Northwestern University Athletics
Five Northwestern Lacrosse Standouts Named to ILWomen’s 2025 Top 50 List
1/2/2025 12:31:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
EVANSTON, Ill. – Northwestern Women's Lacrosse continues to make headlines with five players earning recognition in the ILWomen Top 50 list for 2025. These Wildcats, representing the past, present, and future of the program, showcase the depth and talent that defines Northwestern Lacrosse. Headlined by Madison Taylor at No. 1, the group also includes Sammy White, Sam Smith, and incoming transfers Niki Miles and Delaney Sweitzer.
1. Madison Taylor
Madison Taylor has already cemented herself as one of the most dominant players in collegiate lacrosse. As the Wildcats' leading point scorer in 2024, Taylor returned to the NCAA championship game for the second year in a row and appeared alongside Izzy Scane as a finalist for the Tewaaraton Award. With Scane and other offensive standouts having graduated, the 2025 season is now Taylor's stage, and no one doubts her ability to take charge. Taylor has already amassed 186 points over two years and this summer broke the U20 scoring record while leading Team USA to gold. As she enters her junior season, Taylor is set to continue her upward trajectory.
Despite dealing with injury during the 2024 season, Sammy White remained a key defensive presence for the Wildcats. Known for her versatility and transition game, White earned second-team All-Big Ten honors. She finished the season with 24 goals, 19 caused turnovers, and 38 draw controls, showcasing her ability to impact both ends of the field. With White back to full strength, she is expected to anchor Northwestern's defense in 2025.
Niki Miles' arrival at Northwestern couldn't be more timely, filling the gaps left by the graduation of stars Izzy Scane and Erin Coykendall. Miles brings consistency and power to the Wildcats' midfield, having posted back-to-back 78-point seasons while dominating the draw control with 119 wins. Her ability to control possession will be a vital asset to the Wildcats as they enter the 2025 campaign.
Samantha Smith, affectionately known as "Draw Dawg" or "Ms. Do It All," has been a force in the midfield for Northwestern. In 2024, she earned All-Big Ten First Team honors, racking up 110 draw controls along with 18 points. Smith's leadership and experience will be crucial as she enters her senior year, continuing to be a key playmaker for the Wildcats on both sides of the ball.
Delaney Sweitzer is set to join the Wildcats as a graduate transfer after an impressive career at Syracuse. Sweitzer started every game in the 2023 and 2024 seasons and was named the IWLCA Goalkeeper of the Year in 2023. In 2024, she earned Second Team All-ACC honors. With her aggressive and commanding style, Sweitzer has proven she can take over games when she's in top form. As she heads to Evanston, she'll bring veteran leadership and elite goaltending skills to the Wildcats.
1. Madison Taylor
Madison Taylor has already cemented herself as one of the most dominant players in collegiate lacrosse. As the Wildcats' leading point scorer in 2024, Taylor returned to the NCAA championship game for the second year in a row and appeared alongside Izzy Scane as a finalist for the Tewaaraton Award. With Scane and other offensive standouts having graduated, the 2025 season is now Taylor's stage, and no one doubts her ability to take charge. Taylor has already amassed 186 points over two years and this summer broke the U20 scoring record while leading Team USA to gold. As she enters her junior season, Taylor is set to continue her upward trajectory.
15. Sammy White
Despite dealing with injury during the 2024 season, Sammy White remained a key defensive presence for the Wildcats. Known for her versatility and transition game, White earned second-team All-Big Ten honors. She finished the season with 24 goals, 19 caused turnovers, and 38 draw controls, showcasing her ability to impact both ends of the field. With White back to full strength, she is expected to anchor Northwestern's defense in 2025.
22. Niki Miles
Niki Miles' arrival at Northwestern couldn't be more timely, filling the gaps left by the graduation of stars Izzy Scane and Erin Coykendall. Miles brings consistency and power to the Wildcats' midfield, having posted back-to-back 78-point seasons while dominating the draw control with 119 wins. Her ability to control possession will be a vital asset to the Wildcats as they enter the 2025 campaign.
28. Samantha Smith
Samantha Smith, affectionately known as "Draw Dawg" or "Ms. Do It All," has been a force in the midfield for Northwestern. In 2024, she earned All-Big Ten First Team honors, racking up 110 draw controls along with 18 points. Smith's leadership and experience will be crucial as she enters her senior year, continuing to be a key playmaker for the Wildcats on both sides of the ball.
41. Delaney Sweitzer
Delaney Sweitzer is set to join the Wildcats as a graduate transfer after an impressive career at Syracuse. Sweitzer started every game in the 2023 and 2024 seasons and was named the IWLCA Goalkeeper of the Year in 2023. In 2024, she earned Second Team All-ACC honors. With her aggressive and commanding style, Sweitzer has proven she can take over games when she's in top form. As she heads to Evanston, she'll bring veteran leadership and elite goaltending skills to the Wildcats.
These five standout players are poised to make a significant impact in 2025, continuing Northwestern's tradition of excellence and keeping the program at the forefront of women's lacrosse.
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