Celebrating Excellence: UNC Women’s Lacrosse Shines with IWLCA All-America Honors
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The University of North Carolina women’s lacrosse program has taken the spotlight once again, with six exceptional Tar Heels being named to the prestigious IWLCA All-America teams. This announcement, made on Thursday, highlights the dedication, skill, and sheer talent of these athletes who continue to elevate the game.
Star Players Make Their Mark
Among the honorees, Ashley Humphrey, Chloe Humphrey, and Brooklyn Walker-Welch earned first-team recognition, while Sam Forrest claimed a spot on the second team. Freshmen sensations Eliza Osburn and Ellie Traggio rounded out the group with their third-team selections.
Ashley Humphrey: The Playmaking Phenom
A graduate student hailing from Darien, Conn., Ashley Humphrey has established herself as the top playmaker in the nation. A four-time All-American and a finalist for the coveted Tewaaraton Award, she shattered the NCAA record for career assists, surpassing the former record held by Stony Brook’s Kylie Ohlmiller during a thrilling quarterfinal matchup against Princeton. With 250 career assists to her name, Ashley also tied UNC’s record for points in a single season, racking up an impressive 113 points this year alone. Despite facing aggressive defense, her tally of 82 assists and 31 goals this season showcases her exceptional talent, leading her to average a staggering 4.1 assists per game—the highest in the nation.
Chloe Humphrey: The Freshman Sensation
Joining her sister Ashley is Chloe Humphrey, the freshman wonder from Darien, Conn., who is already being hailed as the most dynamic young attacker in the country. With 79 goals and 27 assists for a total of 106 points, Chloe not only made an indelible mark in her debut season but also set an NCAA record for goals scored by a freshman. Her incredible ability to find the net has propelled UNC to the top of the rankings, boasting an astounding 17.6 goals per game. Chloe has dazzled fans by scoring five or more goals in eight matches and recording hat tricks in 16 of her first 20 collegiate games.
Walker-Welch: The Defensive General
Brooklyn Walker-Welch, a junior defender from Courtice, Ontario, is a three-time All-American and a keystone of UNC’s top-ranked defense. A nominee for the Tewaaraton Award, Walker-Welch has accumulated 26 groundballs and 16 caused turnovers this season. Her defensive prowess has been pivotal, allowing the Heels to hold opponents to a mere 6.95 goals per game—the best in the nation. In eight critical matches against formidable opponents, she limited them to only 10 goals and four assists, proving her mettle as a defensive powerhouse.
Solidifying the Defense: Forrest and Traggio
Sam Forrest, another integral part of the UNC defense, has displayed remarkable skills this season as well. A Tewaaraton Award nominee and second-team All-American, the junior defender from Glastonbury, Conn., has contributed 18 groundballs, 17 caused turnovers, and four draw controls. His disciplined approach secured a defense that ranks first nationally for fewest goals allowed. Over the course of 11 games against elite attackers, he held them to just 13 goals and four assists.
Ellie Traggio, a junior from Sharon, Conn., has also made her mark, contributing significantly to the team’s defensive success with 32 groundballs and 17 caused turnovers. Traggio’s stellar performances against top-tier rivals showcased her ability to neutralize opposition threats, allowing her opponents minimal scoring opportunities throughout the season.
Osburn: A Freshman Star
Completing this illustrious list is Eliza Osburn, a freshman midfielder from Castle Rock, Colo. Recognized as the ACC Freshman of the Year, Osburn also earned Honorable Mention All-America status. With 31 goals and eight assists contributing to the nation’s top offense, Osburn has also played a critical role in the midfield, collecting 48 draw controls alongside 13 groundballs and eight caused turnovers.
Stay Connected with UNC Women’s Lacrosse
The accomplishments of these talented athletes underscore the unwavering spirit and skill that define the UNC women’s lacrosse program. Stay charged and connected with all things Tar Heels by following them on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
This season is a testament to hard work and dedication, and the UNC women’s lacrosse team is poised for even greater achievements in the future. Join the excitement!
