Knor and Chepnik

Chepenik and Knor Named to AAC All-Conference Preseason Team; Bulls Picked to Finish Fifth

January 28, 2025

TAMPA, Fla., Jan. 28, 2025 – As the University of South Florida women's lacrosse program prepares for its historic inaugural season, the Bulls have already made a strong impression in the American Athletic Conference. Defender Ansley Knor (#2) and attacker Sofia Chepenik (#0) have been named to the AAC Preseason All-Conference Team, highlighting the program's bright future. Additionally, USF was picked to finish fifth in the AAC preseason coaches' poll.
 
Chepenik and Knor, two of the program's standout leaders, received the conference recognition for their exceptional skills and potential. Chepenik, a redshirt sophomore transfer, has one season at the NCAA level under her belt, playing 15 games and tallying 53 points (33 goals and 20 assists) for Clemson in 2023. Chepenik led the ACC Freshmen in goals and assists, earning All-Freshman team and All-Academic Team ACC Honors. 
 
Knor will be making her NCAA debut on February 7th,, as she is a redshirt freshman from Kell High School in Acworth, Georgia. Knor earned nods on two Georgia all-state teams (2021 and 2022) while in high school.
 
"This is an incredible honor for Ansley and Sofia and a testament to their hard work and the vision we have for this program," said head coach Mindy McCord. "Our team is excited to represent USF and take on the challenge of competing in such a strong conference."
 
The AAC preseason coaches' poll placed the Bulls fifth out of seven teams, signaling respect for the fledgling program while recognizing the competitive landscape of the conference. The AAC includes perennial powerhouse James Madison, along with a highly competitive field.
 
2025 American Athletic Conference Women's Lacrosse Preseason Coaches' Poll
(First-place votes in parentheses)
1. James Madison (6) 36
2. Vanderbilt (1) 31
3. Temple 24
4. East Carolina 19
5. South Florida 18
6. Charlotte 11
7. Old Dominion 8
 
2025 USF AAC Preseason All-Conference Team Selections
Ansley Knor, Defender, USF
Sofia Chepenik, Attacker, USF 

USF's inaugural season begins on February 7th against Kennesaw State at Corbett Stadium.

ABOUT USF LACROSSE
The University of South Florida announced the addition of women's lacrosse to its now 21-sport varsity athletics program in November of 2021. The program embarks on their inaugural season on Feb. 7, 2025. The Bulls named eight-time conference coach of the year Mindy McCord to lead the program in May of 2022. McCord, who came to USF with 240 career wins, earned 21 regular season and conference tournament titles at Jacksonville University and led the program to eight NCAA appearances after starting and leading the Dolphins' program in its first 13 years. She developed 13 All-Americans, 81 all-conference selections, and 13 conference Player of the Year honorees during that span. USF runs a fast-paced, high-scoring offense influenced by the early 1990s Loyola Marymount men's basketball record-setting fast break, which ranked among the national leaders in shots, points per game, and scoring margin numerous seasons during McCord's tenure at JU.
 
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– #GoBulls –


 
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