The Butler lacrosse team has announced the signing of six student-athletes on National Signing Day. Addie Deihl, Lucy Davis, Claire Flannagan, Emery Gregston, Madison Jimenez and Mary-Claire Willison will make Indianapolis their home beginning in the fall of 2027.
"We couldn't be more excited about this group of six young women joining the Butler women's lacrosse family," said Head Coach Leah Rubino. "They bring a great combination of talent, competitiveness and character to our program. Each of them will contribute something unique to our program."
"What makes this class especially exciting is their commitment to embracing the full student-athlete experience. They understand the importance of competing at a high level, pursuing academic excellence, and taking advantage of everything Butler has to offer. We are excited to watch them grow as students, athletes and people, and we can't wait to welcome them to the Bulldog family!"
Addie Deihl
5-4, Defender
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Baylor School
Deihl is a 5-4 defender at the Baylor School under Head Coach Taylor Moody. She is a four-year letterwinner and also played soccer and did ski racing. Deihl was named team rookie of the year after her freshman season and earned All-Region honors after both sophomore and junior seasons. She was an All-State selection as a junior and is slated to be a team captain for her senior season this spring.
Why Deihl Chose Butler: "I chose Butler because of its strong academic reputation, challenging coursework and the supportive culture and chemistry within the lacrosse team."
Head Coach Leah Rubino on Signing Deihl: "One of the things we love about Addie is how hard she competes. She embraces a challenge, isn't afraid to get after it, and brings the kind of toughness that every successful team needs. We are excited to have her as a Bulldog!"
Lucy Davis
5-2, Goalie
Severna Park, Maryland
Severna Park
Davis is a 5-2 goalie at Severna Park High School under Head Coach Annie Houghton. She is a four-year letterwinner in lacrosse and also plays field hockey. Davis has helped lead her team to a 51-9 overall record in her three seasons.
Why Davis Chose Butler: The first time I walked into Hinkle Fieldhouse, I didn't realize the size of the building. I noticed how close everything felt. That's Butler to me: a BIG EAST program with the feel of a place where people actually know your name- I'm Lucy, not just a lacrosse player. I wanted to compete at a high level without disappearing into a huge university. At Butler, I can play lacrosse against some of the best programs in the country and still sit in classes small enough that my professors notice when I'm missing. With Peace and Conflict Studies and Psychology and Sociology, I'm getting a degree that will matter long after my playing days. What sealed it was The Butler Way: humility, passion, unity, servanthood, and thankfulness. Every program talks about culture. At Butler, I saw it on my first visit. At lunch, girls I had never met approached me and sat down next to me. They engaged in conversation with me like I was already a part of the team. They were so welcoming. These would be my future teammates. I realized that's the kind of teammate I want to become. That's what sets Butler apart. Indianapolis gives me a city to grow in, and Butler gives me a team to grow with. I'm proud to be a Bulldog!"
Head Coach Leah Rubino on Signing Davis: "Lucy's excitement about becoming a Bulldog has been contagious from the start! Her passion for the game and enthusiasm for being part of our program are exactly what we love to see. We can't wait to welcome her to the Butler family!"
Claire Flannagan
5-7, Midfield
Carmel, Indiana
Guerin Catholic
Flannagan is a 5-7 midfielder at Guerin Catholic High School under Head Coach Joseph Bellflower. She is a four-year letterwinner and also competed in Cross Country/Track & Field. Flannagan has helped lead her squad to a 51-12 record and three consecutive state championship appearances in her three seasons on varsity. During her junior season, she scored 64 goals while dishing out 27 assists, which was good for a season total of 91 points. Flannagan was named a USA Lacrosse High School All-American, All-State first team and team MVP.
Why Flannagan Chose Butler: "I chose Butler because it offers great academics and because of the team culture!"
Head Coach Leah Rubino on Signing Flannagan: "Claire has a great feel for the game and an ability to make an impact in a variety of ways. We love her athleticism and the way she competes, and we are excited to see how she continues to grow and develop at Butler!"
Emery Gregston
5-10, Midfielder
Fenton, Missouri
Rockwood Summit
Gregston is a 5-10 midfielder at Rockwood Summit under Head Coach David Gibson. She is a four-year letterwinner and also played golf and basketball. Gregston has amassed 65 goals, 25 assists, 81 ground balls, 36 caused turnovers and 100 draw controls in her three seasons thus far. Her team made the elite eight once and sweet sixteen twice thus far in her prep career. She is a three-time All-Conference selection, two-time team MVP, and is a team captain. Gregston's club team, 410 West Lacrosse, is ranked as the No. 1 travel team in the state of Missouri.
Why Gregston Chose Butler: "I chose Butler because of the opportunity I have to not only receive a top-tier education, but also to compete with and against some of the best teams and players in the country."
Head Coach Leah Rubino on Signing Gregston: "Emery is the type of player who makes everyone around her better. She has a great understanding of the game, works incredibly hard, and brings a team-first mentality that we value. We are thrilled she chose Butler!"
Madison Jimenez
5-5, Midfield
Dardenne Prairie, Missouri
Liberty Wentzville
Jimenez is a 5-5 midfielder at Liberty Wentzville High School under Head Coach Meredith Linn. She is a four-year letterwinner and also played tennis. Jimenez was named All-State honorable mention. As a junior, she had 80 offensive points, 60 draw controls, 21 ground balls and 11 caused turnovers. She plays travel lacrosse for 410 West Lacrosse Club, which is ranked as the No. 1 travel team in the state of Missouri.
Why Jimenez Chose Butler: "I chose Butler for its unique balance of academics and athletics. I love how Butler prioritizes student success both on and off the field. I was also very drawn to the strong community that Butler embodies, and it felt like a place I can grow as a student, athlete and person."
Head Coach Leah Rubino on Signing Jimenez: "Maddie is a dynamic player who plays with a lot of confidence. She has an exciting skill set and a natural ability to create scoring opportunities. We can't wait to see her bring her talents to Butler!"
Mary-Claire Willison
5-7, Attack
Westerville, Ohio
St. Francis Desales
Willison is a 5-7 attacker at St. Francis Desales under Head Coach Joe Finotti. She is a four-year letterwinner and has helped lead her team to a 63-7 overall record. Willison scored 16 goals as a freshman en route to a state championship. As a sophomore, she scored 51 goals and was named Second Team All-Region and First Team CIL. Her junior campaign has been her best thus far, leading her team to their third consecutive state championship while scoring 62 goals. She was named First Team All-Region, First Team CCL, First Team CIL and was an Academic All-League selection.
Why Willison Chose Butler: "I chose Butler because it felt like the perfect fit for me both athletically and academically. I loved the campus, the people and it just felt like home!"
Head Coach Leah Rubino on Signing Willison: "Mary-Claire brings a lot of creativity and confidence to the field. She has a great ability to see opportunities and make things happen, and we are excited to watch her bring that playmaking ability to our program."
