Northwestern University Athletics
Photo by: Ryan Kuttler/Northwestern Athletics
Taylor, Cuocco, Epke selected in 2026 WLL College Draft
4/15/2026 7:04:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
BRISTOL, Conn. — Northwestern senior attackers Madison Taylor and Maddie Epke and graduate student goalkeeper Jenika Cuocco were selected in the 2026 WLL College Draft on Wednesday night.
The California Palms selected Taylor as the No. 1 overall pick. The Maryland Charm selected Cuocco as the No. 14 overall pick in the fourth round, while the Boston Guard drafted Epke one pick later
Taylor is the league's first-ever college draft selection. The WLL will play its first full season this summer, with games beginning in Mid-May.
"It was crazy that it was right after a game," said Taylor, who watched herself become the league's No. 1 draft choice moments after Northwestern defeated No. 22 Rutgers 18-6. "It was cool to be with my whole entire team after a really awesome win. I'm super excited. I have to go look at the schedule and see what my summer schedule looks like."
A two-time Tewaaraton Award Finalist, Taylor leads all active NCAA Division I players in career goals (319) and points (444). Last season, Taylor broke the NCAA single-season scoring record with 109 goals.
She is the only player in Big Ten history to record at least 400 points and 200 draw controls.
"If I had the first pick, I would have picked her too," Combe Family Head Lacrosse Coach Kelly Amonte Hiller said. "Obviously I'm biased, but she just gives her heart and soul to this game and our program. She is just a phenomenal player, and I'm excited for her to have opportunities beyond Northwestern Lacrosse."
The 2023 national champion has led the Wildcats to three consecutive national title game appearances. This season, Taylor has recorded 74 goals, 26 assists, 37 draw controls, 12 ground balls and 12 caused turnovers. She leads the Big Ten in points and goals.
The leader in career saves among active NCAA Division I players (709), Cuocco has posted 127 saves on a 49.4% save percentage in 2026. She has been named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week on two occasions this season and was the IWLCA Defensive Player of the Week on March 31.
Epke, the NCAA's active leader in career draw controls (542), has tallied 17 goals, nine assists and 57 draw controls this season. Epke was named National Player of the Week by USA Lacrosse Magazine on March 31 after she helped guide NU to a pair of top 10 wins over UNC and Johns Hopkins.
The trio joins Wildcat alumni Izzy Scane, Erin Coykendall, Kendall Halpern, Sammy White, Sam Smith, Delaney Sweitzer, Madison Doucette, Molly Laliberty, Niki Miles, Lauren Gilbert, Emerson Bohlig and Grace Fujinaga in the WLL.
"They're all phenomenal players and have really shown that playing for us this season," Amonte Hiller said.
The California Palms selected Taylor as the No. 1 overall pick. The Maryland Charm selected Cuocco as the No. 14 overall pick in the fourth round, while the Boston Guard drafted Epke one pick later
Taylor is the league's first-ever college draft selection. The WLL will play its first full season this summer, with games beginning in Mid-May.
RD. 1, PICK 1 #MaddyT @wlacrosseleague @wllpalms pic.twitter.com/icTQGXFUbj
— Northwestern Lacrosse (@NULax) April 15, 2026
"It was crazy that it was right after a game," said Taylor, who watched herself become the league's No. 1 draft choice moments after Northwestern defeated No. 22 Rutgers 18-6. "It was cool to be with my whole entire team after a really awesome win. I'm super excited. I have to go look at the schedule and see what my summer schedule looks like."
A two-time Tewaaraton Award Finalist, Taylor leads all active NCAA Division I players in career goals (319) and points (444). Last season, Taylor broke the NCAA single-season scoring record with 109 goals.
She is the only player in Big Ten history to record at least 400 points and 200 draw controls.
"If I had the first pick, I would have picked her too," Combe Family Head Lacrosse Coach Kelly Amonte Hiller said. "Obviously I'm biased, but she just gives her heart and soul to this game and our program. She is just a phenomenal player, and I'm excited for her to have opportunities beyond Northwestern Lacrosse."
The 2023 national champion has led the Wildcats to three consecutive national title game appearances. This season, Taylor has recorded 74 goals, 26 assists, 37 draw controls, 12 ground balls and 12 caused turnovers. She leads the Big Ten in points and goals.
The leader in career saves among active NCAA Division I players (709), Cuocco has posted 127 saves on a 49.4% save percentage in 2026. She has been named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week on two occasions this season and was the IWLCA Defensive Player of the Week on March 31.
BIG TIME SAVE MAKER ??
— Maryland Charm (@wllcharm) April 15, 2026
With the 14th pick in the WLL College Draft, we've selected Jenika Cuocco, Goalie, Northwestern pic.twitter.com/09Ej4a2c3n
Epke, the NCAA's active leader in career draw controls (542), has tallied 17 goals, nine assists and 57 draw controls this season. Epke was named National Player of the Week by USA Lacrosse Magazine on March 31 after she helped guide NU to a pair of top 10 wins over UNC and Johns Hopkins.
From the Lake Show to the Guard ????
— Boston Guard (@wllguard) April 15, 2026
With the 15th Overall Pick in the 2026 @WLacrosseLeague College Draft we have selected Attack/Draw Maddie Epke. pic.twitter.com/2hxY5aCsp9
The trio joins Wildcat alumni Izzy Scane, Erin Coykendall, Kendall Halpern, Sammy White, Sam Smith, Delaney Sweitzer, Madison Doucette, Molly Laliberty, Niki Miles, Lauren Gilbert, Emerson Bohlig and Grace Fujinaga in the WLL.
"They're all phenomenal players and have really shown that playing for us this season," Amonte Hiller said.
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