Colorado Lacrosse Lands Big 12 Preseason Honors, Sets Tone for 2026 Season
BOULDER - With the 2026 lacrosse season just around the corner, Colorado is making noise before the first whistle even blows. Four Buffaloes - Jess Peluso, Elena Oh, Maddie Shoup, and Lily Assini - have been named unanimous selections to the Preseason All-Big 12 Team, with Peluso and Oh earning two of the conference’s top individual honors.
Peluso, a cornerstone of Colorado’s defense, was named Preseason Co-Defender of the Year, while Oh, coming off a breakout freshman campaign, was selected as the Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year. It’s a strong signal from the league: Colorado’s spine - from the cage to the draw circle - is not to be taken lightly.
Head coach Ann Elliott Whidden, now entering her second season leading Colorado through Big 12 play, made it clear that this senior class is setting the tone.
“Jess, Maddie, and Lily are part of an incredible senior class leading our team this spring,” Whidden said. “They bring competitiveness, intensity, and leadership every single day.
And for Elena, what a great honor in just her second season. Our goalie group pushes each other constantly, and that competitive atmosphere is what makes her success possible.”
Peluso Anchors the Defense
Peluso’s resume speaks for itself. The reigning 2025 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and a two-time All-American, she’s one of the most disruptive defenders in the country.
Last season, she racked up 29 ground balls and 19 caused turnovers, while also dominating in the draw circle with 96 draw controls - the fifth-most in program history for a single season. She also earned two Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors and posted multiple double-digit draw control games.
Heading into 2026, she ranks ninth all-time in CU history in draw controls (101) and is tied for third in caused turnovers (71).
In short: she’s everywhere. Whether it’s locking down top scorers, scooping up loose balls, or flipping possession at the draw, Peluso is the kind of player who changes games.
Oh’s Breakout Year Sets High Expectations
Then there’s Oh, who wasted no time making her presence felt last season. As a freshman, she led the Big 12 in goals-against average (9.81) over 14 starts and posted 83 saves, including a season-high 12 against Army.
Her save percentage (.399) ranked third in the conference, and she recorded five or more saves in 12 games. Oh also made history by becoming the first CU lacrosse player to earn four consecutive Big 12 weekly honors, locking down Goalkeeper of the Week for all of March.
Her poise in the cage and knack for timely saves made her a game-changer, and the Buffs will be looking for more of the same as she steps into her sophomore season with a target on her back - and the confidence to handle it.
Assini and Shoup Add Firepower and Leadership
While Peluso and Oh hold it down on the back end, Colorado’s offense is in good hands with Assini and Shoup - both seniors, both coming off career-best seasons.
Assini, a two-time All-Conference selection, posted personal highs in goals (23), assists (16), and total points (39) last year. She was second on the team in assists and third in both goals and points.
Her 1.00 assists per game ranks ninth in CU history, and she added value all over the field with 34 draw controls and 20 ground balls. She had two four-goal games and a five-point outing at San Diego State, showing she can take over when needed.
Shoup, meanwhile, emerged as a go-to scorer, tallying 30 goals and 13 assists for a team-high 43 points. She notched five hat tricks and twice hit a career-high seven points in a game. Her impact wasn’t limited to the scoreboard - she also contributed 12 caused turnovers, including a standout four against UC Davis.
Both players bring experience, scoring punch, and a relentless motor - all of which will be critical as Colorado aims to climb the Big 12 ranks.
Buffs Picked Third in Big 12 Preseason Poll
Colorado was picked to finish third in the Big 12 Preseason Coaches’ Poll, trailing only Florida and Arizona State. UC Davis, Cincinnati, and San Diego State round out the bottom half of the poll. The Buffs are coming off an 8-8 campaign, including a 4-1 mark in conference play - good for second place in the Big 12 last year.
With a strong returning core and preseason accolades stacking up, Colorado is positioned to make another push toward the top of the standings.
Leadership Group Set for 2026
Coach Whidden also announced the team’s captains for the upcoming season: seniors Mary Carson, Lily Assini, and Jess Peluso. It’s a trio that reflects the heart of the program - steady, committed, and battle-tested.
“Mary, Jess, and Lily have given so much to this program over the past 3.5 years,” Whidden said. “They bring energy and competitiveness to practice every day and push their teammates to be great. They complement each other well and each brings a unique leadership style.”
With the leadership of these captains and the experience of a strong senior class, Colorado enters 2026 with a clear identity and a locker room full of belief.
Season Opener at No. 2 Northwestern
The Buffs won’t have to wait long to test themselves. They open the season on Feb. 9 with a road trip to No.
2 Northwestern - a true measuring-stick game against one of the nation’s elite. Colorado’s home opener comes less than a week later, on Feb. 15, when they host Cornell.
With preseason honors in hand and a talented, veteran-led roster, Colorado isn’t just hoping to compete - they’re ready to contend.