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The Unstoppable Rise: 5 Key Reasons UMass Lowell Women's Lacrosse Is Dominating The America East

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The UMass Lowell Women's Lacrosse program has officially turned a corner, transforming from a developing Division I team into a serious contender within the America East Conference. As of the current date, December 23, 2025, the River Hawks are riding a wave of unprecedented success, highlighted by a historic 2025 season that has completely reset expectations for the future of UML Athletics.

This dramatic shift is not accidental; it is the result of strategic coaching, exceptional player development, and a newfound dominance on the field. The program’s upward trajectory is one of the most compelling stories in college lacrosse, setting the stage for an even more competitive 2026 season.

UMass Lowell Women's Lacrosse: Program Profile & Recent Milestones

The University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML) Women's Lacrosse team, known as the River Hawks, competes in the highly competitive America East Conference. The program has seen a rapid acceleration in performance, culminating in a historic 2025 season.

  • Institution: University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML)
  • Nickname: River Hawks
  • Conference: America East Conference
  • Home Field: Cushing Field Complex (Lowell, Massachusetts)
  • Head Coach: Lisa Miller (Entering her sixth season)
  • Associate Head Coach: James Rippey
  • Historic 2025 Season Record: 11-6 Overall, 5-1 Conference (Best regular season in program history)
  • 2025 America East Preseason Poll Ranking: Tabbed Third
  • 2026 Team Captains: Elsa Skinner, Audra Hansen, Alexa Kuhn, Emily Dodd

1. The Best Season in Program History—By the Numbers

The 2025 campaign was a statistical and competitive landmark for the River Hawks. The team not only achieved the best regular season in UMass Lowell Women's Lacrosse program history but also established itself as an elite defensive and offensive force within the America East.

The 11-6 overall record marked a major milestone, making the River Hawks the only team in the conference to achieve double-digit victories that season. This success was built on a foundation of strong road performances, securing seven of their wins away from Lowell, Massachusetts. The team showed remarkable resilience and competitiveness, even in challenging non-conference matchups.

Key statistics from the historic 2025 season:

  • Overall Wins: 11 (A program record)
  • Conference Wins: 5 (A program record)
  • Winning Percentage: .647
  • Free Position Percentage: .518 (Indicating clutch scoring ability)
  • Ground Balls: 225 total (Showcasing hustle and possession focus)

This level of performance has fundamentally changed the narrative around the team, moving them from an underdog status to a perennial threat in the America East standings.

2. Head Coach Lisa Miller’s Transformative Impact

The architect of this dramatic turnaround is Head Coach Lisa Miller, who is entering her sixth season at the helm. Miller was announced as the second head coach in program history and has systematically elevated every aspect of the team's play and culture.

Her work was formally recognized following the 2025 season when she was honored with one of the America East's major awards. This accolade underscores her strategic prowess and her ability to maximize the potential of her roster. Miller's coaching philosophy emphasizes a strong work ethic, academic success, and aggressive play, which has resonated with the River Hawks athletes.

Under her guidance, the team has consistently made competitive leaps. The development of key players, the implementation of a high-pressure defensive scheme, and the ability to secure crucial conference wins are all hallmarks of Miller’s tenure. Her leadership has been instrumental in establishing the River Hawks as a legitimate America East contender.

3. Star Power and Record-Breaking America East Awards

The program's success is mirrored by the individual achievements of its players, who dominated the America East end-of-season awards in 2025. This influx of recognition provides the topical authority that the UMass Lowell program is now producing elite-level talent.

In total, the River Hawks earned two America East Major Awards and secured eight All-Conference spots, a stunning display of individual excellence. The standout player was defender Audra Hansen, who collected a remarkable trio of honors:

  • America East All-Conference First Team
  • America East All-Championship Team
  • America East All-Academic Team

Hansen’s statistical output—including 47 ground balls and 31 caused turnovers—demonstrates her crucial role in the team’s defensive dominance. Other players contributed significantly, with six River Hawks in total earning All-Conference recognition, highlighting the team's depth and balance.

The combination of major individual awards and a strong team record creates a powerful recruiting narrative, ensuring the program's long-term sustainability and competitiveness.

4. The Leadership Core: Announcing the 2026 Captains

Looking ahead to the next phase of the program's development, Head Coach Lisa Miller has already announced the four captains who will lead the team for the 2026 season. This forward-thinking approach ensures continuity and a seamless transition of leadership.

The 2026 captains are a mix of proven veterans and rising stars, tasked with maintaining and building upon the historic success of the 2025 squad. The announced leaders are:

  • Elsa Skinner (Graduate Student)
  • Audra Hansen (First Team All-Conference selection)
  • Alexa Kuhn
  • Emily Dodd

The selection of Audra Hansen as a captain, following her exceptional performance and multiple All-Conference nods, solidifies her role as the emotional and defensive anchor of the team. Elsa Skinner, a graduate student, brings valuable experience and maturity to the leadership group. This core group will be vital as the River Hawks navigate a challenging 2026 schedule, aiming for their first-ever America East Championship appearance.

5. The 2026 Season Outlook: Maintaining Momentum

The UMass Lowell Women's Lacrosse team is poised to continue its ascent in the 2026 season. The America East Preseason Coach's Poll has already tabbed the River Hawks to finish third, a significant recognition of their consistent performance and the respect they have earned from conference rivals. The team is no longer a dark horse; they are a known threat.

With a strong core of returning players, including the newly announced captains, and the steady guidance of Coach Miller and Associate Head Coach James Rippey, the team's focus will be on converting their regular-season success into a deep run in the America East tournament. The schedule for the 2026 season will include a mix of challenging non-conference games to prepare them for the rigors of conference play.

Fans and followers of UML Athletics can expect a high-energy, competitive style of play centered around aggressive defense and efficient offensive execution. The foundation is set for the River Hawks to not only maintain their current level of play but to soar to new heights in the pursuit of an America East title.

umass lowell women's lacrosse
umass lowell women's lacrosse

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