Aquinas’ Finch and Pine Crest’s Hlatki are Broward Lacrosse Players of the Year
Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas senior James Finch has been one of the most impactful lacrosse players in the state in recent years.
Next, he hopes to elevate his game on the national level at Ohio State University.
Meanwhile at Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest, the next big girls’ star is already making a name for herself.
And Julia Hlatki isn’t even in high school yet.
Finch and Hlatki are the Miami Herald’s Broward County Boys’ and Girls’ Lacrosse Players of the Year respectively.
Hlatki, an eighth-grader, made a huge splash already for the Panthers this season, guiding them to the Class 1A regional semifinals and a district championship.
Hlatki scored 82 goals and finished with 19 assists and a staggering 182 draw controls as she set the pace for Broward County’s top team in Class 1A. Pine Crest went 14-3 with two of those losses coming against Boca Raton St. Andrew’s.
Hlatki has been playing the sport since not long after she started walking and quickly fell in love with it.
“I’ve been playing lacrosse since kindergarten. Pressure is a privilege and I feel happy to play the sport that comes naturally to me,” Hlatki said. “The past year has been amazing. I love the team and the bonding.”
Finch also took up lacrosse at a young age and quickly developed into one of the top all-around players in the county.
Finch, an All-Region first team selection and All-American by USA Lacrosse, led the Raiders to a state championship his junior year and a state runner-up finish this season. He totaled 62 goals and 54 assists, and was one of the most versatile players in the state.
“My brother got me interested in lacrosse when he put the stick in my hand for the first time,” Finch said. “My goal is to play at the professional level. First, I want to make an impact in my first year at Ohio State.”
This story was originally published May 29, 2026 at 6:10 AM.
