Racheli Levy-Smith has been appointed as an assistant coach for the Colorado lacrosse team by head coach Ann Elliott Whidden. She previously excelled as a player at Holy Cross, where she was recognized as one of the top draw-control specialists and defensive players in the nation. During her senior year in 2026, Levy-Smith achieved multiple accolades, including third-team All-America honors and was named the Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year. She holds the Holy Cross record with 475 career draw controls and has represented Israel internationally at the World Lacrosse Women's U20 Championship.

By the Numbers
  • Levy-Smith set a Holy Cross record with 191 draw controls in a single season.
  • She averaged 11.24 draw controls and 2.41 caused turnovers per game during her senior season.
  • Levy-Smith concluded her career as Holy Cross's all-time leader in draw controls with a total of 475.
  • During the World U20 Championship, she recorded 72 draw controls in six games for Israel.
Yes, But

The hiring of Levy-Smith strengthens Colorado's coaching experience but raises questions on how her transition from player to coach will impact team dynamics and performance during the upcoming season.

State of Play
  • Levy-Smith joins an evolving coaching staff aiming to enhance the team's competitiveness.
  • The Buffaloes are focusing on building a stronger defensive strategy with her expertise in draw controls.
What's Next

As the lacrosse season approaches, Levy-Smith is expected to implement her strategies to improve the Buffaloes’ performance, particularly in draw controls and defensive gameplay. The coaching staff will monitor how her insights translate into game scenarios.

Bottom Line

Levy-Smith's experience as a player and her strategic acumen as a coach are set to bolster the Colorado lacrosse program. Her contributions will be critical in shaping the team's future success on the field, making this an important hire for the Buffaloes.