Player's Poll: Top 24 Players of 2024, Part II
We are back with part two of our countdown to the best players of the 2024 MLQ season, voted on by our players. Our second collection of players includes lynchpins of teams that reached new heights this season, as well as key pieces of championship contenders. Join us back here next week as we reveal the top players from the 2024 season.
16. Hayden Boyes, Houston Legends
Position: Chaser/Keeper
Age: 25
2024 Stats: 12 Games, 54 Goals, 16 Assists, 22 Chaser Stops
“Hayden’s physicality, field awareness, and incredible shooting while in high-pressure moments make him one of the most complete keepers in the league. He has a knack for dictating tempo and forcing teams to adjust to his game. Having someone like Hayden doesn’t just raise your floor—it redefines your ceiling.” - Brandon Kubena, Assistant Coach, 2024 Houston Legends
15. Devin Lee, New York Titans
Position: Beater
Age: 29
2024 Stats: 15 Games, 15 Beater Stops, +34 Plus/Minus, 1.41 Average Dodgeballs
“Plain and simple, Devin is one of – if not the – most-skilled beater to play this sport. Devin is the only teammate and player I’ve played with that leaves me with my jaw on the ground after each rep, shift, or play. What’s even more impressive than his insane plays is his humbleness and compassion for teammates. He is truly a one-of-one.” - Tate Kay, Head Coach, 2024 New York Titans
14. Lauren Smith, Kansas City Stampede
Position: Chaser
Age: 20
2024 Stats: 18 Games, 20 Goals, 5 Assists, 26 Chaser Stops
“Lauren Smith has made huge improvements over her short career so far. She has become one of the strongest defenders in her position, as shown by her 11 big stops during our MLQ champs run. Her ability to make a game changing tackle on players twice her size was crucial to Stampede’s success. Lauren’s play on the field makes her a great player, but her coach-ability and attitude on the sidelines make her a great teammate that anyone would be lucky to play with. I am personally extremely excited to see where she goes in the upcoming seasons.” - Lauren Curry, Assistant Coach, 2024 Kansas City Stampede
13. Josh Mansfield, New Orleans Curse
Position: Beater
Age: 31
2024 Stats: 16 Games, 33 Beater Stops, +0 Plus/Minus, 1.61 Average Dodgeballs
“More than once at practice someone has asked me “is what Josh did on that last play legal?” The answer is always yes: Josh just moves and thinks so fast, and in such unique ways, that it’s hard for his opponents to comprehend what he just did to them.” - Ben Mertens, Head Coach, 2024 New Orleans Curse
12. Ryan Hsu, Detroit Innovators
Position: Beater
Age: 23
2024 Stats: 14 Games, 31 Beater Stops, +9 Plus/Minus, 1.55 Average Dodgeballs
“When Ryan is on the field the team feels in-sync with each other. His active communication allows the defense to cover the whole field and the offense to generate clean goal-scoring opportunities.” - Jack Levy, Assistant Coach, 2024 Detroit Innovators
11. Ally Manzella, Chicago Prowl
Position: Chaser
Age: 26
2024 Stats: 15 Games, 25 Goals, 3 Assists, 8 Chaser Stops
“When Ally steps onto the pitch, opponents' sidelines shout her name to alert their teammates—that's how you know you've got a unique ability. Her timely cuts paired with her quick and strong hands at the hoop make her nearly unguardable within that space. You love to play with her, hate to play against her.” - Kennedy Murphy, Head Coach, 2024 Chicago Prowl
10. Darian Murcek-Ellis, Chicago Prowl
Position: Chaser
Age: 25
2024 Stats: 12 Games, 30 Goals, 16 Assists, 23 Chaser Stops
“Darian has an extremely diverse skill set, but the most impactful may be his defensive reads off the hoops. They completely shut down opponents' offenses while putting us in advantageous offensive positions. But more than a top player, he is a tremendous leader by example and his words motivate and uplift his teammates.” - Kennedy Murphy, Head Coach, 2024 Chicago Prowl
9. Lulu Xu, Boston Forge
Position: Beater
Age: 32
2024 Stats: 16 Games, 21 Beater Stops, +44 Plus/Minus, 1.63 average dodgeballs
“The definition of a game changer. She dominated every beater in her path forcing every turnover possible and creating countless scoring opportunities.” - Harry Greenhouse, Head Coach, Boston Forge
