After two under-the-radar seasons, Erika Ho is making headlines with a breakout junior year that is hard to ignore. The Penn State attacker has turned in one of the most remarkable season-to-season improvements in Division I women’s lacrosse, scoring 46 goals and adding 10 assists for a 56-point total, up from just six points over her first two years combined.
Her performance against Michigan on March 30 was a defining moment. Ho fired off 12 shots, eight of them on target, and found the back of the net five times, marking career highs across the board. It was a statement game, and she hasn’t looked back since.
Her Impact On the Field
Ho is shooting at an efficient .426 clip this season, with 79 of her 108 shots landing on goal. That accuracy reflects her growth as a scorer, a decision-maker, and a leader on the field. She has embraced a more aggressive mindset and is no longer waiting for opportunities to come to her; she’s creating them. Additionally, she’s made her presence felt on defense, tying her season high with two caused turnovers against Maryland and recording four ground balls and two assists in a key win over Ohio State.
What makes Ho’s rise so compelling is not just the stats; it’s the path she took to get here. In an era where early success often defines athletic careers, she serves as a reminder that development takes time and that breakout moments can emerge from athletes who remain committed and prepared for their opportunity. Her journey highlights the importance of work ethic, resilience, and the quiet confidence required to grow through challenges rather than be defined by them. She has earned every bit of recognition through effort and consistency.
Now in her third year, Erika is no longer flying under the radar; she is proving that she belongs among the top players in the game.
