Duke Women’s Lacrosse Opens 2026 Season with High Expectations and Depth Across the Field
The 2026 women’s lacrosse season hasn’t even started yet, but Duke is already making noise. The Blue Devils come into the year with a trio of top-20 preseason rankings - No. 14 in the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) poll, No. 17 in the USA Lacrosse rankings, and No. 12 from Inside Lacrosse. And if last season was any indication, this team is ready to build on a strong foundation.
Coming off a 14-6 campaign in 2025 that included a 6-3 mark in a competitive conference slate, Duke reached the NCAA Championship quarterfinals and finished the year ranked No. 9 nationally. That postseason run wasn’t just a flash in the pan - it was a statement. And with much of that core returning, there’s real reason to believe this team could go even further in 2026.
Offensive Firepower Returns
Let’s start with the attack. Junior Bella Goodwin is back after lighting up the scoreboard with 53 goals last season - the third-highest total on the squad. She’s a dynamic finisher with a knack for finding the net in tight windows, and her return gives Duke a proven scorer to lean on.
But the real engine of the offense might be redshirt junior Eva Pronti. She didn’t just lead the team in assists - she broke the program’s single-season assist record with 49.
Pronti sees the field like a point guard, threading passes through traffic and setting up her teammates in prime scoring positions. With Goodwin and Pronti working in tandem, Duke has a potent one-two punch that can stretch defenses and create constant mismatches.
Midfield Balance and Control
In the midfield, junior Caitlin Barrett brings a versatile presence. She chipped in 13 goals last season, but her impact goes well beyond scoring. With 14 ground balls and 41 draw controls, she’s a two-way player who helps Duke control possession and transition smoothly from defense to offense.
Speaking of the draw, junior Ellie White is a name to watch. Her 76 draw controls were second-best on the team last year, and she saved her best for the postseason, pulling down a career-high 11 draws in the NCAA first round against James Madison. Dominance in the draw circle is often the difference between winning and losing in tight games, and White gives Duke a major edge in that department.
Defensive Stability and Experience
On the back line, the Blue Devils return key pieces that bring both talent and experience. Sophomore Amanda Paci was a disruptor all season long, leading the team with 28 caused turnovers while scooping up 26 ground balls. Her ability to pressure ball carriers and create turnovers is a cornerstone of Duke’s defensive identity.
Veteran leadership comes in the form of seniors Madison Beale and Sydney Smith, who combined for 35 caused turnovers last season. Their experience and chemistry provide stability on the back end - something every championship-caliber team needs.
Key Additions Bolster Depth
Duke didn’t stand pat in the offseason. The Blue Devils added two attacking transfers who could make an immediate impact.
Sophomore Avery Doran arrives from Brown after a 47-point season (23 goals, 24 assists), showing she can both score and create. She also contributed on the defensive end with eight ground balls and eight caused turnovers - a nice bonus for a player expected to bolster the attack.
Graduate transfer McKenzie Olsen brings experience from Syracuse, where she appeared in 37 games and contributed defensively with 10 ground balls and six caused turnovers. Her veteran presence and versatility add depth to a Duke roster that’s already stacked with returning talent.
Freshman Class Adds Even More Talent
As if the returning core and transfer additions weren’t enough, Duke’s incoming freshman class is loaded. Headlining the group is Quinn Whitaker, the No. 5 overall player in Inside Lacrosse’s Nike Lacrosse/IL Power 100 Freshman Rankings. She’s expected to make waves right away.
Joining her are several others who earned honorable mention honors in the same rankings: Cat LeTendre, Caroline McCullough, Taylor Murphy, and Stella Pence. This class doesn’t just represent the future of the program - it could play a real role in the present.
The Road Begins at High Point
Duke kicks off its 2026 campaign on February 6 with a road trip to High Point for a 6 p.m. matchup. The Blue Devils then return home for their opener at Koskinen Stadium on February 15, when they host Johns Hopkins at 3 p.m.
With a deep and talented roster, a mix of veteran leadership and promising youth, and a top-15 national ranking to start the year, Duke isn’t just looking to repeat last season’s success - they’re aiming to take the next step. If the pieces come together, this could be a team no one wants to see come May.