Elena Oh’s Rapid Rise in Goal Fuels Colorado Lacrosse’s Ambitions
BOULDER - When Elena Oh took over between the pipes for Colorado last season, it wasn’t just a change in the depth chart-it was a spark that helped shape the Buffaloes’ identity. Now a sophomore, Oh is still relatively new to the game compared to most of her collegiate peers. But make no mistake: she’s already one of the most impactful players on the field for CU.
Oh’s story isn’t your typical lacrosse trajectory. A native of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, she had only three years of experience under her belt when she committed to head coach Ann Elliott Whidden. So when she stepped in as the Buffs’ starting goalie just three games into her freshman campaign-and immediately made her presence felt-it turned more than a few heads.
“It was definitely surprising-that’s probably the word I’d use,” Oh said, reflecting on her rapid ascent. “Having not played for that long, I think what really helped was the trust of my teammates and trusting myself.”
That trust wasn’t just a feel-good sentiment-it was a stabilizing force. For any goalie, especially a young one, the pressure can be overwhelming.
Every mistake is magnified. But Oh leaned into the challenge with a fearless mindset.
“I felt like I had nothing to lose,” she said. “I just went out there to play my best and be as big as I could in the goal.”
That mindset didn’t just help her survive the moment-it helped her thrive in it.
Oh didn’t grow up steeped in lacrosse culture, but the game was always close to home. Her dad and sister played, and while her dad wasn’t a goalie himself, he became her first coach-learning the position alongside her and putting in the work together, day after day, in their basement.
“He learned everything he could and taught me what he knew,” she recalled. “We trained almost every day… just working on small tips and tricks to help me get better.”
That basement grind paid off in a big way.
Oh went on to earn four straight Big 12 Goalkeeper of the Week honors as a freshman. She posted an 8-6 record in 14 starts, racked up 83 saves, and led the Big 12 with a 9.81 goals-against average-good for 18th in the nation. That kind of production didn’t just earn her a spot on the Big 12 Newcomer Team-it put her firmly on the map.
“Being recognized like that really boosted my confidence,” Oh said. “It made me feel like I was truly making a difference for the team and the program.”
But it’s not just the stats that define her. It’s how she sees the position. For Oh, being a goalie isn’t just about stopping shots-it’s about changing games.
“I think it’s such a game-changing position,” she said. “One save-even if it’s the only one you make-can be the difference between a win and a loss. That pressure and excitement really drew me in.”
And now, as she enters her second season, that pressure only grows. Oh has been named the Big 12 Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year and steps into a leadership role within the Buffs’ goalie trio. But she’s not letting the spotlight change her approach.
“I want to continue building my confidence and belief in myself,” she said. “With the increased attention and expectations, there’s definitely more pressure, but I want to keep having fun and trusting myself. I really believe in this team and this group.”
Even as she takes on more responsibility, Oh is quick to credit her fellow goalkeepers-Caity Brower and Jillian Kane-for their experience and insight. It’s a room built on mutual respect, not hierarchy.
“We really see each other as equals,” she said. “There isn’t much hierarchy.”
Beyond Boulder, Oh has her eyes on an even bigger stage. She represented Korea at the 2024 Women’s U20 Championship in Hong Kong and is hoping to continue that journey on the international level-potentially with an Olympic appearance in her future.
“Representing Korea would be really special to me because it helps me connect with my heritage,” she said. “If that path leads to the Olympics, it would be incredibly empowering and meaningful.”
But for now, her focus is right where it needs to be-on the season ahead and the teammates around her.
“I truly believe in this team,” Oh said. “We’re special on and off the field, and I’m excited to show what we can do.”
Colorado opens its 2026 campaign on Monday, Feb. 9, with a major test on the road against No. 2 Northwestern. The journey is just beginning, but with Elena Oh in goal, the Buffs have a steady hand-and a rising star-leading the way.