What Happened to Syracuse University Lacrosse?

Syracuse University Lacrosse holds a legendary status in collegiate athletics, particularly its men's program, which has secured 10 NCAA national championship titles in the modern era, with an additional 1990 title being vacated due to NCAA rules infractions. These championships span from 1983 to 2009, establishing Syracuse as a dominant force in the sport for decades. Key coaching figures like Roy Simmons Jr. and John Desko built the program's dynasty, with Desko leading the team to five NCAA titles between 1999 and 2013.

In recent years, the men's program has aimed to recapture its championship-winning form. Gary Gait, a legendary former player, took over as the Roy D. Simmons Jr. Head Men's Lacrosse Coach on June 7, 2021, after a successful 14-year tenure coaching the Syracuse women's team. Under Gait, the men's team has shown steady improvement, reaching the NCAA Final Four in 2025 for the first time since 2013, and also securing its first ACC title since 2016. The 2026 season was anticipated with high expectations, with many considering it a 'championship or bust' year, featuring a senior-laden roster including preseason player of the year Joey Spallina. As of May 16, 2026, the men's team has compiled a 12-5 record and advanced to the NCAA Quarterfinals, where they are scheduled to face North Carolina today.

The Syracuse women's lacrosse program has also maintained a strong national presence, consistently appearing in the NCAA Tournament and reaching Championship Weekend multiple times. After Kayla Treanor concluded her tenure as head coach in May 2025 to take a position at Penn State, Syracuse appointed alumnus Regy Thorpe as the new head coach on June 6, 2025. Thorpe, who previously served as an assistant for the Orange women's team for a decade, brought a defensive-minded approach and a vision for continued success.

Thorpe's inaugural 2026 season saw the women's team achieve a 14-6 overall record, a four-win improvement over the previous season. They earned the fourth seed in the ACC Tournament, defeating Virginia in the quarterfinals before falling to top-seeded North Carolina in the semifinals. The Orange then received an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, where they defeated Loyola Maryland in the first round on May 8, 2026. Their season concluded in a hard-fought NCAA Second Round match on May 10, 2026, losing to Navy 11-10 in overtime. Despite the early exit from the NCAA Tournament, the team garnered significant individual accolades, with seven players earning IWLCA All-Region distinction and five receiving USA Lacrosse All-America honors in May 2026. Both programs continue to be cornerstones of Syracuse University's athletic identity, consistently competing at the highest levels of collegiate lacrosse.