5 Jaw-Dropping Reasons St. Joe's Women's Lacrosse Is The A-10's Hottest Program Right Now
The Saint Joseph's University Women's Lacrosse team, affectionately known as the Hawks, has firmly cemented its status as an elite program in the Atlantic 10 (A-10) Conference. As of late December 2025, the team is riding a wave of momentum from a historic season that saw them reach the A-10 Championship title game, a testament to their powerful offense, stalwart defense, and exceptional coaching under Alex Kahoe. This deep dive explores the current state of the program, the key players driving the success, and why the Hawks are poised for even greater achievements in the upcoming year.
The 2025 season narrative is one of consistent dominance, particularly in conference play, where the Hawks posted a remarkable 9-1 record and an 11-8 overall finish. The program’s upward trajectory is no accident; it is the result of strategic recruiting, a winning culture, and the individual brilliance of its star athletes who are rewriting the Saint Joseph's record books.
The Architects of Success: Head Coach Alex Kahoe and Star Player Profiles
The foundation of the Hawks' recent dominance rests on the shoulders of a legendary coach and a core group of record-setting student-athletes. This section provides a detailed profile of the key figures driving the St. Joe's Women's Lacrosse program.
Head Coach: Alex Kahoe
- Role: Head Women's Lacrosse Coach, Saint Joseph's University.
- Career Milestone: In her 10th season, Kahoe became the winningest coach in program history, recording her 90th career victory with the Hawks.
- Program Impact: She is credited with leading the Hawks to their first-ever Atlantic 10 Championship and subsequent NCAA Tournament appearance, a pivotal moment that elevated the program's national profile.
- Honors: Kahoe is an esteemed figure in the sport, having been inducted into the Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the USA Lacrosse Hall of Fame.
- Coaching Staff: Her leadership is supported by a strong staff, including Associate Head Coach Nikki Grote.
Key Player Spotlight: The 2025 Offensive and Defensive Pillars
The 2025 roster featured several standout performers, including a dynamic trio who anchored both the attack and the defense.
- Alexa Capozzoli (Attack/Midfield):
- 2025 Performance: A prolific playmaker, Capozzoli recorded 17 goals and 28 assists for a total of 45 points in a partial season statistic snapshot.
- Program Record: She etched her name in program history by matching the single-game record with a stunning eight assists in one contest.
- Intention: Her vision and passing ability make her the primary catalyst for the Hawks’ high-powered offense.
- Sarah Groark (Attack):
- 2025 Performance: Groark was a consistent scoring threat, netting 22 goals and adding 3 assists for 25 points in a partial season statistic snapshot.
- Overall Scoring: She finished one season (likely the full 2025 or immediate prior year) with 35 goals, the second-most on the team, totaling 37 points.
- Role: Known for her clinical finishing and efficiency in the attacking third.
- Jorden Concordia (Goalkeeper):
- 2025 Performance: A defensive powerhouse who started all 19 games in the cage.
- Record Book: Concordia's 177 saves during the season rank as the 3rd most in SJU history.
- Defensive Leadership: She led the team with 45 ground balls, showcasing her ability to control the defensive zone and initiate transition play.
5 Jaw-Dropping Reasons SJU is an A-10 Lacrosse Powerhouse
The success of the Saint Joseph's Women's Lacrosse program is built on a few core pillars that consistently propel them to the top of the Atlantic 10 standings. These factors explain why they are not just a contender, but a dominant force.
1. Unprecedented A-10 Conference Dominance
The Hawks' record in the Atlantic 10 Conference speaks for itself. The 2025 season saw the team post an exceptional 9-1 conference record, demonstrating their superiority over rivals like Davidson and Richmond. This consistent winning percentage is a clear indicator of their tactical preparation and depth. Their ability to secure the second seed in the A-10 Tournament highlighted their year-long consistency, culminating in a dominant 17-7 victory over VCU in the semifinals to advance to the title game.
2. The Alex Kahoe Effect: A Legacy of Winning
Coach Alex Kahoe's tenure has transformed the program from a competitor into a perennial champion. Her recent achievement of becoming the winningest coach in program history is a clear marker of her impact. Kahoe's leadership has not only brought the team its first-ever A-10 title and NCAA Tournament berth, but has also instilled a culture of excellence that attracts top talent. Her induction into the USA Lacrosse Hall of Fame further validates the elite coaching pedigree she brings to the Saint Joseph's sideline. This institutional knowledge provides a significant advantage in high-stakes conference matchups.
3. Offensive Firepower and Playmaking Brilliance
The 2025 Hawks offense was a statistical marvel. With 240 goals scored in the season, the team consistently overpowered their opponents. The synergy between players like Alexa Capozzoli, the team's primary playmaker, and goal-scorers like Sarah Groark is undeniable. Capozzoli's record-tying eight-assist performance in a single game underscores a team philosophy that prioritizes ball movement and creating high-percentage scoring opportunities. This collective attacking prowess makes the SJU Hawks a nightmare for opposing defenses to prepare for.
4. Goalkeeper Jorden Concordia: A Defensive Wall
While the offense grabs headlines, the defense, anchored by goalkeeper Jorden Concordia, provides the necessary stability. Concordia's 177 saves is a phenomenal number that places her among the all-time greats in SJU history. Her high save count and team-leading ground balls show that she is not just a shot-stopper, but a dynamic field player who actively contributes to the transition game. The team's overall defensive effort, which limited opponents to 207 goals, is a testament to the strength of the unit, allowing the offense to play with confidence.
5. Strategic Roster Reinforcement and Future Potential
The program is committed to long-term success, as evidenced by the strategic addition of 10 newcomers to the 2025 roster. This influx of new talent ensures that the team remains deep and competitive, mitigating the impact of graduation and maintaining a high level of intensity in practice. These new recruits are vital for sustaining the championship-level performance established by the current senior class. The blend of experienced veterans and fresh, hungry talent positions the Saint Joseph's Women's Lacrosse program for sustained success and potentially another run at the NCAA Tournament in the near future.
Looking Ahead: The Road to the NCAA Tournament
Although the Hawks fell short in the 2025 Atlantic 10 Championship title game against #25 Massachusetts, the season was a resounding success that confirmed their place among the nation's rising lacrosse programs. The team’s 11-8 overall record and dominant conference run provide a strong springboard for the next season. The core of the program, including the record-breaking coach Alex Kahoe and star players like Capozzoli and Groark, remain focused on achieving the ultimate goal: securing the A-10 title and making a deeper run in the NCAA Tournament. The future of Saint Joseph's Women's Lacrosse is exceptionally bright, promising more thrilling victories and program milestones on Hawk Hill.
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