Princeton University women’s lacrosse has established itself as a perennial powerhouse in the NCAA Division I ranks, consistently showcasing exceptional athleticism and a relentless pursuit of success.
A Storied History
The Tigers’ rich lacrosse tradition dates back to 1971, when the varsity program was officially founded. Over the past 50 years, Princeton has amassed an impressive record of:
- 2 NCAA National Championships (2002, 2015)
- 15 Ivy League Championships
- 10 NCAA Tournament Appearances
- 4 Ivy League Player of the Year Awards
- 3 Ivy League Rookie of the Year Awards
Unwavering Success
The Tigers have maintained their dominance in recent years, consistently ranking among the top teams in the nation. In the past decade alone, Princeton has won five Ivy League Championships and reached the NCAA Tournament eight times.
2023 Season Highlights:
- Undefeated in Ivy League play (8-0)
- Ivy League Regular Season Champions
- NCAA Tournament Quarterfinalists
A Culture of Excellence
The foundation of Princeton women’s lacrosse rests on a culture of excellence that permeates every aspect of the program:
Relentless Work Ethic
The players exhibit an unwavering commitment to hard work and dedication, tirelessly striving to improve their skills and teamwork.
Strategic Leadership
Head coach Chris Sailer and his staff provide expert guidance and support, fostering an environment where players thrive both on and off the field.
Academic Achievement
Princeton women’s lacrosse players are not only athletic stars but also excel in the classroom, consistently earning high academic honors.
The Tiger Way
The Tigers are recognized for their signature style of play, characterized by:
Speed and Agility
Princeton players possess exceptional footwork and agility, allowing them to outmaneuver opponents and create scoring opportunities.
Ball Movement
The Tigers emphasize teamwork and ball movement, seamlessly passing the ball and generating high-quality shots.
Defensive Tenacity
Princeton’s defense is a formidable force, known for its relentless pressure and ability to force turnovers.
Impact on the Community
Beyond their athletic achievements, Princeton women’s lacrosse players serve as role models and inspire young athletes in the community.
Youth Clinics
The team hosts annual youth lacrosse clinics, providing opportunities for aspiring players to learn from the Tigers’ coaches and players.
Community Volunteering
Players actively participate in community service initiatives, giving back to the Princeton and surrounding areas.
Strategies for Continued Success
To maintain their high level of performance, Princeton women’s lacrosse continues to implement innovative strategies:
Advanced Analytics
The team utilizes data analytics to identify areas for improvement and optimize player performance.
Player Development
The coaching staff prioritizes player development, providing individualized training plans and mentorship to nurture each player’s potential.
Recruiting Excellence
Princeton’s strong academic reputation and winning tradition attract top lacrosse recruits, ensuring the future success of the program.
Hall of Famers
Several Princeton women’s lacrosse players have been inducted into prestigious halls of fame:
- Jenny Levy (NCAA Women’s Lacrosse Hall of Fame)
- Kristen Kjellman (Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame)
- Sherry Wong (Princeton Athletics Hall of Fame)
Their accomplishments serve as a testament to the program’s long-standing excellence and inspire future generations of Tigers.
Tables
Princeton Women’s Lacrosse National Championships
| Year | Championship |
|---|---|
| 2002 | NCAA Division I |
| 2015 | NCAA Division I |
Ivy League Championships
| Year | Championship |
|---|---|
| 1983 | Ivy League |
| 1984 | Ivy League |
| 1985 | Ivy League |
| 1986 | Ivy League |
| 1987 | Ivy League |
| 1988 | Ivy League |
| 1989 | Ivy League |
| 1990 | Ivy League |
| 2002 | Ivy League |
| 2003 | Ivy League |
| 2004 | Ivy League |
| 2005 | Ivy League |
| 2007 | Ivy League |
| 2013 | Ivy League |
| 2015 | Ivy League |
| 2023 | Ivy League |
NCAA Tournament Appearances
| Year | Appearance |
|---|---|
| 1999 | NCAA Tournament |
| 2000 | NCAA Tournament |
| 2001 | NCAA Tournament |
| 2002 | NCAA Tournament |
| 2003 | NCAA Tournament |
| 2004 | NCAA Tournament |
| 2005 | NCAA Tournament |
| 2006 | NCAA Tournament |
| 2007 | NCAA Tournament |
| 2013 | NCAA Tournament |
| 2014 | NCAA Tournament |
| 2015 | NCAA Tournament |
| 2016 | NCAA Tournament |
| 2017 | NCAA Tournament |
| 2018 | NCAA Tournament |
| 2019 | NCAA Tournament |
| 2021 | NCAA Tournament |
| 2022 | NCAA Tournament |
| 2023 | NCAA Tournament |
Ivy League Player of the Year Awards
| Year | Player |
|---|---|
| 1983 | Jenny Levy |
| 1984 | Jenny Levy |
| 1985 | Jenny Levy |
| 1987 | Kristen Kjellman |
| 2004 | Kristen Kjellman |
| 2015 | Erin McMullen |
Ivy League Rookie of the Year Awards
| Year | Player |
|---|---|
| 2002 | Kristen Kjellman |
| 2003 | Shannon McHugh |
| 2013 | Olivia Hompe |
Conclusion
Princeton University women’s lacrosse has established itself as a dominant force in NCAA women’s lacrosse. With their unwavering commitment to excellence, innovative strategies, and unwavering support from the community, the Tigers are poised to continue their legacy of success for years to come.
