The first — and likely biggest — domino of the transfer portal has fallen.
First-team All-American draw taker Madison Epke, also an accomplished attacker, has chosen Northwestern for her senior season. The former James Madison star seemingly confirmed her decision by adding Northwestern to her bio on Instagram.
Jake Epstein of The Daily Northwestern (and also a contributor to USA Lacrosse Magazine) first reported the news.
Northwestern, the NCAA runner-up, had a clear need for a player of Epke's caliber — though it could be argued that every team in the nation could say the same. With the graduation of Sam Smith, Northwestern needs a quick fix in the draw circle, a player where Epke dominates. Epke can also effectively fill one of the two attacking spots now open after the departures of Niki Miles and Riley Campbell.
Epke has a previous relationship with Kelly Amonte Hiller when she played for the coaching legend on the U.S. U20 Women's National Team that won gold in Hong Kong, China, last summer. Epstein reported that Epke chose Northwestern most notably over North Carolina and Syracuse.
Epke started all 61 games over three years at JMU, accumulating 139 goals, 74 assists and 485 draw controls.
