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5 Reasons Why Embry-Riddle Women's Lacrosse Is The New D-II Powerhouse (2025 Season Update)

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The Embry-Riddle Women's Lacrosse program has officially transitioned from an emerging team to a dominant force in the NCAA Division II landscape. As of , the Eagles are building on a historic run that saw them achieve their highest-ever national ranking and secure a spot as a top contender in the notoriously difficult Sunshine State Conference (SSC). This deep dive explores the key factors—from coaching stability to record-breaking offense—that position the Eagles for an even more impactful 2025 season and beyond.

The success is a testament to the dedication of the student-athletes at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, who balance the rigors of a top-tier academic institution with elite athletic performance. Their recent achievements have put ERAU Athletics firmly on the map for women's lacrosse excellence, creating a buzz around the upcoming slate of games.

Embry-Riddle Women's Lacrosse: Key Program Entities and Biography

The foundation of the Eagles’ success is built upon a strong coaching staff and a core group of high-achieving student-athletes. Understanding these key entities provides context for the program’s upward trajectory.

  • University: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU)
  • Location: Daytona Beach, Florida
  • Athletics Nickname: Eagles
  • NCAA Division: Division II
  • Conference: Sunshine State Conference (SSC)
  • Head Coach: Caitlin Villareal Kenahan (Named in September 2022)
  • Recent Team Record (2024 Season): 12-6 Overall, 3-4 SSC
  • All-Time Highest National Ranking: No. 2 in the USA Lacrosse Division II Women's Top 20
  • Key 2025 Roster Entities:
    • Kaitlyn Henry (Senior Defender, CSC All-Academic Honoree)
    • Eliana Enners (CSC All-Academic Honoree)
    • Ella-Rae Cox (CSC All-Academic Honoree)
    • Ava Rogala (Attacker/Midfielder)
    • Reese Borrell (Defender)

1. The Historic D-II National Ranking and Record-Breaking Offense

The Embry-Riddle Women's Lacrosse team is coming off a truly "historic season," demonstrating their capability to compete with the nation's best. Their breakthrough was highlighted by achieving the program's highest-ever national ranking, climbing to No. 2 in the USA Lacrosse Division II Women's Top 20 poll.

This remarkable ranking was earned through a dominant stretch that saw the team compile a 13-1 record at one point in the season. The Eagles' offensive output was particularly explosive, with cumulative statistics for the 2025 season showing the team racked up an impressive 345 goals and 170 assists. This scoring prowess underscores a high-octane, aggressive style of play that is difficult for opponents to contain, even in the highly competitive SSC.

While the 2024 campaign, which ended in the SSC Quarterfinals against Saint Leo, finished with a strong 12-6 overall record, the team’s performance against top-10 opponents proved they are ready to contend for a conference title.

2. Stability Under Head Coach Caitlin Villareal Kenahan

A major factor in the program's ascent is the leadership provided by Head Coach Caitlin Villareal Kenahan, who took the helm in September 2022. Coach Kenahan has instilled a culture of winning and academic excellence that is evident in the team's recent accolades. Her strategic vision has been key to navigating the challenging Sunshine State Conference schedule.

Under her guidance, the Embry-Riddle Eagles have not only excelled on the field but also in the classroom. Key players like Eliana Enners, Ella-Rae Cox, and veteran defender Kaitlyn Henry were all named to the 2025 College Sports Communicators (CSC) Women's At-Large All-Academic team. This commitment to the student-athlete model is a powerful recruiting tool and a source of deep program pride for ERAU Athletics.

3. The Gauntlet of the 2025 Sunshine State Conference Schedule

The 2025 Women's Lacrosse Schedule is a 17-game regular-season slate designed to test the Eagles and prepare them for a deep postseason run. The schedule is packed with challenging matchups, which is standard when playing in a conference that consistently produces national champions and top-ranked teams.

Key games on the 2025 schedule include critical SSC battles and tough non-conference opponents:

  • SSC Rivalries: The Eagles will face perennial powerhouses like the University of Tampa, Rollins, and Florida Southern. Their season-ending loss in the historic season came against Florida Southern, providing a strong motivation for the upcoming rematch.
  • Non-Conference Tests: Early season matchups against teams like Saint Anselm are crucial for building a strong national resume and securing a high ranking early in the year.

Playing this "road warrior" schedule, which has historically included a significant number of away games to start the season, has hardened the team and prepared them for the pressure of the NCAA tournament. The Eagles' ability to perform consistently against this level of competition is what defines them as a D-II powerhouse.

4. LSI: Building a Legacy in ERAU Athletics

The success of the women's lacrosse program is part of a broader positive momentum within Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's athletic department. The lacrosse team's achievements, including their highest-ever ranking, are setting a new standard for excellence at the university. The focus on developing high-caliber student-athletes like Kaitlyn Henry, who is both a strong defender and an academic award winner, showcases the comprehensive approach of the ERAU Athletics program.

The team’s cumulative statistics—including the high marks for goals and assists—will continue to populate the program's all-time records, establishing new benchmarks for future generations of players. The continuity provided by Coach Kenahan and the commitment to tough scheduling ensure that the Embry-Riddle Eagles are not a one-year wonder but a program built for sustained success in NCAA Division II women's lacrosse.

5. What to Expect in the Upcoming 2026 Season

Looking ahead, the Embry-Riddle Women's Lacrosse team has already announced its 2026 slate, signaling a proactive approach to maintaining their competitive edge. This forward planning demonstrates a program that is confident in its trajectory and committed to challenging itself with a rigorous schedule year after year. The blend of experienced players and incoming talent, visible on the 2025 roster with players like Ava Rogala and Reese Borrell, suggests a deep roster capable of weathering the long season.

For fans and followers of Division II women's lacrosse, the Embry-Riddle Eagles represent one of the most exciting teams to watch. Their combination of record-breaking offense, academic achievement, and fierce competition within the Sunshine State Conference makes them a prime candidate to not only contend for the SSC title but also make a significant run in the NCAA tournament in the coming years.

5 Reasons Why Embry-Riddle Women's Lacrosse is the New D-II Powerhouse (2025 Season Update)
embry riddle women's lacrosse
embry riddle women's lacrosse

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