Bethlehem-area athletes were among the top honorees recognized by the newly formed Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of USA Lacrosse, which was established this year after District 11 and 2 separated from the Eastern Pennsylvania chapter.

Leading the local honorees was Liberty senior Erika Broesicke, who earned both All-American and All-Academic recognition, making her one of only a select few players to receive honors in both categories. Broesicke’s accomplishments highlight her excellence on the field and in the classroom.

Freedom’s Karee Vandever was also recognized for her academic achievements, earning All-Academic honors and representing the Patriots among the region’s top student-athletes.

Other award winners included All-Americans Rylee Rath (Pleasant Valley), Alli Denzel (Southern Lehigh), Gia Caporuscio (Crestwood), and Allie Rothenberger (Abington Heights). The All-Academic team also featured Addison Winfield (Parkland) and Jackie Gallagher (Crestwood).

Pleasant Valley’s Rylee Rath received additional recognition as the recipient of the Jackie Pitts Award, while Nazareth’s Michelle Mihalko was named Coach of the Year.