5 Shocking Takeaways From The Robert Morris Women's Lacrosse 2025 Season And What's Next
The Robert Morris Women's Lacrosse team, known as the Colonials, concluded their 2025 campaign with a highly competitive 8-11 overall record, but their true success story lies in their Mid-American Conference (MAC) performance, where they finished with a strong 4-2 record. As of this current date, December 23, 2025, the program is riding a wave of individual accolades and is poised for an even stronger showing in the upcoming 2026 season, having already released a challenging schedule that aims to push the team to new heights in Division I competition.
The 2025 season under Head Coach Courtney Grove was a testament to the program's rising standard, marked by a blend of challenging non-conference matchups and dominant MAC play. The team’s on-field success has translated directly into historic individual recognition, cementing Robert Morris University's position as a powerhouse in the Mid-American Conference and setting a clear trajectory for a run at the 2026 MAC Championship.
The Star-Studded 2025 Roster: Key Players and Major MAC Award Winners
The Colonials’ recent success is intrinsically linked to the exceptional talent and leadership displayed by their key student-athletes. The 2025 season saw Robert Morris dominate the MAC awards landscape, with multiple players earning All-League honors and two Colonials securing major specialty awards, a clear indicator of the program’s quality under the guidance of Head Coach Courtney Grove and her staff, including Associate Head Coach Simmers and Assistant Coach Renee Miller.
Jenna Irwin: MAC Midfielder of the Year
- Position: Midfielder
- Major Award: MAC Midfielder of the Year (2025)
- All-League Honor: All-MAC First Team
- Impact: Irwin, a standout from Liverpool, N.Y., was the driving force behind the Colonials' transition game and offensive production. Her ability to control the midfield, both offensively and defensively, made her one of the most feared players in the conference and a unanimous choice for the prestigious Midfielder of the Year award.
Kathleen Kelly: MAC Defensive Player of the Year
- Position: Defender
- Major Award: MAC Defensive Player of the Year (2025)
- Impact: As a junior defender, Kelly anchored the RMU defense, which consistently challenged opposing attackers. Her selection for a major MAC award, specifically recognizing her defensive prowess, highlights the program's commitment to a balanced, two-way style of play.
Mackenzie Bell: All-MAC First Team Defender
- Position: Defender
- All-League Honor: All-MAC First Team
- Impact: Alongside Kelly, Bell formed a formidable defensive partnership. Her inclusion on the All-MAC First Team underscores the strength of the Colonials’ backline, which was crucial in securing their winning conference record.
Other Notables on the 2025 Roster
In addition to the major award winners, the 2025 roster featured a deep bench of talent that contributed significantly to the team's overall performance. Key players who saw major minutes and are expected to be foundational pieces for the 2026 season include Greta Burns, Isabella Teal, Emma Hawks, Jade Doldo, Emma Marchan, and Samantha Brothers. This depth is vital for navigating a rigorous Division I schedule.
The Robert Morris Women's Lacrosse Program: A Rising MAC Power
The RMU Women's Lacrosse program has rapidly established itself as a contender within the Mid-American Conference since its transition. The team’s history, though relatively young, has been marked by significant growth and a commitment to excellence both on the field and in the classroom.
Home Field Advantage at Joe Walton Stadium
The Colonials play their home games at the state-of-the-art Joe Walton Stadium, located on the Robert Morris University campus in Moon Township, Pennsylvania. This multi-purpose facility provides a top-tier environment for both players and fans, creating a true home-field advantage that is crucial for conference victories. The stadium is a central hub for the RMU athletics community, hosting both football and lacrosse teams.
The 2025 Season: A Snapshot of Competition
The 2025 schedule was designed to prepare the team for the intensity of the MAC. The Colonials faced a demanding slate of non-conference opponents, including local rivals like Duquesne and the University of Pittsburgh. Key conference matchups included games against Youngstown State and Central Michigan, with the ultimate goal being a deep run in the 2025 MAC Women's Lacrosse Championship, which was scheduled for May 1 and May 3.
The 8-11 overall record reflects the high caliber of the opponents faced, while the 4-2 conference record demonstrates the team's ability to consistently win when it matters most in the MAC standings.
What the 2026 Season Holds for the Colonials
With the 2026 schedule already announced, the Colonials are clearly not resting on their laurels. Head Coach Courtney Grove is building a program focused on sustained success, and the upcoming season is expected to be a pivotal moment for the team. The experience gained from the intense 2025 campaign, combined with the return of major award winners like Jenna Irwin and Kathleen Kelly, sets a high expectation for the Colonials.
Focus on Recruiting and Program Standards
The success of the 2025 season will undoubtedly boost the Robert Morris Women's Lacrosse recruiting efforts. The program can now attract top talent by showcasing its ability to compete for conference titles and produce major individual award winners. Furthermore, the program has historically maintained a high standard for academic progress, with multiple players earning College Sports Communicators Academic All-District® At-Large Honors, making it an attractive destination for high-achieving student-athletes.
The Path to the MAC Championship
The primary goal for the 2026 season will be to secure a top seed and host a portion of the MAC Women's Lacrosse Championship tournament. With the core of their talent returning and a full season under the current coaching staff, the Colonials are poised to challenge for the conference title, cementing their status as a perennial threat in the Mid-American Conference. The team's recent history of success in the MAC has garnered significant attention, and the 2026 season is anticipated to be one of their most exciting yet.
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