Heading into the 2026 season, Butler believes their offense will be an energy shifter.
 
Butler Women's Lacrosse Head Coach, Maggie Zentgraf, enters her fourth season at the helm of the Butler women's lacrosse program. On the offensive end, Zentgraf anticipates consistency and communication to be the key points in their success.
 
"We are bringing in and bringing back consistency," Zentgraf said. "Our offense is dynamic and our two-way players will bring a spark throughout the game."
 
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"You don't pick up excellence over night, you have to practice that," Zentgraf said. "We spent a lot of time this offseason getting used to the new positions and changes while carrying on old traditions as well as continuing to build on the foundation of Butler Women's Lacrosse."
 
Newcomers
Transfers
 
Butler boosted its offense with experience in the portal this offseason adding sophomore midfielder Addison Haines from Rider University.
 
Last season at Rider, Haines appeared in five games, scored one goal, and tallied one assist. During her time at Gahanna Lincoln High School, Haines was named a two-time captain and Gahanna Most Valuable Player in her junior and senior seasons.
 
Freshmen
 
The midfield and attack will feature a new young core that features seven freshmen.
 
On the midfield, there will be five freshmen midfielders, including Sarah Gastineau, Genna Sulek, Elle Tomalia, Kerrin McGovern, and Giovanna Francati. The attack will also feature freshmen Grace Churchwell and Rylie Smith.
 
"These freshmen are competitive and bring energy and impact to every play.," Zentgraf said. "They are quick learners, team players, and have high IQs and good instincts."
 
Returners
Zentgraf will be looking forward to having last year's leading scorer back in senior Elise Latham. The team returns nine student-athletes on the midfield and attack.
 
In the midfield, Chloe Hall, Madeline Gregston, and Katie Smyka will return. Hannah Cissne joined in the fall of 2025 and will make her Bulldog debut this season.
 
The Bulldog returning attackers are Maggie Lewis, Sophia Knoblock, Emily Eckert, Riley Ryan and Emma Palmer. Elise Latham comes back as the top returning goal scorer after collecting 30 goals in 14 games last season.
 
Team Leadership
Zentgraf announced the second team captain for the 2026 campaign will be senior Elise Latham. Latham is a jack of all trades bringing dynamic work to the offensive side.
 
Season Opener 
The Butler women's lacrosse team will head north to Detroit, Mich. to kick off the season opener against Detroit Mercy on Friday, Feb. 6.
 
Social Updates
For additional social updates and game information, follow Butler women's lacrosse on X and Instagram @ButlerWLacrosse.