Cyrose Conteh and Sam Graf capped off their 2024 seasons in style, getting the nod as Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) Second Team All-Americans, announced by the organization Wednesday, May 22.
This gives head coach Kristen Nicholson and the Golden Bears back-to-back seasons with multiple All-Americans for the first time in program history. It is just the second time that Kutztown has had consecutive All-Americans since the 1983 and 1984 seasons. The duo is two of just five Golden Bears that achieved All-America status during their careers in Maroon and Gold, joining teammate Emma Meakim, who, along with Graf, were Third Team All-Americans last season. Robin Spector was Honorable Mention for USA Lacrosse All-America status.
Conteh, a graduate student defender, was also a First Team IWLCA All-Atlantic Region, USA Lacrosse First Team All-American and First Team All-PSAC performer. She started and played in 20 games this season. She is eighth in the conference with 37 caused turnovers, a career-best, and also has won 67 draw controls and collected 40 ground balls. Conteh has found the back of the net once this season. She is third all-time at KU with 200 draw control wins and is fourth with 88 caused turnovers.
Graf, a junior midfielder, was also a First Team IWLCA All-Atlantic Region, USA Lacrosse First Team All-American and First Team All-PSAC performer. She started all 21 games. She ranked third in the conference with 81 goals scored and has also added 21 assists for 102 points, fourth in the PSAC. Graf has tallied 233 career points, tied for most in program history. She also is second at KU in career goals with 175. Graf has also contributed 43 ground balls, won 92 draw controls and caused a career-high 39 turnovers.
Kutztown finished the 2024 season 15-6 overall and 9-3 in the PSAC, setting a program record for wins in a season. KU played in the PSAC championship game, finishing runner-up, and also qualified for its second straight NCAA Division II Tournament.