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5 Reasons West Chester Women's Lacrosse Is The Most Dominant Program In NCAA Division II

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The West Chester University Golden Rams Women's Lacrosse program is not just a team; it's a dynasty, and its dominance has never been more apparent than in the lead-up to the 2025 season. Following an incredible 2024 campaign that saw the team capture yet another PSAC Championship and cement its place as a perennial national contender, the Golden Rams are once again ranked among the nation's elite, entering 2025 with a No. 5/5 national ranking in the USA Lacrosse Magazine Preseason Poll. This article dives deep into the pillars of their success, the key figures driving the program, and what fans can expect as they hunt for their third NCAA Division II National Championship.

As of December 24, 2025, West Chester Women's Lacrosse has already begun its 2025 campaign, demonstrating their readiness with a dominant 21-4 victory over Roberts Wesleyan University, a clear sign that the program's culture of excellence continues unabated. The foundation of this success lies in a combination of legendary coaching, elite player talent, and a history of championship-level performance that few in the country can match.

The Architects of a Dynasty: West Chester Women's Lacrosse Coaching Staff

The consistent, unparalleled success of the Golden Rams is directly attributable to its long-standing and highly decorated coaching staff. Head Coach Ginny Martino and Assistant Coach Sue Burmester have built one of the most stable and formidable programs in all of collegiate athletics.

  • Head Coach: Ginny Martino
  • Years at WCU: Entering her 28th season (as of 2025)
  • Career Highlights: Martino has guided the Golden Rams to two NCAA Division II National Championships and 11 total appearances in the National Championship game, making her one of the most successful coaches in the sport's history.
  • Recent Accolades: She was selected for the Coaches' Hall of Fame in 2024, a testament to her decades of excellence and impact on the sport.
  • Assistant Coach: Sue Burmester
  • Years at WCU: Entering her 21st season alongside Martino.
  • Impact: Burmester's longevity and commitment have provided crucial continuity and stability, allowing the program to maintain its high standards year after year.

1. The Unstoppable 2024 Season: A PSAC Masterclass

The 2024 season was a landmark year that solidified West Chester’s place in the pantheon of NCAA Division II lacrosse. Their overall record was a staggering 20-1, with a flawless 12-0 record in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). This remarkable run was capped by yet another conference title.

Three-Peat Champions: The PSAC Dominance

West Chester clinched its third consecutive PSAC Women's Lacrosse title in 2024, and its 26th overall, by defeating Slippery Rock in the final. This championship victory was their sixth in the last seven years, showcasing a level of conference dominance that is virtually unmatched. The team's ability to perform under pressure in the postseason is a hallmark of the program's culture.

However, the season concluded with a hard-fought loss in the NCAA Division II National Championship game against Pace, marking their 11th all-time appearance in the final. While the ultimate prize eluded them that year, the 20-1 record and the championship appearance reinforced their status as a national powerhouse and set the stage for the 2025 redemption arc.

2. Elite Player Talent: The All-America Pipeline

A great program needs great players, and the West Chester Golden Rams consistently produce some of the best talent in the country. The 2024 squad was heavily decorated, with multiple players earning national recognition, demonstrating the team’s depth and individual excellence.

  • Keri Barnett: The senior was a standout, earning the prestigious PSAC Athlete of the Year honor and a spot on the All-PSAC squad. Her leadership and scoring ability were central to the team's offensive success.
  • Hannah Stanislawczyk: A critical force in the midfield, Stanislawczyk was named to the All-PSAC team, highlighting her two-way ability and impact on possession.
  • IWLCA All-America Recognition: The 2024 team placed five players on the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) All-America squad. This national recognition underscores the caliber of athlete Ginny Martino and Sue Burmester recruit and develop.

These individual accolades contribute to a high-octane team environment. The 2025 roster, which includes returning veterans and promising newcomers, is built to replicate and surpass the achievements of the previous year.

3. The 2025 Outlook: Hunting for the Third National Title

The narrative for the 2025 season is clear: redemption. Ranked No. 5 in the nation to start the year, the Golden Rams are focused on returning to the national final and securing the program's third NCAA Division II National Championship. Their historical success—including National Championships in previous years—provides a powerful motivation for the current squad.

A Tough Schedule and Early Success

The 2025 Women's Lacrosse Schedule is designed to prepare the team for the rigors of the NCAA Tournament. They have already started strong with a decisive victory in their opening match, a 21-4 win over Roberts Wesleyan University. Key matchups throughout the season, particularly against perennial PSAC rivals, will be crucial for maintaining their high national ranking and securing the top seed in the regional tournament.

The team’s focus remains on controlling the PSAC and leveraging that momentum into the NCAA playoffs. The ultimate goal is to move past the runner-up finish and hoist the trophy, a feat that would cement the 2025 squad as one of the best in program history.

4. Historical Excellence: A Legacy of National Championship Appearances

West Chester Women's Lacrosse is defined by its deep history of success at the highest level of NCAA Division II. This legacy creates a powerful recruiting tool and an expectation of victory that permeates the entire program.

With 11 all-time appearances in the NCAA Division II National Championship game, West Chester has established itself as the most consistent program in the country over the last two decades. While they have captured two National Championships, their ability to consistently reach the final stage of the tournament is a testament to the enduring quality of the team.

This historical context means that every player who puts on the Golden Rams jersey is playing for more than just a season; they are playing to uphold a tradition of national excellence. The pressure is immense, but it is a pressure that the team has learned to thrive under, making them a must-watch team in the NCAA Division II Women's Lacrosse landscape.

5. The West Chester University Golden Rams Lacrosse Experience

The program is more than just statistics and championships; it is an institution within the West Chester University of Pennsylvania athletic department. The high level of competition, combined with the academic rigor of WCU, produces well-rounded student-athletes.

The support from the *West Chester University Golden Rams* community is a significant factor in the team's success. Home games are often electric, providing a true competitive advantage. For prospective student-athletes, the opportunity to train under a Hall of Fame coach like Ginny Martino and to compete for a National Championship every single year makes the *West Chester Women's Lacrosse recruiting* process highly competitive.

As the 2025 season progresses, all eyes will be on West Chester to see if they can convert their No. 5 preseason ranking and their dominant PSAC performance into the ultimate prize. The pursuit of the third National Championship is officially on.

5 Reasons West Chester Women's Lacrosse Is The Most Dominant Program in NCAA Division II
west chester womens lacrosse
west chester womens lacrosse

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