Elon, N.C. – Elon University sophomore MJ Santa Barbara was named honorable mention preseason All-America by USA Lacrosse, as announced today. Santa Barbara earned the recognition as a draw control specialist following one of the greatest freshman seasons in program and conference history at the draw.
 
Santa Barbara was named CAA Rookie of the Year, All-CAA First Team, and IWLCA Second Team All-Region in 2024 after breaking school and conference records for draw controls in a season with 151. Her 8.88 draw controls per game were most in the country for a freshman and ranked No. 7 nationally. She broke Elon's single-game draw control record with 15 in a win over Monmouth and had at least 10 draw controls in a game seven times.
 
Santa Barbara led Elon to a 9-8 record in 2024, including 5-3 in the CAA. The Phoenix earned a trip to the CAA semifinals.
 
With the recognition, Santa Barbara is the first Elon player to earn preseason All-America status since Stephanie Asher was named honorable mention All-America by Inside Lacrosse in 2018.