BOULDER — Head coach Ann Elliott Whidden and her Colorado lacrosse team kicked off the 2026 season inside the Ford Practice Facility on Thursday.
This marks the Buffaloes’ 13th season with Whidden, who boasts an impressive 130-75 record. “It feels great to be back with this team,” Whidden shared. “They’re focused and ready to work. The intensity in our spring practices has been impressive.”
Last fall, the team played seven exhibition games, including two against Northwestern, their first opponent of the season. They also faced Canada’s U20 National Team, Marquette, Denver, and Stanford.
In 2025, the Buffs finished with an 8-8 record and were 4-1 in Big 12 play, placing second in the inaugural Big 12 Tournament. Defender Jess Peluso earned honorable mention All-America honors and was named Big 12’s Defensive Player of the Year.
Sophomore goalkeeper Elena Oh had a standout year. She won four Big 12 Goalkeeper of the Week awards and was on the Big 12 All-Newcomer Team. Last season, she led the Big 12 with a 9.81 goals-against average, ranking 18th in the NCAA. Oh also had a save percentage of .399 and made nearly six saves per game.
Key offensive players Maddie Shoup and Lily Assini are back. Shoup had a career-high 30 goals and 13 assists for 43 points, while Assini contributed 16 goals and a career-best 23 assists for 39 points.
In total, Colorado scored 178 goals in 2025 and retains 57% of that scoring for this season. “We’re excited for the challenges ahead,” Whidden noted. “Our priority is to improve daily to be ready for our schedule. This is a special group, and I can’t wait to see what we accomplish this season!”
This year, nine true freshmen are ready to compete for important roles. Newcomers include Rowan Edson, Georgia Rios, and Sophia Yeskulsky in attack; Charlotte Yeskulsky, Alison Stevens, Julia Etu, and Parker Lemm in midfield; and Hailie Abrams and Ryann McLeod on defense. Jillian Kane strengthens the goalie lineup after two years at Colby College.
The season kicks off with a trip to Evanston, Illinois, to face national runner-up Northwestern on February 9. The Buffs will play their first home game against Cornell on February 15.
For more on Colorado Lacrosse, visit cubuffs.com/wlax. Follow @cubuffswlax on social media for updates.
