Both Colgate University Raiders lacrosse programs are entering the 2026 season with fresh energy, deep rosters and a shared determination to compete at the highest level of the Patriot League. After strong fall seasons built on culture, chemistry and leadership, both the men’s and women’s teams are poised to take another step forward this spring.
For the women’s team, the fall marked a period of transition and growth. With a new defensive coach and a large group of young players stepping into key roles, practices have centered on mastering fundamentals and embracing a new system. Senior Meg Cole said that the focus this offseason has been on perfecting the details that can separate good teams from great ones.
“Our team’s emphasis has really been on the finer details of the game,” Cole said. “We have a new, defensive coach who’s introduced an entirely new system, which has called for full team commitment, patience through the learning process and a strong focus on detail. By tightening up those smaller aspects, how we run a play, transition the ball or even complete a pass, we’re learning how to take care of each other on the field and build stronger chemistry and momentum as a team.”
The Raiders have also embraced the challenge of replacing several key graduates, viewing it as a chance for growth rather than a setback. Cole said that early matchups against nationally ranked opponents like Johns Hopkins University and Penn State University will serve as valuable tests for the new-look lineup.
“There’s a lot of excitement heading into the season,” she said. “After graduating much of our starting lineup last spring, we’ll have a lot of players stepping into bigger roles. It’s a great chance for growth and development and the team has really embraced that challenge throughout the fall.”
Cole’s return from double hip surgery has given her a unique view on team cohesion and resilience. Watching from the sidelines has deepened her appreciation for the team’s bond and work ethic.
“Being sidelined has taught me a lot about leadership and perspective,” she said. “There’s a strong sense of unity and belief within our group and I’m so excited to see that translate once we step onto the field.”
Junior Lauren Kirk echoed that sentiment, emphasizing how the team’s chemistry has grown naturally through daily commitment and shared purpose.
“There wasn’t one exact moment when everything clicked,” Kirk said. “We focused on working toward our common goals every day, whether we were at practice, lift, team bonding, or just spending time together. Our chemistry feels natural, which is what makes us so special.”
Kirk explained that energy and love have fueled a sense of confidence that goes beyond wins and losses.
“Our motivation comes from each other because we feed off of one another’s energy and hard work,” she said. “This group has a genuine love. We celebrate each other’s success, bring energy and pick each other up after mistakes. That love is what gives our team its competitive edge.”
On the men’s side, Colgate heads into the new season as the defending Patriot League champions for the first time in a decade. Last season’s title run reminded the program of what it takes to win — and how difficult it is to stay on top. Senior captain Hunter Drouin said the team’s offseason mentality has been defined by hunger and accountability.
“We are coming off a league championship for the first time in ten years,” Drouin said. “We know what it takes to win, but are not satisfied with the way last year ended. Our mentality is a balance between knowing how capable this team can be, but staying hungry enough to achieve things this program has never done.”
Drouin credited the senior class with setting the tone through consistency, film study and leadership across all aspects of the program.
“The upperclassmen have done a great job of maintaining the standard,” he said. “Whether it’s practice, off the field or in film, everyone has held each other accountable to stay dialed in. This year’s senior class is a very special group.”
Sophomore Andrew Kiefer said that discipline and preparation have been the backbone of the team’s identity. The Raiders have committed to an intense schedule that includes daily film sessions, six practices a week and four lifts.
“Our offseason is rigorous,” Kiefer said. “A message every day is to uphold the standard and make it a player-led team. We are extremely close but have the mutual understanding to hold people accountable. Every practice, no matter the weather, we are yelling and screaming, lifting each other up.”
Despite graduating several key contributors, Kiefer said there is an overwhelming sense of confidence in the team’s ability to perform this upcoming season.
“In the lacrosse world, on paper we lost a lot of people, and even though we are the current Patriot League champs, we will still be the underdogs,” he said. “The team morale is through the roof this year and there is no other locker room more capable to win it all.”
With both teams returning motivated, cohesive rosters and a renewed focus on culture, Colgate lacrosse is ready to make noise in the Patriot League once again. The spring season promises to test that preparation, but for both squads, the message is the same: the standard has never been higher.
