Florida Gators Lacrosse Program Eyes 2026 Success Fueled by the Addition of Two Impactful Graduate Transfers to the Roster
The Florida Gators lacrosse team is wasting no time reloading for the future, already making key moves to bolster the roster for the 2026 season. With the arrival of two graduate student transfers—both bringing experience, talent, and leadership—the Gators are signaling that their ambitions remain high. The program, which has consistently been a powerhouse in the American Athletic Conference and a fixture in the national conversation, is looking to return to the NCAA Tournament with a deeper and more seasoned squad. These two new additions could be exactly what head coach Amanda O’Leary needs to take Florida to the next level.
Graduate transfers are becoming increasingly vital in college athletics, especially as the NCAA’s transfer portal continues to reshape rosters across the country. For Florida, securing two proven players with collegiate experience not only adds depth but also addresses some of the team’s most pressing needs. While underclassmen bring raw talent and energy, graduate transfers offer the maturity and battle-tested poise required in high-stakes moments—qualities that have sometimes separated champions from contenders. Florida knows this well and acted swiftly in targeting players who could step in and contribute immediately.
The first of the two graduate student transfers is midfielder Olivia Giannetti, who arrives from Penn State after four solid seasons in the Big Ten. Giannetti brings versatility, having been a key contributor on both sides of the field for the Nittany Lions. Her stats speak to her reliability: 24 goals, 18 assists, and over 100 draw controls during her career. But her value extends beyond the box score. Giannetti was a captain during her senior year and widely respected for her work ethic and locker room presence. At Florida, she’ll be expected to fill a similar leadership role while also injecting a two-way spark that the Gators will lean on.
Coach O’Leary has already expressed confidence in Giannetti’s fit with Florida’s system. Known for her aggressive yet disciplined midfield rotations, O’Leary prizes players who can seamlessly shift from offensive initiators to defensive stoppers. Giannetti has been praised for her lacrosse IQ, quick decision-making, and relentless hustle. Whether pushing the transition or anchoring the defense, she is expected to see heavy minutes from the get-go. Her arrival also helps cushion the loss of several graduating players, providing the continuity that every championship-chasing team needs.
The second graduate student transfer heading to Gainesville is attacker Marissa Hensley, who spent the past five years at Boston University. A consistent scoring threat in the Patriot League, Hensley leaves BU ranked among the program’s all-time leaders in goals and points. What makes her such a compelling addition for Florida is her combination of finishing ability and creativity. While her 40-goal season in 2024 turned heads, it’s her ability to read defenses and create space for teammates that makes her such a dynamic offensive weapon.
Florida’s attack, while productive, occasionally lacked the fluidity and scoring punch against elite defensive units. Hensley could be the piece that changes that. Her ability to draw slides and distribute from behind the cage fits perfectly with Florida’s motion-heavy offensive scheme. With a mix of speed, strength, and vision, she has the potential to elevate everyone around her. Expect her to play a major role on the Gators’ top scoring line and be a focal point in late-game situations.
Both Giannetti and Hensley come to Gainesville with something to prove. For Giannetti, it’s the opportunity to win a conference title and make a deep NCAA Tournament run, something that eluded her during her time at Penn State. For Hensley, it’s the chance to show that her production at BU can translate against top-10 competition. But more than individual goals, both players seem committed to the team-first culture that has defined Florida lacrosse under Coach O’Leary.
Indeed, culture has always been a cornerstone of the Gators’ success. Since launching the program in 2010, Florida has rapidly become a national power, earning multiple conference titles and NCAA bids. O’Leary’s emphasis on discipline, work ethic, and team chemistry has created an environment where transfers can integrate quickly. The addition of Giannetti and Hensley aligns with that philosophy, and early signs suggest the transition is already well underway.
The summer months will be crucial in setting the tone. Giannetti and Hensley are expected to participate in voluntary workouts and team-building activities alongside returning players and incoming freshmen. For the Gators, this off-season period represents a rare chance to build cohesion across a roster that will blend youth and experience. With several underclassmen poised to step into larger roles, the leadership from the graduate transfers could serve as the stabilizing force needed during moments of adversity.
Florida’s 2025 season ended in frustration, falling short in the NCAA Tournament despite a strong regular-season showing. That result has only intensified the urgency and hunger within the program. The coaching staff has been vocal about the need to finish games stronger and elevate performance against top-tier opponents. With Giannetti’s defensive tenacity and Hensley’s offensive polish, Florida now possesses tools that directly address those needs. Moreover, their presence provides competition in practice that should raise the level of play across the board.
Behind the scenes, Florida’s staff did their homework before bringing these two players in. Assistant coaches conducted film review, spoke with former coaches and teammates, and evaluated not just skill sets, but also character. In the era of the transfer portal, finding the right fit can be just as important as finding raw talent. By all accounts, both players checked every box—leaders on and off the field, high GPA students, and athletes who are still hungry for growth.
The impact of these transfers won’t be measured solely by goals or ground balls. Their experience could have ripple effects throughout the locker room. Younger players often need role models who’ve seen the highs and lows of collegiate lacrosse. Graduate transfers often bring a sense of perspective and professionalism that helps set the tone in practice, in the film room, and in game-day huddles. For a program like Florida—always contending but striving to break through to the Final Four—that intangible value is immeasurable.
Florida fans can expect a team with renewed energy and a sharpened identity when the season opens next spring. The Gators will still feature their hallmark fast-paced offense and aggressive ride, but with added composure and balance. With Giannetti orchestrating in the midfield and Hensley quarterbacking from behind the net, the team’s strategic options multiply. Expect Coach O’Leary to experiment with new sets and combinations early in the season, taking full advantage of the added flexibility these two veterans provide.
Recruiting never stops in Gainesville, and these moves also send a clear message to high school prospects: Florida remains an attractive destination for players who want to win and develop. The staff’s ability to land two highly sought-after graduate transfers demonstrates the respect the program commands nationally. In an era of constant roster churn, stability and success go hand-in-hand. With a strong returning core, promising freshmen, and now two veteran leaders, the Gators are positioned to be a formidable force in 2026.
Ultimately, time will tell how much Giannetti and Hensley influence the trajectory of Florida’s season. But on paper, their arrivals look like the kind of smart, calculated moves that championship teams make. Florida isn’t rebuilding—it’s reloading. And with two proven leaders now in the mix, the Gators have every reason to believe the best is yet to come.
