University of North Carolina: University of National Champions

University of North Carolina: University of National Champions

For the fourth time—and second time going undefeated—the University of North Carolina Women's Lacrosse team captured the 2025 Division I National Championship. In front of a roaring crowd at Gillette Stadium, the Tar Heels capped off a perfect season with a dominant title-game performance.

This championship was the result of a storied program culture built by legendary coach Jenny Levy, paired with a dynamic, star-studded roster. The team leaned on veteran transfers, young phenoms, and talent from non-traditional lacrosse regions—making them unstoppable in 2025.

Transfer Power

Key transfers included Olivia Vergano, Sophie Student, Sarah Gresham, Claudia Kelly, and sisters Ashley and Nicole Humphrey.

• Olivia Vergano (NY/Virginia Tech) transferred to UNC in 2025 for her final season and delivered on offense, tallying three points in the title game.
  
  

• Sophie Student (MA/Virginia Tech) joined the Tar Heels in 2023 after her sophomore year. She was a top draw specialist with 63 controls and 22 groundballs.
  
  

• Sarah Gresham (NJ/Virginia Tech) came to UNC in 2025, excelling in the draw circle with 59 draw controls.
  
  

• Claudia Kelly (NJ/Coastal Carolina) transferred in 2025, reuniting with her sister Paige and playing a crucial role on defense.
  
  

• Ashley Humphrey (CT/Stanford), NCAA’s all-time assist leader, transferred in 2024. She capped her second season with UNC by recording four assists in the national title game.
  
  

• Nicole Humphrey began her career at UNC in 2020, transferred to USC in 2023, then returned to Chapel Hill in 2025 for a sixth year to play alongside her sisters. Despite injury, she brought veteran leadership and saw key minutes on man-up units.
  
  

Talent from Coast to Coast (and Canada)

UNC’s geographic diversity stood out this season. Redshirt freshman goalie Betty Nelson (CO) started every game and made 8 saves in the title match, finishing with a .500 save percentage in that game.

Fellow Colorado native Eliza Osburn emerged as a two-way standout, contributing 44 points (35G, 9A), 56 draw controls, and 10 caused turnovers. She had two goals and four draw controls in the championship.

Brooklyn Walker-Welch (Ontario, Canada) made a remarkable comeback from injury, playing a pivotal role on defense and transition. She finished with 28 groundballs, 18 caused turnovers, and three goals.

Freshman Force

The Tar Heels’ freshman class (also featuring Nelson and Osburn) made an immediate impact:

• Addison Patillo (CT), the No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2024, came off the bench to score 35 points (31G, 4A).
  
  

• Kate Levy, daughter of Coach Jenny Levy, played a key role across the field. She totaled 23 points, 26 caused turnovers, and had a goal and two draw controls in the title game.
  
  

• Chloe Humphrey, the youngest of the Humphrey trio, had a historic redshirt freshman season. She became the first freshman—and first Tar Heel—to win the Tewaaraton Award, given to the nation’s top collegiate player. She led all freshmen nationally in goals (90) and finished with 118 points, 28 groundballs, and 14 caused turnovers. She was also named Championship MVP.
  
  

With elite coaching, a championship culture, and talent drawn from all corners of the sport, the UNC Women’s Lacrosse program is poised to stay at the top for years to come.