ALBANY, N.Y. – The University at Albany women's lacrosse program enters the 2026 season coming off an America East Championship campaign in 2025, its fourth in program history. The Great Danes 2026 season features an eye-catching mix of top-ranked teams in the nation and in-state foes, while maintaining its six conference games.
 
The Thomson Era
Head Coach Katie Thomson enters her eighth season at the helm, having already guided the program to two conference titles in the last three years. Thomson has established a culture of high-level competition and success among her student-athletes on and off the field that has led the Great Danes to consistently be ranked among the top programs in the Northeast.
 
"We're excited for our season opener this week, and I've been thrilled with the energy and commitment this group brings to practice every day," Said Coach Thomson. "We're growing together and building strong connections, with our returning players using their experience to help set the standard and lead our process."
 
Veteran Leadership and All-Conference Returners
UAlbany returns 25 players from last year's championship roster, including six starters and three All-Conference honorees. The midfield is anchored by junior Paisley Cook, a 2025 First Team All-America East selection and draw-control specialist. Cook finished last season ranked 25th nationally in draw controls, averaging 6.68 draw controls per game. On the defensive end, senior Delilah Mile, a 2025 Second Team All-America East selection, returns to lead the unit alongside sophomore Ravan Marsell, who earned 2025 America East All-Rookie honors and appeared in 14 games during her standout freshman campaign.
 
The attack will look for the next women up, having lost its top five scorers entering the 2025 season. The Great Danes offense sees the return of Paisley Cook, Ravan Marsell, Kloey Roos, Zareena Sorho, and Jaedyn Frink, returning for her fifth year, to the Great Danes attack unit.
 
Strength in Net
The Great Danes also return veteran strength in the net with 2024 America East Goalkeeper of the Year Grace Cincebox. Entering her fourth year as a starter, Cincebox holds a 24-18 career record and ranks third in program history with 333 saves. She is joined by redshirt junior Quinn McCarthy, who made five starts across 13 appearances last year. The veteran group of goalies is joined by freshman Olivia Frazier
 
"Our leaders have set the tone and raised the standard," Said Cincebox. "Our newcomers have pushed it even higher with their commitment and belief, and the collective buy-in of this group is what makes us dangerous."

Welcomed Experience
Joining Cincebox and the rest of the returners are transfers junior Lena Cox and sophomore Amanda Williamson. Cox, a Youngstown State from West Henrietta, New York, was a 2025 Second-Team All-MAC selection, and over her two seasons combined for 84 points from 48 goals and 36 assists in 31 games played. Sophomore Williamson, a Queens University transfer and Seaford, N.Y. native, appeared in 17 games while recording 10 points off four goals and six assists, while adding 12 ground balls and five caused turnovers
 
Elite Freshman Class
In addition to the veteran group, the Great Danes bring in a talented group of 10 freshmen, comprised of Mya Carroll, Mara Stanton, Sadie Bellinger, Hannah Reichard, Taylee Bernarduci, Ava Cunneen, Olivia McKinnon, Riley Forthofer, Brooke Perry, and Olivia Frazier.
 
The class is headlined by Mya Carroll, a USA Lacrosse All-American and NYS Section III Player of the Year from Fulton, N.Y who follows in her sister, Hailey Carroll's, footsteps to UAlbany. Forthofer, Cunneen, and Bernarduci are other notable freshmen to keep a lookout for this season.
 
2026 Schedule: National Attention
The 2026 slate features a similar pattern of past, ranked 41^st in the nation in strength of schedule of 133 teams, and the strongest schedule of any America East school.
 
To see the full 2026 rankings of strength of schedule, click here
 
After opening on the road at Holy Cross (Feb. 10), the Great Danes face an immediate test against former conference rival No.18 Stony Brook (Feb. 15).
 
The home schedule at John Fallon Field is highlighted by visits from consistently nationally ranked teams, starting with No. 23 Harvard (Feb. 21) of the Ivy League, before welcoming ACC's No. 14 Syracuse (Mar. 24) and No. 3 Boston College (Mar. 30) to the Capital Region in a pair of marquee match ups.
 
For the full 2026 Inside Lacrosse KANE Women's Division I Media Poll, click here.
 
"We take great pride in building a strong strength-of-schedule each season to provide our student-athletes with a competitive and engaging experience," Commented Thomson. "We believe this challenges our team to learn and grow while putting us on a path to play our best lacrosse as the season progresses."
 
America East Outlook
The Great Danes were the overwhelming favorite in the 2026 America East Preseason Coaches' Poll, claiming the top spot over Bryant and UMass Lowell. With the conference tournament set to begin in May, UAlbany's primary goal remains clear: securing a third title in four years and returning to the NCAA Tournament.
 
2026 America East Women's Lacrosse Preseason Poll
UAlbany, 35 Points (5 First-Place Votes)
Bryant, 30 (2)
UMass Lowell, 27
Vermont, 18
UMBC, 16
Binghamton, 15
New Hampshire, 6
 
Where to Watch
For the 2026 season, all UAlbany women's lacrosse home games will be streamed live on ESPN+ and America East TV. Fans can find links to live stats and video on the official schedule page.
 
Social Central: Stay up to date with UAlbany women's lacrosse by following the team on Instagram (@UAlbanyWLax), Facebook (UAlbany Women's Lacrosse),  and X (@UAlbanyWLax) for all of the latest news and highlights throughout the year.