The Nittany Lions lost a key player when Penn State women’s lacrosse star Olivia Dirks announced she’s transferring to UNC this season.

The move became official on Wednesday when the Tar Heels advertised a few new additions through an Instagram post.

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This past season, Dirks tallied 31 goals and 12 assists while holding down the Nittany Lions’ midfielders. However, Dirks’ specialty was on the draw control, as she won 78 across the season and averaged six a game. Dirks led the Big Ten in draw controls and ranked 21st in the country.

This season, Dirks unanimously received first-team All-Big Ten honors and was named Big Ten Midfielder of the Year. She also received first-team All-American honors from the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association and second-team All-American honors from USA Lacrosse magazine.

Additionally, Dirks was one of 25 finalists for The Tewaaraton Award, the most prestigious award in college lacrosse.

Dirks is currently on the U.S. Women’s Lacrosse Training Team roster, joined by former 2018 Penn State graduate Katie O’Donnell. UNC leads all schools in the country with 11 representatives on the team’s roster.

The Nittany Lions now have a major spot to fill on its team this upcoming season, especially on offense and draw control. Sophomore Kristin O’Neill, the former Big Ten Freshman of the Year, is well primed for the role. Luckily, head coach Missy Doherty has plenty of time to iron out the roster before the Nittany Lions begin their season on February 16.