BOULDER — The Colorado Buffaloes women’s lacrosse team began preparations for the 2026 season as they returned to practice at the Ford Practice Facility on Thursday. This marks the program’s 13th season, all under head coach Ann Elliott Whidden, who has a record of 130-75.
“It is great to be back with this team,” Whidden said. “This group is highly focused and motivated to get to work and we have had a great start to our spring practices. The intensity and competitiveness they bring everyday has been great to see.”
During the fall, Colorado played seven warm-up games, including two against Northwestern, which will also be their first opponent of the regular season. Other exhibition matches included games against Canada’s U20 National Team, Marquette, Denver, Stanford, and an annual scrimmage versus CU alumni.
Last year, the Buffaloes finished with an overall record of 8-8 and went 4-1 in Big 12 play. Their performance earned them the No. 2 seed in the inaugural Big 12 Tournament. Defender Jess Peluso received Nike Lacrosse Media All-America honorable mention honors and was named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.
Sophomore goaltender Elena Oh was recognized four times as Big 12 Goalkeeper of the Week and made the Big 12 All-Newcomer Team in her freshman year. She led the conference with a goals-against average of 9.81—ranking her eighteenth nationally—and posted a .399 save percentage along with nearly six saves per game.
All-Conference players Maddie Shoup and Lily Assini are also returning for Colorado in 2026. Shoup recorded career highs last season with 30 goals and 13 assists for a total of 43 points; Assini contributed with sixteen goals and a career-best twenty-three assists for thirty-nine points overall.
Colorado scored a total of one hundred seventy-eight goals during the previous season and retains fifty-seven percent of its scoring from that roster.
“We are so excited for the spring and the challenges we have on our schedule,” Whidden said. “We are looking forward to taking the next few weeks to lock in on ourselves and just focus on getting better everyday so we are prepared for those opportunities. This is a great group and I’m just really looking forwarding to seeing what we can do this season!”
Nine freshmen have joined Colorado’s squad this spring: Rowan Edson, Georgia Rios, Sophia Yeskulsky (attack); Charlotte Yeskulsky, Alison Stevens, Julia Etu, Parker Lemm (midfield); Hailie Abrams, Ryann McLeod (defense). Jillian Kane adds depth at goalie after transferring from Colby College.
The Buffaloes will open their season on February 9 at Northwestern in Evanston before hosting Cornell at home on February 15.
For more information about Colorado Lacrosse visit cubuffs.com/wlax or follow @cubuffswlax across social media platforms.
