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5 Reasons Central Michigan Women's Lacrosse Is The MAC's Next Dynasty (2025 Season Update)

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Central Michigan Women's Lacrosse has firmly established itself as a premier force in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), transitioning from a burgeoning program to a perennial title contender in record time. As of late 2025, the Chippewas are building on a foundation of historic success, driven by elite individual talent and a culture of winning instilled by the current coaching staff. This comprehensive look dives into the latest updates, key players, and the compelling reasons why CMU is poised to dominate the MAC landscape for the foreseeable future. The 2025 season has already seen the Chippewas make significant waves, kicking off their campaign with a strong showing against teams like Marquette on February 12, 2025, and continuing to challenge MAC rivals such as Eastern Michigan, Robert Morris, and Youngstown State throughout their schedule. Their consistent performance and recent accolades confirm that CMU is not just participating in the MAC; they are setting the standard.

Central Michigan Women's Lacrosse: Key Personnel and Program Records

The success of the Central Michigan women's lacrosse program is directly tied to the exceptional talent on the field and the strategic leadership on the sidelines. The following profiles highlight the key figures who have elevated the Chippewas to their current status as a powerhouse in the Mid-American Conference.

Head Coach: Emilia Ward

Emilia Ward was named the second head lacrosse coach in Central Michigan history in July 2022, quickly injecting new energy and a winning mentality into the program. Under her guidance, the Chippewas have achieved unprecedented success, including clinching a share of the MAC regular season title in 2024. Ward's leadership has been instrumental in developing program-first MAC award winners and establishing a culture of academic and athletic excellence.

Goalkeeper: Alexa Martel (No. 28)

Alexa Martel is arguably the most decorated goalkeeper in CMU history. The senior has become a program record-setter, earning the prestigious title of MAC Goalkeeper of the Year in 2024—the first in program history. Martel has been a consistent force, collecting All-MAC First Team honors in both 2024 and 2025. Her dominance continued into the 2025 season, where she earned the first MAC Weekly award, showcasing her elite-level play in goal. She is known for her incredible save count, often challenging her own single-season program records.

Defender/Midfielder: Jozy Allen

Jozy Allen is a dynamic force for the Chippewas, particularly known for her exceptional ability in the midfield and on defense. Allen has consistently led the league in draw controls, a critical metric for possession dominance in women's lacrosse. Her two-way play makes her invaluable to the team's strategy. Both Allen and Martel were recognized for their career achievements by being selected for the 2025 IWLCA Senior All-Star Game, a testament to their impact on the program.

Notable 2025/2026 Roster Members

The depth of the CMU squad is a major factor in their sustained success. Key players for the 2025 season and beyond include:

  • Katherine Erickson
  • Natalie DiSanto
  • Kelsey Barratt
  • Caye Kalbacher
  • Julia Werner
  • Anna Farrar
  • Emma Potter
  • Allison Katinas (2026 Roster)
  • Sara Marshburn (2026 Roster)

The program also reloaded with 14 newcomers ahead of the 2026 campaign, ensuring a pipeline of fresh talent to maintain their competitive edge.

The Chippewas' Dominance in the Mid-American Conference (MAC)

Central Michigan has quickly become the team to beat in the Mid-American Conference. The program has consistently performed at a championship level since the MAC officially sponsored women's lacrosse in 2021, with the conference tournament beginning in 2022.

A History of MAC Championship Success

Through the 2023 tournament, the Central Michigan Chippewas have secured MAC Tournament titles, solidifying their place as the conference's most successful team in the young history of the league. Their consistent presence at the top is a testament to the program's strong recruiting and developmental focus. In 2024, the team further cemented its status by clinching a share of the MAC regular season title and hosting the MAC tournament on May 2-4. This level of sustained success is a powerful indicator of a program on the rise.

Key Rivalries and Must-Watch Matchups

The MAC schedule is always packed with high-stakes matchups that are crucial for conference standings. Games against rivals are often highly competitive and define the season. Key rivals and challenging opponents for the Chippewas include:

  • Robert Morris: A fierce MAC rival that often challenges CMU for the top spot. Their matchups are consistently high-scoring battles.
  • Eastern Michigan: Another critical MAC foe, with matchups often featuring elite talent on both sides, such as Jozy Allen's league-leading draw controls.
  • Youngstown State: A team that CMU faces annually in the conference slate.
  • Marquette: A strong non-conference opponent that CMU opened the 2025 season against, providing a tough early test for the squad.

These conference games are not just about wins and losses; they are about securing the best seed for the MAC Championship tournament, which CMU aims to host and win again.

The Future is Bright: Program Momentum and 2026 Outlook

The Central Michigan Women's Lacrosse program is showing all the signs of a team built for long-term success. The combination of established veteran leadership, record-breaking individual performances, and a strong recruiting pipeline ensures that the Chippewas will remain a dominant force in the MAC for seasons to come.

Academic and Athletic Excellence

The culture of the program extends beyond the field. CMU student-athletes have consistently set academic records, demonstrating that the program prioritizes success in the classroom as much as on the turf. This commitment to the student-athlete experience attracts top-tier talent who are looking for a balanced and challenging environment.

The Impact of Record-Breaking Players

The individual achievements of players like Alexa Martel, who broke her own program save record and became the first MAC Goalkeeper of the Year, create a legacy that inspires future recruits. Similarly, Jozy Allen's ability to control the draw circle is a critical factor in CMU's possession-heavy style of play. The selection of both players to the 2025 IWLCA Senior All-Star Game highlights the program's ability to develop elite, nationally recognized talent.

Strategic Recruiting for the Future

The announcement that the program is bringing in 14 newcomers for the 2026 season shows a clear, forward-thinking strategy. This continuous influx of new talent, carefully selected by Coach Ward and her staff, ensures that the team will not suffer a significant drop-off when the highly decorated 2025 seniors graduate. The focus on sustained excellence through effective recruiting is a hallmark of a program transitioning into a dynasty.

The Central Michigan Chippewas are a must-watch program in collegiate lacrosse. With the 2025 season in full swing and key matchups against conference rivals looming, all eyes are on Mount Pleasant to see if the team can continue its MAC dominance and secure another championship title.

central michigan women's lacrosse
central michigan women's lacrosse

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