Ursuline Academy lacrosse player Goff becomes latest DI prospect from the program
WILMINGTON, Del. (BVM) — With one of the most consistently impressive girls lacrosse programs in the state of Delaware, the Ursuline Academy Raiders have become known for their ability to bring high school talent to the next level. With National Lacrosse Hall of Famer Feffie Barnhill leading the Raiders over the past six years, she has been able to not only evaluate and spot talented players, but also help develop their game to be competitive at the collegiate level. This has allowed the Raiders to send a large contingent of players to the NCAA’s Division I level as well as other collegiate college ranks.
The list got even longer on Dec. 15.
Senior lacrosse player Lexi Goff signed to continue her athletic and academic career at Campbell University in Buies Creek, N.C. during a National Signing Day ceremony at Ursuline.
“After signing my National Letter of Intent, I definitely felt an overwhelming sense of support,” Goff said. “I was actually able to sign my letter at Ursuline with my friends, my family and [head lacrosse coach] Feffie [Barnhill] right beside me. … That was really great they were there with me while I was signing.”
Goff chose Campbell over other schools recruiting her services because of what the program provided her as an athlete, but also a school that would help her grow academically as well.
“When I visited Campbell, I saw a program that had a great coaching staff, players that were striving to work hard and to win and also a great opportunity to become an impact player and really make a difference on the field for me,” Goff said. “I was also very impressed with the academic programs Campbell has to offer. I will be majoring in economics pre-law so I’m very excited for all the opportunities Campbell has in my field.”
Let's welcome Lexi Goff to the Creek! Lexi is a midfielder from Wyoming, DE. #WelcometotheCreek | #RollHumps 🐪🥍 pic.twitter.com/X1CwZJ3xmO
— Campbell Women's Lacrosse (@GoCamelsWLAX) November 16, 2020
The ceremony wrapped up what was an exciting, though unique, journey for Goff during her time with the Raiders.
It has been nearly two years since Goff last laced up for the Raiders. This is due to the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association canceling all spring sports this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, shutting down Goff’s opportunity to play with the Raiders for her junior campaign.
“Playing a season was definitely something I’ve taken for granted in the past so I’m beyond grateful we will have a season this year,” Goff said. “I’ve been looking forward to the season so I’m definitely ready.”
Things were looking up for Goff as she was preparing to enter her upperclassmen years with Ursuline. As a sophomore, Goff played attack for the Raiders, contributing 41 goals and 22 assists to a team that finished the season with a 12-3 record and an appearance in the DIAA state semifinals. With her performance on the field, Goff earned second team All-Catholic Conference honors as a sophomore. Goff was quick to give credit to her coach for being able to get the most out of her game.
“I feel very fortunate that I have had the opportunity to be able to play for a program like Ursuline and be coached by Feffie,” Goff said. “Feffie has helped me grow in tremendous ways both as a player and a teammate as well. I met Feffie in eighth grade and she gave me the opportunity to learn about my playing style and learning something new about the game itself each day … I’m looking forward to our last season together and I’m hoping to give her the UA championship she always wanted.”
Expectations for Goff and the rest of the Raiders’ squad were sky high heading into the 2020 season, but the pandemic would not allow those goals to be met. Instead, Goff would have to wait until the summer to continue her lacrosse game, which she did with her Maryland-based club team, The Lady Blue Crabs Lacrosse Club. Much like Ursuline, LBC Lacrosse also excels at helping players land at the collegiate level and Goff was among a number of program members who would also bring their talents to the college ranks this year.
“LBC gave us the opportunity to play in some summer tournaments so after having the Ursuline season canceled I was really happy LBC gave us a few tournaments to play at a higher level,” Goff said. “I’m super excited to be able to add to [the] history. I feel like for me and my teammates a lot of hard work has paid off. … I’m super happy and proud of my teammates.”
The Campbell Camels are hoping to catch lightning in a bottle with Goff. The Camels haven’t finished better than No. 4 in the Big South Conference standings since 2018, and last year during the pandemic-shortened season they were not trending in the right direction, going 2-7 in the early non-conference schedule. Without a winning record since 2017, the Camels will hope that Goff’s winning experience and scoring prowess will help them to turn the tide as they move forward.
“When I arrive on campus, I’m hoping to really establish a positive relationship with my coaches and teammates,” Goff said. “I’m also looking forward to contributing to the overall success of the team while working towards winning the Big South championship.”
Until she arrives on campus, Goff will look to return to the Raiders one last time this spring. Having already had a strong sophomore campaign the last time she took the field for Ursuline and being able to shake the rust off during the offseason with LBC Lacrosse, Goff will look to build on her abbreviated Raiders career with a memorable senior season. With Barnhill leading the way from the sidelines and Goff leading the team on the field, it is likely that the Raiders will be able to ride their high-scoring ways, perhaps all the way to a state championship.
“I believe we’re going to have a great season this year,” Goff said. “I think having off a year everyone will come back ready to play and ready to work hard. I know we have a great group of girls returning and we have a lot of talent that will take us far this season. … A personal goal for myself is to be the Delaware Player of the Year and to help lead my team to a state championship.”
