In 1982, Massachusetts defeated Trenton State 9–6 to win the first women’s lacrosse national championship. Since that first game, twelve teams have won the championship. Maryland was a familiar name at the top at the end of the 2019 season. In the history of NCAA DI women’s lacrosse, the Terrapins won the most national titles with 14.
Let’s examine the seven teams that have won two or more national titles:
College lacrosse programs with the most national titles in history
1. Maryland — 14
Championships: 1986, 1992, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2010, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019
The Terps have been a powerhouse in women’s college lacrosse, boasting twice as many championships as their closest rival. They achieved an impressive streak of seven consecutive titles from 1995 to 2001 under the leadership of head coach Cindy Timchal, and have secured five championships in the past decade with head coach Cathy Reese at the helm.
2. Northwestern — 8
Championships: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2023
Northwestern has also showcased a remarkable period of success. The Wildcats clinched five straight championships from 2005 to 2009, faced defeat in the championship match in 2010, and then bounced back to win two more titles consecutively in 2011 and 2012.
3. North Carolina — 4
Championships: 2013, 2016, 2022, 2025
North Carolina is likely a name you recognize as a national powerhouse in women’s lacrosse in recent years. The Tar Heels have established themselves as a formidable program over the past decade, securing all four of their titles since 2010.
4 (tie). Princeton — 3
Championships: 1994, 2002, 2003
The Tigers boast three championships. An interesting tidbit: in their most recent championship match against Virginia, they played without lacrosse goggles.
4 (tie). Virginia — 3
Championships: 1991, 1993, 2004
Virginia’s latest national championship was achieved a year after they lost the previous one to Princeton. Interestingly, they were wearing goggles this time around.
4 (tie). Penn State — 2
Championships: 1987, 1989
Lacrosse was quite different when Penn State clinched its last national championship using wooden sticks.
7 (tie). Temple — 2
Championships: 1984, 1988
Temple actually secured three consecutive national championships if you include the AIAW championship in 1982, the year prior to the inaugural NCAA national championship game. These three titles are the highest in any sport at the university, all achieved under head coach Tina Sloan Green.
7 (tie). Boston College — 2
Championships: 2021, 2024
In the 2024 national championship, Boston College defeated Northwestern in an exciting comeback to capture the most recent DI women’s lacrosse title. The Golden Eagles are currently the sixth team to win multiple titles and are tied for fifth place with two titles.
