Princeton Women’s Lacrosse: A Season to Remember
The Princeton University women’s lacrosse team has secured a remarkable accolade, being named the IWLCA Mid-Atlantic Regional Coaching Staff of the Year. This prestigious recognition, awarded by the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association, places Princeton among a select group of just four Division I coaching staffs celebrated for their outstanding accomplishments this season.
A Historic Coaching Achievement
This honor marks the first time since the years 2000-2002 that a Princeton coaching staff has received such acclaim. Back then, the talented Chris Sailer led the charge, and now the current head coach Jenn Cook has picked up the baton with remarkable success.
A Season for the Record Books
Under the guidance of Jenn Cook, now in her third year at the helm, Princeton showcased an extraordinary performance, concluding the season with an impressive 16-4 overall record. The Tigers clinched an outright Ivy League championship, triumphing with a 6-1 record against their league rivals.
Despite entering the NCAA Tournament unseeded, the Tigers stunned the competition. They dispatched Massachusetts and an eighth-ranked Johns Hopkins team during their quest to the NCAA Quarterfinals, marking their first appearance in this coveted stage since 2019. Princeton finished the season ranked No. 7 in the final IWLCA Rankings, their best standing since 2019—a testament to their tremendous journey.
Unmatched Performance and Statistics
With a remarkable .800 winning percentage, the Tigers not only led the Ivy League but also ranked No. 5 nationally. They ranked among the elite in maintaining possession, achieving a national ranking of No. 5 in clearing percentage (.939) and claiming No. 3 for the fewest turnovers-per-game (averaging 11.1).
The 2023 season proved to be historic for Princeton’s offense as they set a new Ivy League record by scoring 308 goals. This astounding feat was largely driven by McKenzie Blake, a second-team All-American attacker who shattered a 41-year-old Ivy League record with an impressive 89 goals. Blake was one of three players from Princeton to earn IWLCA All-America honors this season, marking a significant milestone for Cook and her staff.
Consistent Growth and Future Prospects
Improvement has been a consistent theme under Cook’s leadership, as the team has steadily increased their win total each year. This season saw a notable +5 improvement in victories from the previous year, showcasing a commitment to excellence.
Highlighting their relentless drive, the Tigers embarked on a remarkable 11-game winning streak, the longest in over two decades. This included defeating eight teams ranked in the Top 25, further solidifying their status as a force to be reckoned with in women’s lacrosse.
Celebrating the Coaching Staff
The coaching staff has played a pivotal role in this journey. Cook leads a talented group that includes Maggie Brown, Molly Dougherty, Kerrin Maurer, and Ali Robinson. Their collective efforts and dedication to developing each athlete have been essential in shaping a championship-caliber team.
Conclusion
Princeton women’s lacrosse is not just a team; it embodies a rich tradition of excellence, determination, and innovation. As they look toward the future, fans can anticipate even greater achievements from this dynamic squad. For updates on upcoming games and player achievements, visit the official Princeton Tigers women’s lacrosse page and follow their inspiring journey through the world of collegiate athletics.
