From Lake-Lehman to Division I: Isabella DeCesaris Making Her Mark at Old Dominion
By: Matt Flanagan | SportzWire | September 11, 2026 | Photo courtesy Matt Flanagan
NORFOLK, Va. — Former Lake-Lehman standout Isabella DeCesaris is quickly establishing herself as an impact player at the Division I level.
Now in her second season at Old Dominion University, DeCesaris has scored two goals through the Monarchs’ first four games of the 2026 season. Her total is tied for second on the team, helping No. 20 Old Dominion open the year with a 3-1 record.
The Shavertown native recorded her first collegiate goal in a dominant 7-0 victory over Bellarmine on Aug. 29. DeCesaris remained active throughout the contest before beating the goalkeeper with fewer than two minutes remaining to complete the scoring.
One week later, DeCesaris struck again on a much larger stage.
Facing Penn at Karen Shelton Stadium in Chapel Hill, DeCesaris converted an opportunity off a penalty corner in the third quarter, scoring from an assist by Serena Langendoen. The goal gave Old Dominion a commanding 3-0 advantage and helped the Monarchs secure their second shutout of the young season.
Her fast start represents another step forward following a productive freshman campaign. DeCesaris appeared in all 18 games for Old Dominion in 2025, earned two starts and registered four assists. She has already added a scoring dimension to her game this fall while becoming a larger part of the Monarchs’ midfield.
Long before arriving in Norfolk, DeCesaris built an impressive résumé at Lake-Lehman.
She earned PIAA First-Team All-State recognition, Academic First-Team All-State honors, a spot on the All-Pennsylvania Region Second Team and Citizens’ Voice First-Team All-Conference honors. She was also recognized among the Class of 2025’s Top 100 Players to Watch and played club field hockey for Electric Surge.
Her development extended beyond the high school season. DeCesaris participated with USA Field Hockey’s U-19 program, competed in the Winter Escape Tournament and was selected for the 2024 Junior Nexus Championship. She was also chosen to participate in the 2025 Longstreth Senior All-American Game alongside many of the country’s leading college-bound players.
Old Dominion head coach Andrew Griffiths described DeCesaris as a natural athlete and a dynamic, determined competitor when the Monarchs announced their 2025 recruiting class.
Those qualities are now beginning to show at the collegiate level.
DeCesaris has gone from a decorated Lake-Lehman midfielder to an emerging contributor for a nationally ranked Division I program. With two goals already on the board and most of the season still ahead, one of District 2’s former standouts appears ready to take another significant step forward.
For those who watched her excel in the Back Mountain, the strong beginning should come as no surprise. Isabella DeCesaris is making her presence felt, and her sophomore season is only getting started.
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