Chloe Humphrey became the first freshman in history to win the Tewaaraton Award after a dominant season with the University of North Carolina [1].
This achievement marks a significant shift in college lacrosse, as the sport's top individual honor has traditionally been reserved for upperclassmen. Humphrey's rise signals a new era of immediate impact for elite recruits entering the NCAA.
Humphrey, an attacker for the Tar Heels, secured the award in 2025 [2]. Her performance was central to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's success, where she helped lead the team to an undefeated season and a national championship [3].
The freshman set a school record by scoring 92 goals during her debut campaign [4]. This offensive output was a primary factor in the team's dominance within the Atlantic Coast Conference. Under her leadership on the field, the Tar Heels captured their second straight ACC title [4].
Humphrey's record-breaking year established her as one of the most impactful players in the history of the program. By securing the Tewaaraton Award, she became the first player, male or female, to earn the honor as a freshman [1].
The University of North Carolina program continued its streak of excellence throughout the 2025 season. The combination of Humphrey's scoring ability and the team's cohesive defense ensured the squad remained unbeaten throughout the year [3].
“Chloe Humphrey became the first freshman in history to win the Tewaaraton Award”
Humphrey's historic win breaks a long-standing precedent in collegiate lacrosse where seniority typically dictated award outcomes. Her ability to lead a team to an undefeated season and a national championship as a freshman suggests a narrowing gap between elite high school talent and the collegiate level, potentially changing how coaches recruit and utilize first-year players.
