How has the Pac-12 women’s lacrosse tournament evolved. What impact does USC’s championship win have on the conference. Which players are making waves in Pac-12 lacrosse. How will San Diego State’s entry affect the conference dynamics.
The Rise of Pac-12 Women’s Lacrosse
Women’s lacrosse in the Pac-12 conference has been steadily growing in prominence and competitiveness. The 2023 Pac-12 Women’s Lacrosse Tournament showcased the increasing skill level and intense rivalries within the conference. With the addition of new teams and the development of existing programs, the Pac-12 is cementing its place as a powerhouse in collegiate women’s lacrosse.
2023 Pac-12 Women’s Lacrosse Tournament Highlights
The tournament, held in May 2023, featured thrilling matchups and unexpected outcomes. Here’s a breakdown of the key games:
- Championship: No. 1 USC defeated No. 3 Colorado 12-6
- Semifinals:
- No. 1 USC defeated No. 4 ASU 9-5
- No. 3 Colorado upset No. 2 Stanford 12-11
- Quarterfinals:
- No. 4 ASU defeated No. 5 Cal 7-5
- No. 3 Colorado defeated No. 6 Oregon 16-10
These results demonstrate the competitive nature of the conference, with both expected outcomes and surprising upsets.
USC’s Dominance in Pac-12 Lacrosse
The University of Southern California (USC) has emerged as a dominant force in Pac-12 women’s lacrosse. Their victory in the 2023 tournament marked their first championship since 2019, signaling a return to form for the program. USC’s success can be attributed to several factors:
- Strong recruiting efforts
- Effective coaching strategies
- Consistent player development
- A winning culture within the program
USC’s triumph not only solidifies their position as a top team but also raises the bar for competition within the conference.
USC’s Impact on Conference Dynamics
USC’s recent success has had a ripple effect throughout the Pac-12. Other programs are now striving to match USC’s level of play, leading to:
- Increased investment in lacrosse programs across the conference
- More intense recruiting battles for top high school talent
- Enhanced training and development programs at rival schools
- Greater media attention and fan engagement for Pac-12 lacrosse
As USC continues to excel, the overall quality of play in the Pac-12 is likely to improve, benefiting the conference as a whole.
Rising Stars in Pac-12 Women’s Lacrosse
The 2023 season saw the emergence of several standout players who are shaping the future of Pac-12 lacrosse. Among these rising stars is the 2023 Pac-12 Freshman Player of the Year from Arizona State University. This recognition highlights the influx of young talent into the conference and the potential for continued growth and improvement.
USA Lacrosse U-20 Invitees
Several Pac-12 players have been invited to participate in the USA Lacrosse U-20 program. This is a testament to the quality of players being developed within the conference. These invitations serve multiple purposes:
- Recognizing individual talent and potential
- Providing valuable experience at the national level
- Enhancing the reputation of Pac-12 lacrosse on a broader stage
- Creating networking opportunities for players and coaches
The success of Pac-12 players in national programs further solidifies the conference’s growing influence in the sport.
Coaching Impact on Program Development
The success of any collegiate sports program often hinges on the quality of its coaching staff. In Pac-12 women’s lacrosse, several coaches have made significant impacts on their respective programs. One notable example is Taryn VanThof, whose inaugural season as a head coach has led to new milestones for her program.
Taryn VanThof’s Influence
VanThof’s leadership has resulted in:
- Improved team performance and win-loss record
- Enhanced player development and skill progression
- Increased program visibility and recruiting success
- Establishment of a strong team culture and identity
The success of coaches like VanThof demonstrates the importance of effective leadership in building competitive programs within the Pac-12.
Individual Achievements and Honors
Recognition of individual players is crucial for showcasing the talent within Pac-12 women’s lacrosse. Several players have received notable honors in the 2023 season:
IWLCA Senior All-Star Team
Two players, Brodsky and Buckner, were named to the 2023 IWLCA Senior All-Star Team. This recognition:
- Highlights the senior leadership within Pac-12 programs
- Provides exposure for players seeking professional opportunities
- Enhances the reputation of Pac-12 lacrosse on a national level
- Serves as motivation for younger players in the conference
IWLCA All-American Status
USC’s Emma Wightman earned IWLCA All-American status, a prestigious honor that:
- Recognizes exceptional skill and performance
- Boosts the player’s and program’s national profile
- Attracts attention from professional leagues and national teams
- Sets a benchmark for excellence within the conference
These individual accolades contribute to the overall prestige of Pac-12 women’s lacrosse and help attract top talent to the conference.
San Diego State’s Entry into Pac-12 Lacrosse
The upcoming entry of San Diego State University (SDSU) into Pac-12 lacrosse in 2024 marks a significant expansion for the conference. However, the transition may present challenges for the Aztecs as they prepare to compete at a higher level.
Challenges Facing SDSU
SDSU’s women’s lacrosse team faces several hurdles as they prepare for Pac-12 play:
- Departure of ten key senior players
- Need for rapid development of younger players
- Adjustment to a more competitive conference schedule
- Building a recruiting pipeline to attract top talent
Head coach Kylee White acknowledges the significance of the departing senior class, stating, “This is probably one of the bigger classes that we have lost this year for sure.” The team will need to rely on the confidence and experience imparted by these seniors to the younger players.
Key Players and Their Impact
The loss of several standout players will significantly impact SDSU’s transition to the Pac-12:
- Deanna Balsama: Set a school record with 62 goals in 2022
- Caitlin Jones: Overcame injuries to become a key contributor in draws and scoring
- Defensive specialists: Maggie Marion, Annie Jubb, Shelby Hook, and Hayley Anderson
Replacing the production and leadership of these players will be crucial for SDSU’s success in their inaugural Pac-12 season.
The Future of Pac-12 Women’s Lacrosse
As the Pac-12 women’s lacrosse conference continues to evolve and grow, several factors will shape its future:
Expanding Conference Membership
The addition of SDSU and potentially other programs in the future will:
- Increase the competitive depth of the conference
- Provide more opportunities for talented players
- Expand the geographic footprint of Pac-12 lacrosse
- Potentially lead to divisional play or a larger conference tournament
Increasing National Recognition
As Pac-12 teams and players continue to excel on the national stage, the conference can expect:
- More media coverage and televised games
- Increased funding and resources for lacrosse programs
- Higher rankings in national polls and tournament seedings
- Growing interest from top recruits across the country
The future of Pac-12 women’s lacrosse looks bright, with continued growth and competition expected in the coming years. As programs like USC maintain their dominance and newcomers like SDSU work to establish themselves, the conference is poised to become an even more significant player in the landscape of collegiate women’s lacrosse.
The ongoing development of players, coaching strategies, and program infrastructure will be crucial in determining the long-term success and competitiveness of Pac-12 women’s lacrosse. With the foundation laid by current successes and the potential for future growth, the conference is well-positioned to challenge traditional powerhouses and carve out its own unique identity in the sport.
2023 Pac-12 Women’s Lacrosse Tournament
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USC claims first Pac-12 Lacrosse Championship since 2019 with win over Colorado
02:16
USC claims first Pac-12 Lacrosse Championship since 2019 with win over Colorado
No. 17 USC tops Colorado for the 2023 Pac-12 Women’s Lacrosse Tournament crown
No. 17 USC tops Colorado for the 2023 Pac-12 Women’s Lacrosse Tournament crown
2023 Pac-12 women’s lacrosse postseason awards announced
2023 Pac-12 women’s lacrosse postseason awards announced
Tournament Schedule
Championship — Saturday, May 6
Game 5: No. 1 USC def. No. 3 Colorado, 12-6
🎥 Highlights | 📊 Final Stats | 📝 Recap
Semifinals — Thursday, May 4
Game 3: No.
1 USC def. No. 4 ASU, 9-5
🎥 Highlights | 📊 Final Stats | 📝 Recap
Game 4: No. 3 Colorado def. No. 2 Stanford, 12-11
🎥 Highlights | 📊 Final Stats | 📝 Recap
Quarterfinals — Wednesday, May 3
Game 1: No. 4 ASU def. No. 5 Cal, 7-5
🎥 Highlights | 📊 Final Stats | 📝 Recap
Game 2: No. 3 Colorado def. No. 6 Oregon, 16-10
🎥 Highlights | 📊 Final Stats | 📝 Recap
All games will air on Pac-12 Network, Pac-12.com and the Pac-12 Now app
Around the Pac-12
https://admin.thesundevils.com/news/2023/6/14/womens-lacrosse-get-to-know-2023-lacrosse-pac-12-freshman-player-of-the-year.aspx
Get to Know 2023 Lacrosse Pac-12 Freshman Player of the Year
USA Lacrosse U-20 Invitees
USA Lacrosse U-20 Invitees
Lacrosse Reaches New Milestones in Taryn VanThof’s Inaugural Season
Lacrosse Reaches New Milestones in Taryn VanThof’s Inaugural Season
Brodsky and Buckner Named to the 2023 IWLCA Senior All-Star Team
Brodsky and Buckner Named to the 2023 IWLCA Senior All-Star Team
https://admin.
usctrojans.com/news/2023/5/31/usc-athletics-usc-claims-crosstown-cup-in-2022-23-rivalry-competition.aspx
USC Claims Crosstown Cup In 2022-23 Rivalry Competition
USC Lacrosse’s Emma Wightman Earns IWLCA All-American Status
USC Lacrosse’s Emma Wightman Earns IWLCA All-American Status
Success in the PAC-12 will take time for SDSU women’s lacrosse – The Daily Aztec
With ten key seniors departing from SDSU, the Aztecs will need a great offseason before their debut to the Pac-12 Conference in 2024
by Adam Correa, Senior Staff Writer
• May 3, 2023
SDSU Lacrosse scores against Arizona State at the Aztec Lacrosse Field on April 21, 2023.
The San Diego State women’s lacrosse team (6-10), who has played as an independent team for the past two seasons, is joining the Pac-12 conference in 2024.
Against the current Pac-12 teams and newly added Pac-12 team, UC Davis, the Aztecs have a 27-48 overall record. Since ten of the best seniors are departing from the program, it might take a couple of years until SDSU is great in the conference.
“This is probably one of the bigger classes that we have lost this year for sure,” head coach Kylee White said. “I think the legacy that the seniors are leaving, even though they have had more experience, they are giving confidence to that younger group in all the right ways.”
They might have given confidence to the younger class, but this senior group is hard to replace.
Graduating senior attacker Deanna Balsama, who set an all-time school record of 62 goals in 2022, was the most impactful player offensively for the program. That same year she had two eight-goal games, which are program highs. She finished the 2023 season, her last season on the Mesa, with 47 goals, eight assists, 15 turnovers caused and a .770 shot on goal percentage.
Graduating senior attacker Caitlin Jones, who battled adversity with injuries through her tenure at SDSU, made a huge impact this past season. She played all 16 games, scored 19 goals and was the most reliable on the draw, accumulating 62 draw controls.
The other eight graduating seniors had multiple qualities that the Aztecs needed going into their first season in Pac-12 conference play. Defensively, with the departure of strong defenders Maggie Marion, Annie Jubb, Shelby Hook and Hayley Anderson, is where the weakness might lie the most.
“We need to fill some space and some spots,” White said. “We need people wanting to defend (because) we obviously lost my entire defense.”
Since senior midfielder Cailin Young and Jones, two of the most reliable players on the draw, will be graduating, players like 2023-24 senior midfielder Mia Kohn and sophomore midfielder Kate Christos will be the ones asked to step up in 2024. They have also been decent on the draw throughout their time at SDSU, but the Scarlet and Black are getting another piece to the draw puzzle.
The Aztecs will have 2023-24 senior midfielder Sloane Skalstad back after being sidelined with an ACL injury this past season. White said Skalstad will be important on the draw in the upcoming season.
SDSU senior Caitlin Jones scores against Arizona State at the Aztec Lacrosse Field on April 21, 2023.
“(Skalstad is) super smart. She has been helping in all the preparation with draws,” White said. “So I expect her to be a huge contributor on the draw next season.”
Against the Pac-12 teams that SDSU lost to this past season, USC (score: 16-7) and Colorado (score: 17-4), they combined for only 12 draw controls while the Trojans and Buffaloes had 20 draw controls each.
The Aztecs need to do extensive work on the draw this offseason while working on team coordination; making sure each player is in perfect alignment with where their teammate who is taking the draw throws it up. It can be difficult at times if the opposing player taking the draw gets it up first, but it will be the other Aztec’s job to be ready for that possibility.
This team has an opportunity to win a Pac-12 Championship next season, but it will take a good offseason of training the existing players while looking to the transfer portal to fulfill that goal.
Offensively, SDSU is losing a lot of great players. Senior attacker Sydney Wolfington was a great set up person, Balsama was the premiere goal-scorer and Jones was a hard worker when it came to rushing the net to score.
For the Aztecs to improve offensively before the 2024 season, the existing players that will be replacing them need to watch the film of how each of the most impactful Aztec players contributed; how Wolfington found open teammates rushing to the net and how Balsama and Jones made their way through the opposing defense to score.
SDSU has never beaten Stanford or Colorado and has only beaten USC once. So this offseason, even if they look at the film of how they played against all Pac-12 opponents, they really should focus on the team’s they have the poorest record against.
Seeing what they need to do differently on the draw, how to be disciplined defensively so they are not giving up free positions and focus on clean clears and passes.
Until they have those things down, the Aztecs may struggle in the Pac-12 conference for a couple of years.
About the Contributor
Adam Correa, Senior Staff Writer
Adam is a senior at San Diego State University studying journalism and media studies. This is his second year with The Daily Aztec. He loves watching sports, reading, and going to the gym in his free time. He mainly writes for the sports section, but also loves doing on-camera reporting and multimedia content. He previously was the assistant sports editor and blog editor for The Telescope newspaper at Palomar College. In the summer of 2022, he did an internship with Thesocialtalks digital newspaper, where he wrote for the latest news, opinion, and sports section. When he graduates from San Diego State University, he wants to be a sports writer for a popular newspaper organization or a sports reporter for a tv station.
