Lily Spinner, a senior attacker from Summit, N.J., has been named captain of the Yale women's lacrosse team for the 2026-27 season following a team vote. Spinner has already led the Bulldogs to impressive achievements, including two Ivy League regular season championships and three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. Over her career, the Bulldogs have set school records for wins, with 17 victories in her freshman year and 16 in her sophomore year. Head Coach Erica Bamford commended Spinner鈥檚 leadership, noting her dedication and competitiveness as integral to the team鈥檚 culture.

By the Numbers
  • Yale won the Ivy League regular season championship in 2026, their second title in three years.
  • Spinner contributed to the Bulldogs achieving a school-record 17 wins in her freshman season and 16 wins in her sophomore season.
State of Play
  • The Bulldogs will return 23 players from the 2026 roster, including 10 starters.
  • Spinner leads a senior class of eight players, emphasizing team culture and accountability.
What's Next

As captain, Spinner will aim to build on the Bulldogs' recent successes and foster a team environment that prioritizes trust and selflessness. Looking ahead, the Bulldogs will seek to maintain their competitive edge in the Ivy League and make another strong push in NCAA tournaments.

Bottom Line

Lily Spinner's appointment as captain underscores the leadership qualities needed for continued success at Yale. Her focus on team culture and dedication positions the Bulldogs for a promising season as they strive to build on their recent achievements.