Historic First for Tigers: Clemson Lacrosse Earns Inaugural NCAA Tournament Bid, Set to Face Navy in First Round Showdown
Clemson women’s lacrosse has officially etched its name into the NCAA record books. Just two years after launching its program, the Tigers have reached an unprecedented milestone: their first-ever NCAA Tournament berth. The announcement came Sunday evening as the tournament selection committee revealed the 29-team field. Clemson (12-6), riding a season defined by rapid growth and remarkable resilience, drew Navy (15-3) in the first round of the 2025 NCAA Women’s Lacrosse Tournament. The game is scheduled for Friday on the campus of Maryland, where the Tigers will attempt to extend their historic season against one of the sport’s most disciplined and battle-tested programs.
The selection marks a seminal moment for Clemson Athletics and its ambitious investment in women’s sports. What started as a vision just a few years ago under the guidance of head coach Allison Kwolek and athletic director Graham Neff has now turned into a reality sooner than most expected. The Tigers entered the 2025 season with high hopes and a roster packed with talented underclassmen, transfers, and multi-sport athletes. But few could have predicted the speed at which the program would become nationally competitive.
The team’s journey to the tournament hasn’t been without adversity. Playing in the rigorous ACC, widely regarded as the nation’s premier lacrosse conference, Clemson had to face powerhouses like North Carolina, Syracuse, Boston College, and Virginia Tech. The Tigers finished the regular season with a respectable 4-5 conference record, including a thrilling double-overtime win over Duke and a hard-fought one-goal victory over Virginia that helped seal their at-large bid. Those gutsy performances caught the eyes of the selection committee and served as validation that Clemson could go toe-to-toe with elite programs.
What has defined this Clemson team throughout the season is a mix of speed, tenacity, and the fearless attitude often found in programs without the burden of history. The Tigers have leaned on the attacking prowess of junior captain Ella Rutherford, who leads the team with 48 goals and 21 assists. Rutherford, a former high school All-American, has emerged as the heart and soul of the team, often stepping up in crucial moments when the Tigers need a goal or a spark. Behind her, the midfield trio of Anna Carpenter, Tatum Thomas, and freshman phenom Kayla Dixon has offered balance, linking play from defense to attack and creating chances through smart passing and transition play.
Defensively, Clemson has been anchored by graduate transfer goalie Grace Donnelly, who joined the program after a successful career at Northwestern. Donnelly has brought invaluable postseason experience and stability to a young backline that includes first-year starter Liv Matthews and sophomore Lauren Clarke. Donnelly’s 11.4 saves per game and 45.2% save percentage have often kept the Tigers in games against higher-ranked opponents, especially during their tight losses against top-five teams.
The Tigers’ ability to bounce back from those narrow defeats became one of their defining characteristics. A mid-season three-game skid against Syracuse, Boston College, and Notre Dame could have easily derailed their postseason ambitions. Instead, it galvanized them. Clemson responded with four straight wins, including two come-from-behind victories and a crucial win over Louisville in the ACC Tournament play-in game. That momentum proved enough to convince the selection committee that Clemson deserved a spot in the NCAA bracket.
Their first-round opponent, Navy, poses an entirely different challenge. The Midshipmen boast one of the top defensive units in the country, allowing just 8.3 goals per game, and are led by head coach Cindy Timchal, the winningest coach in NCAA women’s lacrosse history. Navy secured an automatic berth by winning the Patriot League Tournament and enters the NCAA Tournament on a nine-game winning streak. Their disciplined zone defense and emphasis on possession will test Clemson’s attacking patience and ball movement. For the Tigers to prevail, they’ll need to remain composed and capitalize on fast-break opportunities, an area where they’ve excelled throughout the season.
Clemson’s coaching staff, led by Kwolek, has already begun breaking down film and preparing the team for the tactical battle ahead. Kwolek, who previously led Richmond to national prominence, has instilled a culture of accountability and ambition that resonates with her players. Her approach has been rooted in player development, mental resilience, and building a cohesive unit that thrives in high-pressure situations. That philosophy has paid off handsomely, culminating in this historic NCAA appearance just two years into the program’s existence.
The program’s rapid rise has not gone unnoticed around the country. Recruits have taken note, and Clemson’s 2025 and 2026 classes are already being hailed as some of the strongest among new programs. The Tigers’ investment in state-of-the-art facilities, a committed coaching staff, and broad institutional support has laid a foundation that could make them a mainstay in the national conversation for years to come. Friday’s game is more than just a matchup against Navy; it’s a statement of intent.
Regardless of the outcome, Clemson’s place in this year’s tournament sends a strong message: the Tigers are here to stay. For a school known more traditionally for its dominance on the football field and baseball diamond, lacrosse has now become part of the broader Clemson athletics identity. Fans have responded accordingly, with record attendance at home games and growing enthusiasm across campus. The team has embraced that energy, often calling the Clemson faithful their “13th player” for the difference their support makes on the field.
Ella Rutherford, when asked about the selection after the bracket reveal, was visibly emotional. “I can’t really put it into words,” she said. “We’ve worked so hard for this moment. To know that we’re the first team in Clemson history to make the tournament—it means everything. We want to make everyone proud, but we’re not just happy to be here. We’re coming to win.”
That sentiment has echoed throughout the locker room. While the team has taken time to reflect on how far they’ve come, the focus has quickly shifted to preparation. Practices this week have been intense and focused, with an emphasis on execution in the transition game and fine-tuning their set plays in the attacking third. The coaching staff is also placing emphasis on composure and time-of-possession strategy—key areas that will be tested against a Navy team known for slowing down the tempo and controlling the clock.
Friday’s contest is likely to be a contrast in styles. Clemson thrives in chaos—quick transitions, high-pressure defense, and scoring in bunches. Navy prefers calculated buildup, methodical passing, and squeezing the life out of opponents through defensive precision. The game could ultimately come down to which team can impose its identity early and adjust on the fly. For Clemson, starting strong has been a major focus; in games where they’ve scored the first goal this season, they are 9-1. Falling behind early, however, could make life difficult against a Navy team that rarely relinquishes leads.
Another factor could be draw controls. Clemson has been up and down in this area, and winning possession off the draw will be critical in limiting Navy’s time on the ball. Sophomore draw specialist Zoey Anders has been working overtime on timing and body positioning, knowing that every extra possession could tip the balance in what’s expected to be a tight contest.
The lacrosse world will be watching closely as this upstart Clemson team takes the national stage. Their tournament debut is more than just the culmination of one season—it’s the beginning of what could be a new era for southern lacrosse. Programs like Florida, Vanderbilt, and North Carolina have long held the banner for the South. Clemson, it seems, is ready to join that conversation in earnest.
From humble beginnings to NCAA dreams, the 2025 Clemson Tigers women’s lacrosse team has already made history. Now, they want to make more. The stage is set. The lights will be bright. And Clemson’s debut on the tournament stage promises to be must-watch lacrosse.
