Makena Lee Makes History Inevitable as Baldwin Tops Notre Dame 4-1 in Statement Win

With every step, every strike, and every stare down at goal, Makena Lee is chasing history—and making it feel inevitable.

On a crisp Thursday afternoon in Bryn Mawr, just under 24 hours removed from a bruising 2-2 draw at The Hill School, the Baldwin School’s star striker and junior co-captain delivered one of the most clinical performances of her already glittering career. Lee scored all four goals in Baldwin’s commanding 4-1 win over the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur in an Inter-Ac League matchup, tying the school’s all-time career scoring record in the process.

The win not only secured a season sweep of the Irish, but it also pushed the Polar Bears’ overall record to 9-5-1 (2-5 Inter-Ac), a testament to the team’s resilience and upward trajectory ahead of a highly anticipated Homecoming weekend.

“It feels like she’s just getting started,” said Baldwin head coach Adrian Cox postgame. “She’s on a mission right now.”

Mission might be an understatement.

Lee, a Cornell University verbal commit, now has 22 goals on the season and 81 for her career—matching the mark set by Baldwin legend Gia Vicari ’19, the program’s first All-American who went on to star at Georgetown and play professionally in Europe and Australia. Lee will have the opportunity to stand alone atop the Baldwin record books this Saturday when Baldwin hosts Lawrenceville at 2 p.m. in what promises to be a raucous Homecoming atmosphere.

If Thursday was any indication, she’ll be ready.

Lee wasted no time imposing herself on the match. Just minutes in, freshman midfielder Scarlett Rushing pounced on a loose ball and threaded a simple, clever pass toward Lee, who needed little invitation. Surrounded by defenders, Lee shrugged them off and unleashed a 20-yard missile that left the Notre Dame goalkeeper frozen. It was a tone-setter—the kind of goal that told everyone on the pitch who would be in charge.

“That first goal was a message,” Cox said. “We were on short rest, but the team came out sharp and aggressive.”

Lee struck again midway through the first half, this time capitalizing on a pinpoint cross from sophomore midfielder Sophie Welsh. The ball curled into the danger area, and Lee calmly redirected it into the net—textbook timing and movement.

The hat trick came just before the break. After a turnover in midfield, Lee accelerated into space behind the Irish backline and converted a one-on-one chance with clinical precision. Three goals. One half. One signature performance.

Notre Dame responded early in the second half, pulling one back with a low-driven shot that beat Baldwin sophomore keeper Sophia Gill. The Irish pressed hard after the restart, but Baldwin's defensive unit, bolstered by smart rotations and full health for the first time in weeks, held firm.

Gill, splitting time in goal with junior Anaka Boyd-Volz—who made four first-half saves—matched her teammate’s total with four of her own, including a sprawling stop to deny a late Notre Dame push.

Lee, as she often does, closed the door.

With time winding down, she latched onto a beautifully weighted through ball from Welsh—her second assist of the game—and slotted home her fourth goal. By then, the result was sealed. The only question was when—not if—history would be made.

It’s rare for a high school Homecoming game to carry this kind of buzz, but Lee’s pursuit of the scoring record has added a layer of anticipation to an already festive weekend. Lawrenceville, Saturday’s non-league opponent, will face a Polar Bears squad that is not only hitting its stride but finally healthy and cohesive.

“We’ve had players in and out with injuries and sickness for a month,” Cox said. “This was the first time we had our full varsity squad available, and you could see the difference.”

Lee’s scoring spree—10 goals in her last three games—has undoubtedly fueled Baldwin’s late-season surge, but Cox is quick to point out the collective effort behind her individual brilliance.

“Our midfield has been doing a great job finding her in good spots,” he said. “Makena’s getting behind defenses with her pace, but also scoring from range. She knows about the record, sure, but she’s staying focused on team soccer. That’s what’s making her even more dangerous.”

Lee, who has drawn increasing attention from defenses, is evolving. She’s becoming more than just a scorer—she’s becoming a creator, a connector, and a leader.

On Saturday, the community will come out for the tailgates, the face paint, and the school spirit. But they’ll also be hoping to see a new chapter in Baldwin soccer history written.

Odds are, Makena Lee will be holding the pen.