Chloe Humphrey Named USA Lacrosse Preseason Player of the Year Ahead of 2026 Season
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Chloe Humphrey’s rise in the world of women’s lacrosse hasn’t just been impressive - it’s been historic. And as the 2026 season approaches, the University of North Carolina star is once again setting the pace. USA Lacrosse has named Humphrey its Preseason Player of the Year, adding yet another accolade to a résumé that’s already stacked with hardware.
This recognition comes on the heels of Humphrey being named both the Preseason Attacker of the Year and a first-team All-American earlier in the week - honors that feel more like confirmation than projection at this point.
If you watched her last season, you know why.
As a redshirt freshman in 2025, Humphrey didn’t just make a splash - she rewrote the record books. Her 90 goals weren’t just the most in the nation by a freshman; they set the NCAA freshman record and broke the UNC single-season mark.
She finished with 118 points overall, good for fifth nationally and second in Tar Heel program history. And it wasn’t just about volume - it was about impact.
Humphrey was the offensive engine for a UNC team that made serious noise all year long.
The awards followed accordingly. Humphrey took home the Honda Sports Award for Lacrosse and the prestigious Tewaaraton Award, both crowning her as the top player in the college game. She was also named the IWLCA Player and Attacker of the Year, earned first-team All-America honors, and dominated postseason play, earning Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Tournament and MVP of the ACC Tournament.
But her dominance didn’t stop with the college season. Humphrey carried that momentum onto the international stage over the summer, helping Team USA capture gold at both the Pan-American Championships and The World Games.
She added MVP honors at the Atlas Cup to her growing list of achievements and, most recently, earned a spot on the U.S. World Championship roster for the summer of 2026.
It’s clear: Chloe Humphrey isn’t just a star - she’s becoming the face of the sport.
Now, she and the Tar Heels are gearing up for what promises to be another electric season. North Carolina opens the 2026 campaign on Saturday, Feb. 7, with a road matchup at James Madison. A tough early test at Syracuse follows on Feb. 13 before the home opener against Ohio State on Friday, Feb. 20 at 1:30 p.m.
If last year was any indication, fans should buckle up. Humphrey has already proven she can handle the spotlight - now she’s chasing legacy.