Photo by: Tim Cowie/DavidsonPhotos.com
Davidson’s Championship Run Generates Significant Impact
9/28/2026 2:43:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
Right after a practice in Chapel Hill, N.C., ahead of Davidson's first-ever NCAA Tournament game on May 8, 2026, the team gathered around in a circle. Head Coach Kim Wayne handed out scholar-athletes various letters from WLDC alumni to read out loud. These alums wrote about their experiences with the program and offered words of gratitude as well as appreciation.
Davidson's historic 2026 season has had a tremendous impact on the program. The 'Cats have a ton of momentum after capturing the program's first A-10 Tournament Championship. It's also the first female team sport at Davidson to capture an A-10 Tournament Championship.
CHAMPIONSHIP REWIND
"Every recruit we have had on campus since September 1st has mentioned our win and how exciting it was to watch us compete," explained head coach Kim Wayne. "They talk about specific moments during the games, or how inspirational it was to see our team respond and fight back."
"I believe winning has helped our recruiting efforts because it has shown everyone that we belong in the top of our conference and will do what it takes to get back there," added Coach Wayne.
The journey to the top of the league started back in the fall, led through preseason, and into the regular season. Davidson played in five games decided by two goals or less during the regular season. One of those games was against Coastal Carolina on February 22. The 'Cats trailed 5-3 with eight minutes left in the fourth quarter and scored three unanswered goals to win the game. Another close contest was on March 21 at George Washington. Jacqueline Callahan scored a game-winning goal in overtime.
The Wildcats produced an epic run through the 2026 A-10 Tournament, hosted at Davidson College for the first time. As the #4 seed in the conference tournament, the Wildcats took down #5 seed Saint Joseph's (13-6) in the quarterfinals, #1 seed Richmond (11-10) in semifinals, and #2 VCU (10-5) in the championship.
Brooke Ross was named the 2026 A-10 Tournament MVP. Ross scored 10 goals in three conference tournament games. She scored the game-winning goal with five seconds left against Richmond in the semifinals. She was later named IWLCA National Offensive Player of the Week.
Davidson finished the 2026 season ranked 13th nationally in ground balls per game (18.4) and 29th nationally in caused turnovers per game (10.0). The 'Cats also led the A-10 in caused turnovers per game.
Five Wildcats were named to All-Conference teams. Allie Hartnett earned IWLCA Second-Team All-Region honors and was named First-Team All-Atlantic 10 member for the fourth straight season. Jenna Skibbe was named a First-Team All-Atlantic 10 member and finished the season ranked third in the league with 58 goals. Lydia Canavan earned First-Team All-Atlantic Team honors on defense with 21 caused turnovers and 28 draw controls.
Kaitlin Uller and Margit Crittenberger landed on the A-10 All-Rookie team. Kayla Joyce also ranked 17th in the nation in goals against average (8.7).
Davidson is in the midst of its fall season right now. The 'Cats play games on the road against Elon, Furman, Clemson, Ohio State, Towson, and North Carolina. Davidson plays Wofford at home on Field 76 on Monday, October 19.
"Our focus is building off what we accomplished while also recognizing we have a brand-new team this year," said Coach Wayne. "Losing 11 seniors and welcoming 9 freshmen is tough."
"Our fall has been spent getting to know our new players and working on a new system with new positions, while also remembering how it felt to win" said Coach Wayne. "Expectations are higher but I believe this team can and will embrace that."
Davidson's historic 2026 season has had a tremendous impact on the program. The 'Cats have a ton of momentum after capturing the program's first A-10 Tournament Championship. It's also the first female team sport at Davidson to capture an A-10 Tournament Championship.
CHAMPIONSHIP REWIND
"Every recruit we have had on campus since September 1st has mentioned our win and how exciting it was to watch us compete," explained head coach Kim Wayne. "They talk about specific moments during the games, or how inspirational it was to see our team respond and fight back."
"I believe winning has helped our recruiting efforts because it has shown everyone that we belong in the top of our conference and will do what it takes to get back there," added Coach Wayne.
The journey to the top of the league started back in the fall, led through preseason, and into the regular season. Davidson played in five games decided by two goals or less during the regular season. One of those games was against Coastal Carolina on February 22. The 'Cats trailed 5-3 with eight minutes left in the fourth quarter and scored three unanswered goals to win the game. Another close contest was on March 21 at George Washington. Jacqueline Callahan scored a game-winning goal in overtime.
The Wildcats produced an epic run through the 2026 A-10 Tournament, hosted at Davidson College for the first time. As the #4 seed in the conference tournament, the Wildcats took down #5 seed Saint Joseph's (13-6) in the quarterfinals, #1 seed Richmond (11-10) in semifinals, and #2 VCU (10-5) in the championship.
Brooke Ross was named the 2026 A-10 Tournament MVP. Ross scored 10 goals in three conference tournament games. She scored the game-winning goal with five seconds left against Richmond in the semifinals. She was later named IWLCA National Offensive Player of the Week.
Davidson finished the 2026 season ranked 13th nationally in ground balls per game (18.4) and 29th nationally in caused turnovers per game (10.0). The 'Cats also led the A-10 in caused turnovers per game.
Five Wildcats were named to All-Conference teams. Allie Hartnett earned IWLCA Second-Team All-Region honors and was named First-Team All-Atlantic 10 member for the fourth straight season. Jenna Skibbe was named a First-Team All-Atlantic 10 member and finished the season ranked third in the league with 58 goals. Lydia Canavan earned First-Team All-Atlantic Team honors on defense with 21 caused turnovers and 28 draw controls.
Kaitlin Uller and Margit Crittenberger landed on the A-10 All-Rookie team. Kayla Joyce also ranked 17th in the nation in goals against average (8.7).
Davidson is in the midst of its fall season right now. The 'Cats play games on the road against Elon, Furman, Clemson, Ohio State, Towson, and North Carolina. Davidson plays Wofford at home on Field 76 on Monday, October 19.
"Our focus is building off what we accomplished while also recognizing we have a brand-new team this year," said Coach Wayne. "Losing 11 seniors and welcoming 9 freshmen is tough."
"Our fall has been spent getting to know our new players and working on a new system with new positions, while also remembering how it felt to win" said Coach Wayne. "Expectations are higher but I believe this team can and will embrace that."
Players Mentioned
MF
/ Women's Lacrosse
D
/ Women's Lacrosse
MF/D
/ Women's Lacrosse
GK
/ Women's Lacrosse
MF
/ Women's Lacrosse
A
/ Women's LacrosseThursday, May 07
Wednesday, May 06
Wednesday, May 06
Wednesday, May 06
