University of North Carolina Athletics
Forrest, Humphrey Claim Preseason Honors, Eight Heels Named All-America
January 21, 2026 | Women's Lacrosse
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – University of North Carolina women's lacrosse picked up some major preseason honors over the last two days, courtesy of USA Lacrosse. Veteran Sam Forrest has been named the Preseason Defender of the Year, while phenom Chloe Humphrey is the organization's Attacker of the Year. The duo is joined by six fellow Tar Heels who were named to yesterday's preseason All-America team.
Forrest and Humphrey were joined on the first team by defender Brooklyn Walker-Welch. Midfielder Eliza Osburn and goalie Betty Nelson claimed second-team honors, while Kiley Mottice, Addison Pattillo and Ellie Traggio were tabbed honorable mention.
Forrest finished off 2025 widely considered the top defender in the nation. She took home the IWLCA Defender of the Year award and was a Tewaaraton Award Top 25 nominee. The first-team All-American and All-ACC performer was also voted to the NCAA All-Tournament team and went on to make moves at the international level, recently being named to the 2026 World Championship roster.
Humphrey saw her profile soar during the 2025 season. Her stellar freshman season culminated in the Honda Sports Award for Lacrosse and UNC's first-ever Tewaaraton Award. She was the IWLCA's Player and Attacker of the Year to go along with first-team All-America and All-ACC honors. She also spent the summer winning tournaments and accolades with USA Lacrosse and is a member of USA Lacrosse's 2026 World Championship roster.
The Heels open their season on Saturday, Feb. 7 at James Madison. They'll play on the road at Syracuse on Feb. 13 before playing the home opener versus Ohio St. on Friday, Feb. 20 at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are expecting to go on sale soon, so be on the look out.
Stay up to date with UNC women's lacrosse by following the Tar Heels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Forrest and Humphrey were joined on the first team by defender Brooklyn Walker-Welch. Midfielder Eliza Osburn and goalie Betty Nelson claimed second-team honors, while Kiley Mottice, Addison Pattillo and Ellie Traggio were tabbed honorable mention.
Forrest finished off 2025 widely considered the top defender in the nation. She took home the IWLCA Defender of the Year award and was a Tewaaraton Award Top 25 nominee. The first-team All-American and All-ACC performer was also voted to the NCAA All-Tournament team and went on to make moves at the international level, recently being named to the 2026 World Championship roster.
Humphrey saw her profile soar during the 2025 season. Her stellar freshman season culminated in the Honda Sports Award for Lacrosse and UNC's first-ever Tewaaraton Award. She was the IWLCA's Player and Attacker of the Year to go along with first-team All-America and All-ACC honors. She also spent the summer winning tournaments and accolades with USA Lacrosse and is a member of USA Lacrosse's 2026 World Championship roster.
The Heels open their season on Saturday, Feb. 7 at James Madison. They'll play on the road at Syracuse on Feb. 13 before playing the home opener versus Ohio St. on Friday, Feb. 20 at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are expecting to go on sale soon, so be on the look out.
Stay up to date with UNC women's lacrosse by following the Tar Heels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Players Mentioned
Defender
/ Women's Lacrosse
Attacker
/ Women's Lacrosse
Midfielder
/ Women's Lacrosse
Goalie
/ Women's Lacrosse
Midfielder
/ Women's Lacrosse
Attacker
/ Women's Lacrosse
Defender
/ Women's Lacrosse
Defender
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