BYU women’s lacrosse is chasing a national appearance in 2026.
The Cougars opened the season with back-to-back wins at the Santa Barbara Shootout earlier this month, defeating Boise State 13–3 and Oregon 12–6 before falling to UC Santa Barbara.
Now, with conference play and regional competition ahead, the team has its sights set on something bigger.
“One of our biggest goals for the season is to make it to nationals in Florida,” head coach Melissa Nash said. “We also have a goal of being top eight in the nation.”
BYU competes in the Rocky Mountain Women’s Lacrosse League, with top teams advancing to the Women’s Collegiate Lacrosse Associates (WCLA) Nationals in May.
Nash believes this year’s roster gives the program a legitimate opportunity.
“We have a bigger roster than we’ve had in a long time,” she said. “Everyone is so talented — so much energy, so much grit and hustle.”
The 32-player roster is one of the largest the program has seen in recent seasons, creating depth at every position and increasing competition in practice.
The work begins early. BYU holds field practices at the Indoor Practice Facility, paired with strength training, conditioning sessions, and film study throughout the week.
Nash said the seniors set the tone for that commitment.
“Our seniors lead the way,” she said. “They show our younger players how to be dedicated, how to put in the time and how to love the sport and how to love your teammates.”
Senior Whitney Holt said the team’s energy has been noticeable from the start.
“I think the vibe around the team this year is just excitement and energy,” she said. “This has been one of the most energetic teams I’ve played on.”
Much of that energy, she said, comes from the sideline.
“I’ve just been so impressed with the bench this year, encouraging our teammates and cheering for everyone, whether or not you’re on the field,” Holt said.
Many of these players came to BYU as the best player on their high school team. Adjusting to a deep college roster is not always easy, but Holt said this group has bought in completely.
“Not everyone can be the star. Not everyone can be a starter,” she said. “But I just feel like our teammates have been so humble and so excited for every opportunity.”
That collective mindset has helped shape the identity Nash hopes the program continues to build.
“I want us to be seen as a kind, hard-working, hard to beat team as we represent BYU,” she said. “I think it’s so important to be a kind team and to have people walk away saying, man, BYU is so hard to play, but they’re also so kind.”
That identity is not new for Nash. She said it has been central to her philosophy throughout her coaching career. Even in competitive tournament environments like the Santa Barbara Shootout, the goal is to compete fiercely while staying connected as a team.
For Holt, this season also represents something personal. After tearing her ACL two years ago, she sees 2026 as a full-circle opportunity.
“This season I really feel very strong and fresh,” she said. “I’m really excited.”
Her comeback, she said, has been possible because of the support around her.
“I love my teammates so much,” Holt said. “They’ve seen me in some low moments, some great moments, and they have always been there for me, encouraging me. And I’m so grateful for them for that.”
As one of the team’s senior captains, her focus for her final year is simple.
“I’m really excited to have no regrets,” Whitney said. “That’s my big goal this season — no regrets.”
Beyond wins and rankings, Nash said the program represents something bigger. A former BYU lacrosse player from 2008 to 2012, she described coaching at BYU as a dream realized.
“This team was such a safe, happy, fun place for me as a player,” Nash said. “I have loved helping create that for our players this year.”
She said the lessons extend beyond the field.
“This program taught me how to work hard, how to balance things and how to put others above myself,” Nash said. “Because of those life lessons, the lifelong memories, the best friends — this program has changed my life literally. It's a dream come true to coach here.”
BYU now turns its attention toward regionals in April, the next step toward qualifying for nationals in May.
Nationals is the goal — and this team believes it’s capable of making that run.