenty of talent surrounding her, including senior Meredith Siever and junior Taylor Ebert on attack. Siever is committed to Duquesne and Ebert will be going to Bloomsburg. Junior midfielder Maddi Lawrence is an East Stroudsburg commit. Twin Valley utilizes two goalies in junior Steph Dunbar and senior Lynzee Anderson. Dunbar will continue her career at Division I Queens University of Charlotte.
Courtney Kaplan, Ellie's mom, has been the Raiders' head coach for the past decade. She has guided them to a (148-49) record and three District championships. "We're literally obsessed with the sport. We talk about it all the time. It's cool to see her in two different lights," replied Ellie. The 2025 BCIAA Player of the Year will be attending Michigan. The Wolverines are currently ranked #6 in the nation. "I love the atmosphere. All the other sports are competitive. I get to be around great athletes," noted Kaplan who has a 4.3 GPA. She added, "Not only is their team good, but their academics are really good. When lacrosse is over, I have a future and can get a good job. The coaches are gonna push me to hit my potential."