Massachusetts won the first women’s lacrosse national championship when they took down Trenton State 9-6 in 1982. Twelve teams have won the title since that inaugural game. The 2019 season ended with a familiar name on top — Maryland. The Terrapins picked up their 14th national championship, the most in NCAA DI women’s lacrosse history.
2019 RECAP: Maryland beat Boston College 12-10 for the title
Let’s take a look at the seven teams that have won at least two national championships:
Women’s college lacrosse history: Programs with the most national championships
1. Maryland — 14
Championships: 1986, 1992, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2010, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019
The Terps have dominated women’s college lacrosse championships with double the amount of championships than the next team. They won seven in a row from 1995-2001 under head coach Cindy Timchal, and have now won five championships in the last decade under head coach Cathy Reese.
2. Northwestern — 7
Northwestern University celebrates their 9-6 victory over Syracuse University during the Division I Women’s Lacrosse Championship held at Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium.
Championships: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012
Northwestern is another team that had a dominating stretch. The Wildcats won five consecutive championships from 2005-2009, lost in the title game in 2010, and then won two more in a row in 2011 and 2012.
3 (tie). Princeton — 3
The Princeton Tigers celebrate their 8-7 overtime win over the University of Virginia during the Division 1 Women’s Lacrosse Championship held in the Carrier Dome on the Syracuse University campus.
Championships: 1994, 2002, 2003
The Tigers have three championships. Fun fact: in their last championship game where they defeated Virginia, they weren’t even wearing lacrosse goggles.
3 (tie). Virginia — 3
The University of Virginia celebrates their 10-4 victory over Princeton following the Division I Women’s Lacrosse Championship held at Princeton Stadium.
Championships: 1991, 1993, 2004
Virginia’s last national championship came one year after losing the previous one to Princeton. They were, in fact, wearing goggles this year.
5 (tie). North Carolina — 2
North Carolina teammates after defeating Maryland 13-7 during the Division I Women’s Lacrosse Championship held at Talen Energy Stadium .
Championships: 2013, 2016
North Carolina is probably a name you have heard as a national contender in women’s lacrosse in recent years. The Tar Heels have been a strong program this past decade, and won their second title in 2016, taking down Maryland 13-7.
5 (tie). Penn State — 2
Championships: 1987, 1989
Lacrosse looked a lot different when Penn State won its last national championship with wooden sticks.
5 (tie). Temple — 2
Championships: 1984, 1988
Temple actually won three consecutive national championships if you count the AIAW championship in 1982, the year before the first NCAA national championship game. These three championships are the most of any sport at the university. All three came under head coach Tina Sloan Green.
5 (tie). Boston College — 2
Championships: 2021, 2024
Boston College won the most recent DI women’s lacrosse championship after a thrilling comeback win over Northwestern in the 2024 national championship. The Golden Eagles are now tied for fifth with two championships, and the eighth team to win multiple titles.