University campuses are coming to life and students are registering for the 2024–25 academic year.
But forget the 2024 part. We’re already looking at 2025.
With the start of the new college year comes the start of the fall season, which means it’s almost time to start counting down the days until the next college lacrosse season begins.
Here is our first attempt at compiling a Division I women’s top 25 in 2025.
Next up: Nos. 15–11.
Back: No. 25-21 | No. 20-16
15. DENVER
Record 2024: 16-4 (5-0 Big East)
Last seen: In the NCAA tournament, they lost to Northwestern for the second year in a row, this time with a 17-4 defeat in the second round.
Notable departures: Olivia Penoyer, A; Julia Gilbert, A; Sloane Kipp, A; Jane Earley, A; Trinity McPherson, D; Bryn McCaughey, D; Anna Palmisano, D; Payton Vaughn, M; Sam Thacker, D; Abby Jenkins, D
Notable additions: Lexi Gwaku, G; Megan Morneau, M; Kiri Weber, M
First forecast: At first glance? Yes, that’s a lot of power spent on finishing. The offense still has some of the necessary pieces to be productive, including another step forward for the already reliable Lauren Black (38 T, 21 A). Expect players like Ryan Dineen (25 T, 32 A), Caroline Colimore (30 T, 6 A), Olivia Ripple (13 T, 3 A) and Kyra Obert (9 T, 7 A) to expand their roles as well.
The defense, however, still needs work. How much? Four of the five defenders from last season are gone, not to mention a few defensive midfielders like Abby Jenkins and Payton Vaughn. Megan Klingenberg (22 GB, 23 CT) is the only returning defender, along with goalkeeper Emelia Bohi, meaning Denver’s vaunted zone will be getting a bit of a freshening up in personnel.
Denver has done it better than most teams in recent seasons: forcing the offense to make bad shots and then turning those opportunities into transition opportunities. Trinity McPherson and Sam Thacker were key players in that game plan, although it’s safe to assume Liza Kelly already has an idea of who the next transition dynamos will be in 2025.
