SAINT LEO, Fla. – Saint Leo University women's lacrosse is set to take the field on Saturday evening to begin its 15th season. The Lions are ranked #10 in the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) Division II preseason coaches' poll and were selected to finish fourth in the Sunshine State Conference preseason coaches' poll.
Head coach Caitlin Hansen enters her ninth season leading the Green & Gold. In eight seasons, Hansen has compiled a 75-48 overall record. With 13 wins in 2025, the 2024 SSC Coach of the Year improved her overall career record to 125-71. Over the last three seasons, Hansen has seen her teams improve on its win totals and will look to make it four years in a row with double-digit wins.
 
Saint Leo's veteran core features immense talent including a pair of preseason All-Americans in senior goalie Jessica Harclerode and senior attacker Jana Nuss. Harclerode returns as the anchor in goal, directing the defense and giving Saint Leo stability on the back end, while Nuss is one of the team's top offensive pieces and will again be counted on as a primary scoring and play making option.
 
The Lions bring back a core group that shaped much of the team's identity last season. Alongside Nuss, senior attacker Holly Hill provides a strong scoring presence that draws defensive attention and creates space for others. In the midfield, senior Sophia Wood and junior Abby Richards both contribute on the offensive end while playing key roles in draw work and transition. Junior attacker Natalie Jones continues to expand her offensive impact and is positioned for a larger role this spring.
 
On defense, senior Meredith Eitel, an All-SSC selection, anchors the back line with experience and physical play in front of Harclerode. Overall, Saint Leo returns four of its top five point scorers from a team that maintained a national ranking and earned wins over multiple ranked opponents.
 
A major focus this preseason is replacing the impact of graduated standout Maria Palomba, particularly in the draw circle and transition game. Hansen will look to the experience of her veteran's and her newcomers to develop a new draw team.
 
The Lions also add 16 newcomers, including a pair of transfers in Anna Wood (South Florida) and McKayla Elison (Wingate).
 
Saint Leo opens the season February 7 at 5 p.m. at home against No. 12 Flagler College, an early test against a ranked opponent.