As part of its 2026 season preview coverage, USA Lacrosse on Wednesday announced its Division I Women’s Preseason Positional Players of the Year.
One player from this group will be named the USA Lacrosse Division I Women’s Preseason Player of the Year on Thursday.
ATTACKER OF THE YEAR
Chloe Humphrey, North Carolina
Was there ever a doubt? The “Phenom” returns after a redshirt-freshman campaign that exceeded the loftiest of expectations bestowed on the one-time prized recruit out of Darien, Conn. It culminated in an NCAA title and a historic Tewaararon Award win. If Humphrey’s performance on the international circuit with the U.S. team is any indication, there will be no sophomore slump.
MIDFIELDER OF THE YEAR
Brigid Duffy, Army
Duffy does it all for the Black Knights (including starring in soccer). The true two-way midfielder is all over the field and Army record book. Last year alone, Duffy broke the program’s single-season records for goals (64), ground balls (47) and caused turnovers (32). Entering her final season, Duffy also owns Army’s all-time marks for career goals, points, ground balls and caused turnovers.
DEFENDER OF THE YEAR
Sam Forrest, North Carolina
Forrest was a key cog in the Tar Heels’ top-ranked scoring defense last season, earning the IWLCA Defender of the Year honor after helping cement Carolina’s place atop the lacrosse world. Forrest, who totalled 26 ground balls and 18 caused turnovers in 2025, quickly pivoted to the international circuit last summer. She earned a gold medal with the U.S. team at the Pan-American Women’s Lacrosse Championships, tying for third on the team in ground balls.
GOALIE OF THE YEAR
Shea Dolce, Boston College
Dolce’s .549 save percentage in 2025 was the highest in the ACC since 2018. She became the first ACC netminder to win consecutive Goalkeeper of the Year honors and was the first goalie since 2021 to be a Tewaaraton finalist. Dolce enters her senior season third in Eagles history with 496 career stops and was on the All-World team this summer after winning gold with the U.S. at The World Games.
