The High Point University women's lacrosse team is poised to defend its title as they kick off the 2026 season on February 6. Under the leadership of Head Coach Lyndsey Boswell, the Panthers are coming off their 13th Big South Conference regular-season championship. New captains Shannon Smith (attacker) and Ava Welsh (goalkeeper) join returning captain Caitlyn Baehr (defender), who previously faced season-ending injuries but gained insights as a sideline observer. The team emphasizes accountability and communication as key strategies for success in both offensive and defensive plays.

By the Numbers
  • Five players named Big South Pre-Season All-Conference: Smith, Welsh, Germani, Dustin, Urban.
  • Smith and Germani combined for 91 goals last season; Dustin and Urban had 51 caused turnovers.
State of Play
  • The Panthers aim to maintain consistency across games as they pursue their 14th Big South title.
  • They have a strong freshman class, including standout newcomers Anna Mullikin and Addison McEvers.
  • Key returners include Smith and Welsh, who are focusing on enhancing team communication and strategy.
What's Next

The Panthers will begin their season with three home games against No. 14 Duke, No. 16 Navy, and Campbell, before facing off against No. 20 Denver in their first road game. Continued development of team dynamics and performance consistency will be vital for their championship aspirations this season.

Bottom Line

The Panthers are focused on teamwork and effective communication as they launch their 2026 season. Capitalizing on their depth and leveraging the experience of returning players will be crucial for reclaiming both regular-season and tournament titles in a competitive landscape.