Northwestern University Athletics
Three Wildcats Named to Tewaaraton Award Watch List
2/11/2026 1:10:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
EVANSTON, Ill. — Northwestern graduate student goalkeeper Jenika Cuocco, senior attacker Maddie Epke and senior attacker Madison Taylor have been named to the 2026 Tewaaraton Award Watch List, the Tewaaraton Foundation announced on Tuesday.
Cuocco, a three-time Tewaaraton Watch List selection, won three consecutive CAA Goalkeeper of the Year awards at Drexel. Last season, Cuocco ranked top 15 nationally in saves (173) and save percentage (.493), allowing just 9.86 goals per game.
Epke claimed James Madison's program record in career draw controls (485) and ranked inside the Dukes' all-time top 10 in goals, assists and ponts. Epke set the ACC single-game draw control record (23) and pulled down a JMU single-season record 235 draw controls last season. She was an IWLCA First Team All-American in 2025.
Taylor, a two-time Tewaaraton Award finalist, returns to the preseason Watch List for a third consecutive year. Last season, Taylor shattered the single-season NCAA scoring record with 109 goals and broke Northwestern's single-season points record with 158. The 2025 Big Ten Attacker of the Year has posted 256 goals, 105 assists and 191 draw controls in her career.
The Tewaaraton Award honors the top male and female college lacrosse players in the United States annually. Selection committees are comprised of premier collegiate coaches and are appointed annually by the Tewaaraton Foundation.
The Wildcats will play two home games this weekend at Ryan Fieldhouse against No. 20 Army on Saturday, Feb. 14 at 1 p.m. CT followed by a macthup with Central Michigan on Sunday Feb. 15 at 3 p.m. CT.
