Big Ten Conference Unveils 2025 Women’s Lacrosse Individual Awards
ROSEMONT, Ill. — The excitement surrounding women’s lacrosse has reached a fever pitch as the Big Ten Conference proudly announced its 2025 individual awards on Tuesday, a decision shaped by the collective wisdom of the league’s head coaches. This year, the spotlight shines brightly on the outstanding performances that have captivated fans and set new standards in the sport.
Maryland and Northwestern Claim Honors
In a remarkable display of talent, Big Ten Tournament finalists Maryland and Northwestern each secured two prestigious awards. The Terps’ standout duo of Kori Edmondson and Kayla Gilmore claimed the titles of Midfielder of the Year and Freshman of the Year, respectively. Meanwhile, Northwestern’s Madison Taylor received the Attacker of the Year honor, and Kelly Amonte Hiller was recognized as Coach of the Year.
Individual Achievements that Inspire
Madison Taylor: A Force on the Field
Madison Taylor has emerged as a true powerhouse for Northwestern, earning the Attacker of the Year accolade for the third consecutive season—the program’s fifth win in six years. With an astounding 125 points to her name, Taylor leads the nation, complemented by her impressive 89 goals, ranking second overall. In just 18 games, she demonstrated her scoring prowess by completing 16 hat tricks and amassing at least five points in 16 contests, including a jaw-dropping 11-point performance against Oregon.
Kori Edmondson: Maryland’s Rising Star
Kori Edmondson is not just another name on the roster; she is the Midfielder of the Year and the fifth Maryland athlete to claim this honor. The junior from Severna, Maryland, stands out with 65 points, including 56 goals and 34 ground balls. Her consistency is remarkable—scoring at least three goals in 13 out of 19 games. Edmondson’s contributions have proven essential in maintaining Maryland’s dominance in women’s lacrosse.
Reagan O’Brien: The Defensive Dynamo
From Johns Hopkins, Reagan O’Brien has etched her name in history as the Defender of the Year. Setting an NCAA single-season record with 85 caused turnovers, O’Brien also leads the Big Ten with 52 ground balls. With at least three turnovers in 14 games and a record-setting 10 caused turnovers during the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal win over Penn State, her defensive skills are unmatched.
Erin O’Grady: Goaltending Excellence
Erin O’Grady, a senior from Michigan, continues to impress as the Goaltender of the Year—a title she has secured for the second consecutive year. Her .540 save percentage ranks her second in the nation, with a 9.00 goals-against average placing her seventh overall. O’Grady’s resilience has been instrumental for Michigan, achieving double-digit saves in 11 out of 15 games and anchoring one of the country’s top defenses.
Kayla Gilmore: Freshman Brilliance
Making waves as Freshman of the Year, Kayla Gilmore of Maryland represents the new generation of lacrosse talent. Starting all 18 games this season, she has clocked 23 points (14 goals, 9 assists) and has collected a team-high 73 draw controls—ranking eighth in the Big Ten. The Mastic, New York native is undoubtedly a player to watch as she continues to develop her game.
Amonte Hiller: Mastermind Behind Northwestern’s Success
Kelly Amonte Hiller has once again showcased her exceptional coaching abilities, earning the Coach of the Year title for the fifth time. Under her guidance, Northwestern has captured both the Big Ten regular season and tournament titles for the third year in a row. With a stellar 16-2 record and an eight-game winning streak heading into the 2025 NCAA Tournament, Hiller’s impact on the program is undeniable.
Complete List of 2025 Big Ten Women’s Lacrosse Individual Award Winners
- Attacker of the Year: Madison Taylor, Jr., Northwestern
- Midfielder of the Year: Kori Edmondson, Jr., Maryland
- Defender of the Year: Reagan O’Brien, Jr., Johns Hopkins
- Goaltender of the Year: Erin O’Grady, Sr., Michigan
- Freshman of the Year: Kayla Gilmore, M, Maryland
- Coach of the Year: Kelly Amonte Hiller, Northwestern
Unanimous Selections
All caps indicate unanimous selections, affirming the consistent excellence displayed by these athletes.
The achievements recognized today are not just statistics; they reflect countless hours of hard work, dedication, and passion for the game of lacrosse. As the 2025 NCAA Tournament approaches, the stage is set for these talented athletes to further etch their legacies in the annals of women’s lacrosse history. For more information on women’s lacrosse, visit NCAA Women’s Lacrosse.
With awards in hand and a drive to succeed, we can only anticipate what the future holds for these remarkable athletes and their programs.
