2026 Shore Sports Insider Girls Lacrosse Goalie of the Year: Anna Pharo, Trinity Hall
The best goalies don’t just stop shots. They change games.
Time and again during Trinity Hall’s run to an American Division championship and a 19-4 record, sophomore Anna Pharo delivered the save her team needed most. Whether it was a point-blank stop, a momentum-shifting save in transition, or a clutch play late in a one-goal game, Pharo consistently rose to the moment against some of New Jersey’s toughest competition.
With 208 saves, a 64.4 percent save rate, and a season of clutch performances, Pharo earned the 2026 Shore Sports Insider Girls Lacrosse Goalie of the Year honor.
Pharo stopped 208 shots over 23 games, averaging more than nine saves per contest against one of the state’s most rigorous schedules. Trinity Hall navigated the stacked American Division and endured a grueling non-conference slate from opening day through the postseason.
Pharo anchored a defense that powered Trinity Hall to the American Division title and the semifinals of both the Shore Conference and Non-Public state tournaments. The Monarchs’ season ended with a 5-2 loss to eventual state champion and top-ranked Kent Place, underscoring the caliber of Pharo’s opponents.
Trinity Hall’s Anna Photo (Photo by Patrick Olivero)
Her impact on Trinity Hall extended far beyond the stat sheet.
“Anna’s impact on our program has been incredible,” Trinity Hall head coach Dana Lenneper said. “She has been such a steady presence for us, not only because of what she does in the cage, but because of who she is as a teammate and person. Anna is calm, cool, and collected at all times. No matter the pressure, no matter the moment, she stays composed, and that gives confidence to everyone in front of her.”
That confidence was evident throughout the season.
In one of Trinity Hall’s signature victories, Pharo recorded 14 saves in a 9-8 win over eventual South Jersey Group 1 champion Haddonfield. Early in the season, she made 11 saves in an 8-6 victory over perennial Shore Conference power Rumson-Fair Haven.
Those performances became a recurring theme.
Whether protecting a late lead, facing a flurry of shots against elite competition, or delivering a momentum-changing stop in a critical moment, Pharo consistently gave Trinity Hall an advantage.
“We knew Anna had the ability to be special, but this season she really showed that she could take over games from the cage,” Lenneper said. “There were moments where she made saves that completely shifted momentum for us. It was not just the number of saves, but the timing of them. Big save after big save, she gave our team life, and allowed us to stay in games, take control of games, and believe in ourselves.”
What made Pharo’s season particularly impressive was the responsibility she carried. As the last line of defense against some of the Shore’s most explosive offenses, she was asked to make difficult saves night after night. More often than not, she delivered.
Her coach believes much of that success stems from the growth she has shown in all aspects of the position.
“The biggest improvement in Anna’s game has been her confidence and command of the defense,” Lenneper said. “She has always been an amazing athlete, but over the last two years, she has grown so much in her communication, her presence, and her ability to read the game. She sees the field better, she anticipates shots better, and she has become more comfortable being a leader from the cage.”
Trinity Hall celebrates Anna Pharo’s 200th career save (Photo by Patrick Olivero)
Perhaps the most remarkable part of her season is that she accomplished it all as a sophomore.
With two years still remaining in her high school career, Pharo has already established herself as one of New Jersey’s top goalkeepers. Yet those who know her best believe she is only beginning to scratch the surface of her potential.
“What excites me most is that Anna has not even reached her full potential yet,” Lenneper said. “As amazing as she already is, there is still so much more ahead for her. She has the athletic ability, mindset, work ethic, and heart to continue growing into an even more dominant player. Anna is not only an incredible goalie, but an amazing person, and that combination is what makes her so special.”
Finalists (alphabetical order)
Josephine Betz, Fr., Holmdel (213 saves, 125 goals allowed)
Adyson Griffin, Sr., Southern (126 saves, 92 goals allowed)
Sydney Kiernan, Jr., Rumson-Fair Haven (154 saves, 143 goals allowed)
Allie Soden, Sr., Barnegat (208 saves, 127 goals allowed)
Nora Tavares, Sr., Red Bank (174 saves, 150 goals allowed)
