No. 22 Colorado College opens the 2026 season Sunday, March 1, as the Tigers welcome Johnson & Wales University (Providence Campus) to Washburn Field for a 1 p.m. MT draw.
The Tigers enter the year ranked No. 22 in the IWLCA Preseason Division III Coaches Poll and were selected to finish first in the WIAC preseason poll after capturing each of the last two conference championships.
Sunday's opener also marks the beginning of a new chapter under first-year head coach Ashley "AJ" Johnson, who previously served as an assistant during Colorado College's NCAA Tournament run last spring. Johnson is joined by new assistant coach Regan Cook as the Tigers look to build on one of the most successful stretches in program history.
Preseason All-American Standouts
CC's lineup features two preseason All-American honorees. Junior attacker Charlotte Iler was named a USA Lacrosse Preseason All-American Third Team selection, after leading the Tigers last season with 61 goals and 86 points. Senior goalkeeper Cassidy Schnaufer earned USA Lacrosse Preseason All-American Honorable Mention distinction, coming off a season in which she posted a 7.21 goals-against average and ranked top-15 nationally in both saves and save percentage.
Building on 2025
Colorado College returns to the field following an 18–4 campaign and a perfect 9–0 mark in conference play. The Tigers advanced to the NCAA Tournament Second Round after averaging 16.27 goals per game while holding opponents to 7.23.
CC outshot opponents 701–482 and finished with a .511 team shooting percentage. Defensively, the Tigers forced 202 caused turnovers and won the draw control battle 356–225, controlling possession and tempo throughout the season.
Key Returners
Charlotte Iler returns as a lethal offensive engine, while midfielder Sofia Mancino also returns after a 54-goal campaign with a team-high 83 draw controls. Meilani Molina adds depth and transition threat, and senior goalkeeper Cassidy Schnaufer anchors a defense that held opponents to a .330 shooting percentage last spring.
