2024 NCAA Lacrosse Preview: No. 17 Michigan (Women)

The 2024 Division I women's college lacrosse season kicks off February 9. As is our annual tradition, we’re featuring every team ranked in the USA Lacrosse Preseason Top 20 in the lead up to opening day. Check back to USALaxMagazine.com each weekday this month for new previews, scouting reports and rival analysis.

NO. 17 MICHIGAN

2023 Record: 12-8 (3-3, Big Ten)
Final Ranking (2023): No. 13
Head Coach: Hannah Nielsen
Assistants: Ana Heneberry, Casey Pearsall

Only one team managed to limit Northwestern to single-digit goals in 2023, and it was Michigan in an 8-7 season-ending defeat in the NCAA tournament. The Wolverines seem to be making a habit of playing the Wildcats tough in May. They hung tough in a 12-9 second-round loss in 2022.

Of course, perhaps no coach knows Northwestern better than Hannah Nielsen, who once starred for the Wildcats and has to strategize against her alma mater in Big Ten action. She remains close to Kelly Amonte Hiller, but the Wolverines aren’t satisfied with “close calls.”

“That game was a tough ending,” Nielsen said of the 2023 defeat. “Ultimately, it has taught us the importance of the little details that go into the larger game. Some skill errors, small details, mental lapses and handling pressure were all takeaways for us after that game.”

Michigan didn’t raid the transfer portal over the summer. Instead, the Wolverines are bringing back most of their starters, hoping that chemistry and the sting of last year’s loss combine for a longer run in 2024.

“I think we also walked away with confidence of what we are capable of and a belief that we can go further in the future,” Nielsen said.

TOP RETURNERS

Jill Smith, A, Jr. (65G, 12A, 46DC)
Maya Santa-Maria, G, Sr. (.489SV%, 9.51GAA)
Maddie Burns, D, Sr. (49DC, 23CT, 34GB) 

Nielsen calls defense Michigan’s “bread and butter” and the “backbone of what we do.” Burns headlines a talented group of returning players that also includes Maya Rutherford and Grace Callahan (26CT), plus Richmond transfer Jordyn Harrison.

“Maddie is an exceptional leader and an exceptional competitor, and, in my opinion, one of the best defenders in the country,” Nielsen said. “She is so tough, so fiery and will find a way to get things done.” 

A high lacrosse IQ and athleticism help Burns find that way. Should the ball get through the defense, Santa-Maria is a reliable force in net. Santa-Maria answered the bell after the graduation of All-American Arielle Weismann (.505 SV%). 

“Her hand speed is very impressive,” Nielsen said. “She can seem a little untraditional, but she gets pieces of balls that you think are going in.”

KEY ADDITIONS  

Jordyn Harrison, D, So. (22GB, 18CT at Richmond in 2023)
Allie Hartman, M, Fr. (Scored single-season record 57 goals at Silver Creek, Colo.)
Rowan Clancy, D, Fr. (Invited to NTDP U18 tryouts as junior at Georgetown Visitation, Va.)

Michigan may not have gone on a portal frenzy, but it did land a long-term addition to its defense in Harrison. Harrison appeared in 20 games for Atlantic 10 champion Richmond as a freshman, making 13 starts. Nielsen said she acclimated well in the fall, getting comfortable with a veteran-heavy lineup. She could see significant time quickly in 2024.  

NOTABLE DEPARTURES

Graduations: Kaley Thompson, A; Erin Garvey, M

X-FACTOR

Ava Class, M, Sr.. (Missed 2023 with injury)

Nielsen says Class is a new name fans will hear about in 2024, but she’s not a new face on the roster. Class was a three-year letterwinner at McDonogh (Md.). She’s struggled with injuries since arriving in Ann Arbor, seeing 10 games off the bench in 2022 and missing all of 2023. The midfield has its share of returners, including Josie Gooch (10G, 23DC), Julia Schwabe (16G, 9A) and Annabelle Burke (12G), but Nielsen is excited to have Class back in the rotation, calling her a contender for the squad’s midfielder with the highest IQ.

THE NARRATIVE 

Michigan’s depth in the midfield and on defense can’t be argued. The offense? That’s to be determined. Last season, Michigan ranked 67th nationally in goals per game (11.6), with a lower average against conference foes (10.2 if you include the Big Ten tournament and NCAA loss to Northwestern). Jill Smith carried a large workload, to say the least, scoring 28 percent of Michigan’s goals (65 of 232).

“Jill has all the physical attributes, and is tough as nails, but the mentality really separates her,” Nielsen said.

Still, don’t call Michigan’s offense the “Jill Smith Show.” Nielsen doesn’t see that being the case in 2024. 

“I am looking forward to showing that we are more than that,” Nielsen said. “Fellow Juniors Kaylee Dyer and Jane Fetterolf have both had impressive falls, and I think they will make a statement this year. We have a number of different options we can use as well in different scenarios.”

D-word incoming…

“The depth is something I am excited about,” Nielsen said. 

ENEMY LINES
WHAT RIVALS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE WOLVERINES

“There’s been some games where they’re right there, so close. They do what they need to do, and sometimes it’s super close.” 

“Michigan has been getting better and better every year. They’re continuing to compete consistently in the top 10. It only looks better for them going forward.”

BEYOND THE BASICS
POWERED BY LACROSSE REFERENCE

   As the Wolverines gear up for the 2024 season, their defensive unit faces a period of transition, returning only 56 percent of last year’s games played. This presents the most significant challenge for a team that otherwise boasts a wealth of experience, particularly on offense, where they return 75 percent of their total production, measured by the percentage of their offensive EGA that is returning.

Lacrosse Reference Glossary