Northwestern University Athletics
Photo by: David Dermer
White Named Big Ten Freshman of the Year
5/9/2022 12:35:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
ROSEMONT, Ill. – Northwestern women's lacrosse first-year standout Samantha White has been named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year, the conference office announced on Monday (May 9). The Baltimore, Md. native is the third Wildcat to win the award, joining Izzy Scane in 2019 and Selena Lasota in 2015.
After shifting from midfield to defense mid-year, White became one of the Wildcats most important pieces on the field, recording 33 ground balls and 11 caused turnovers. Her 37 draw controls rank third on a team that is sixth nationally in draw controls per game.
Since solidifying her spot in the starting lineup on March 10 against Stony Brook, white has set numerous career marks, tallying six draw controls against Johns Hopkins and Maryland and recording four grand balls on three occasions. Over a four-game stretch, White and the Northwestern defense limited its opposition to fewer than 10 goals per game.
Big Ten Women's Lacrosse Individual Awards
Attacker of the Year – Aurora Cordingley, Grad, Maryland
Midfielder of the Year - CASSIDY SPILIS, Jr., Rutgers
Defender of the Year – Abby Bosco, Grad., Maryland
Goaltender of the Year – EMILY STERLING, Jr., Maryland
Freshman of the Year – Samantha White, D, Northwestern
Coach of the Year – Melissa Lehman, Rutgers
ALL CAPS indicates unanimous selection
Northwestern earned the No. 4 national seed in the 2022 NCAA Women's Lacrosse Tournament and will host both the first and second rounds at Martin Stadium on Friday, May 13, and Sunday, May 15. Postseason play begins for the 'Cats at 4 p.m. CT on Friday against Central Michigan.
After shifting from midfield to defense mid-year, White became one of the Wildcats most important pieces on the field, recording 33 ground balls and 11 caused turnovers. Her 37 draw controls rank third on a team that is sixth nationally in draw controls per game.
Since solidifying her spot in the starting lineup on March 10 against Stony Brook, white has set numerous career marks, tallying six draw controls against Johns Hopkins and Maryland and recording four grand balls on three occasions. Over a four-game stretch, White and the Northwestern defense limited its opposition to fewer than 10 goals per game.
Big Ten Women's Lacrosse Individual Awards
Attacker of the Year – Aurora Cordingley, Grad, Maryland
Midfielder of the Year - CASSIDY SPILIS, Jr., Rutgers
Defender of the Year – Abby Bosco, Grad., Maryland
Goaltender of the Year – EMILY STERLING, Jr., Maryland
Freshman of the Year – Samantha White, D, Northwestern
Coach of the Year – Melissa Lehman, Rutgers
ALL CAPS indicates unanimous selection
Northwestern earned the No. 4 national seed in the 2022 NCAA Women's Lacrosse Tournament and will host both the first and second rounds at Martin Stadium on Friday, May 13, and Sunday, May 15. Postseason play begins for the 'Cats at 4 p.m. CT on Friday against Central Michigan.
Players Mentioned
A
/ Women's Lacrosse
D
/ Women's LacrosseLacrosse - 'Cats Fall to North Carolina in National Championship Game
Sunday, May 25
Lacrosse - NCAA Semifinal Postgame Press Conference (5/23/25)
Saturday, May 24
Lacrosse - Comeback 'Cats Take Down Boston College, 12-11, Advance to National Title Game (5/23/25)
Saturday, May 24
Lacrosse - Maddy Taylor Breaks NCAA Goals Record in Quarterfinal Win (5/15/25)
Thursday, May 15
