Former UAlbany draw specialist Paisley Cook commits to Syracuse
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Former UAlbany draw specialist Paisley Cook has committed to Syracuse women’s lacrosse, the team announced Tuesday. Cook is the Orange’s sixth transfer portal acquisition this offseason and first since May.
In 2025, the midfielder was tied for 16th nationally in draw controls (154). She’s accrued 281 throughout the past two seasons. The senior led the Great Danes with 36 goals last year and converted nearly 70% of her shots on goal. Cook also placed second in assists and points with 23 and 59, respectively. That earned her America East Midfielder of the Year honors.
UAlbany won the conference tournament last year, as Cook scored six goals and dished seven assists in the two-game span. However, she didn’t appear in the Great Danes’ 21-7 NCAA Tournament loss to Johns Hopkins after violating team rules, alongside one other player, while four players chose not to travel. They were part of a 14-player exodus this offseason.
Nonetheless, Cook’s resume may be the best of a strong group of incoming SU transfers. The Orange added Virginia defender Olivia Bruno, Boston College attack Hanna Davis, Florida goalie Maya Soskin, USC midfielder Hollis Mulry and William and Smith draw specialist Natalie Daniels.
Daniels and Cook joined SU this offseason after it struggled on draw controls in 2026. Syracuse ranked last in the Atlantic Coast Conference and bottom 15 nationally with 7.8 wins per game.
SU mainly featured Molly Guzik on the draw last season, with several players rotating around her. While she controlled 73, about the same as Syracuse’s leader in 2025, Meghan Rode (75), head coach Regy Thorpe constantly began postgame press conferences feeling displeased about the team’s draw results.
Cook serves as a viable option to seize the position long-term while also being a potent offensive threat.
