As lacrosse fever grows, celebrating the legends who’ve shaped the women's game feels more important than ever. Here's our list of the top 10 all-time greatest—whether on the college stage, international field, or pro ranks.
1. Jen Adams
Career highlights: 2nd all-time NCAA scoring (445 pts), first Tewaaraton winner, 3× national player of the year.
Legacy: Australian star who dominated college at Maryland; often hailed as “the finest female lacrosse player of all time”
2. Katie Rowan Thomson
International dominance: Most points ever in Women’s World Cup (69) and most goals in a single game (8)
Gear: Her record 35 assists in a World Cup, and critical role in Team USA’s gold-medal success globally.
3. Charlotte North
College phenom: NCAA all-time goal leader; back-to-back Tewaaraton winner and ACC Female Athlete of the Year
Impact: Set new benchmarks at BC, her dominance continues to shape modern lacrosse narratives.
4. Kylie Ohlmiller
Scoring machine: All-time D-I scoring leader (498 points), first player to hit 150 points in a season
Style: Her finesse, vision, and creativity have inspired a generation of playmakers.
5. Kayla Treanor
All-American dominance: 4× first-team All-American at Syracuse; 260 goals, 393 points in college
Legacy: U.S. Lacrosse all-time points & goals leader, 2× World Champ; now shaping future stars as Penn State’s head coach .
6. Cindy Timchal
Coaching legend: Led Navy to Division I status and Final Four; previously transformed Northwestern and Maryland dynasties .
Accolades: Dubbed “the finest coach in the history of the game” by her peers.
7. Diane Geppi-Aikens
Iconic influence: Under her, Loyola became a powerhouse. Her legacy lives on via a scholarship in her name
Inspiration: A coach of heart—her impact transcended the field and continues to elevate the sport.
8. Sam Apuzzo & Zoe Stukenberg
Elite midfielders: Tewaaraton winners in 2018 (Apuzzo) and 2017 (Stukenberg)
Offensive forces: Their creativity, vision, and impact deepened the craft at the college and international levels.
9. Megan Whittle & Abby Bosco
“Megan Whittle … quietly top 5 on the NCAA all-time scoring list,” and “Abby Bosco … I love defense, and her story really gets you in the feels.”
Why they’re contenders: Whittle’s scoring acumen and Bosco’s defensive excellence demonstrate how greatness spans the field.
10. Northwestern’s Star Cohort
Standouts: Katrina Dowd, Hilary Bowen, Erin Coykendall—key leaders on Northwestern’s dynasty, with multiple NCAA titles and Tewaaraton nods.
Collective impact: They redefined excellence, team chemistry, and consistency at the highest level.
Honorable Mentions:
Charlotte Humphrey & Sisters (UNC): Chloe’s record freshman season and the sisters’ sweep of national team honors make for an inspiring story .
Recent rising stars:
Meg Bireley, Jenna Collignon—on the path to GOAT status with record-breaking performances.
Why they matter
These athletes and coaches share in common:
- Looming statistical peaks (highest goals, points, medals)
- Game-changing leadership and vision
- Cultural impact—coaching, pioneering, inspiring future kids
- Whether scoring at will or coaching dynasties, they’ve shaped today's women's lacrosse.
Let’s hear from YOU!
What did we miss? Who’s YOUR women's lacrosse GOAT? Drop your arguments and stats in the comments—we’re ready to debate