Chloe Humphrey: The Rise of an Emerging Star

Anthony Sorbellini/UNC Athletics

Chloe Humphrey continues to make waves heading into the 2026 NCAA Lacrosse season. The sophomore has dominated on every stage. 

She started her freshman season with the UNC Tar Heels in 2025, after being red-shirted in 2024 due to injury. Humphrey’s return to the field was highly anticipated as she established herself as one of the most dominant offensive players in the country.

In her rookie campaign she became the first freshman to win the Tewaaraton Award for the nation’s top player, also locking up IWLCA Player and Attacker of the Year, NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player, and ACC Tournament MVP.

Known for her speed, vision, and ability to score from anywhere on the field, Humphrey proved nearly impossible for defenses to contain. Whether creating her own shot or setting up teammates, her impact extended far beyond the stat sheet. 

Adding to her rookie season accomplishments, she set the NCAA record for most goals as a freshman, with 90. Also setting a Tar Heels single season goal record, and sits second in points in a single season with 118. In the historic season, the Tar Heels went undefeated to win the Championship.

The awards, medals and cups continue to pile up for the young star, who was able to make her first appearance for the U.S. Senior Team at the Pan-American Women’s Lacrosse Championship, bringing home gold and finishing second in scoring with 19 points, playing just parts of three games. 

She also competed in the World Games bringing home another gold scoring 13 goals with 8 assists in the tournament. She then competed in the Atlas Cup where she was awarded MVP honors after winning the Cup, scoring 18 points in three USA wins. 

Following a historic freshman campaign and continued success on the international stage, USA Lacrosse has identified Humphrey as one of the biggest emerging stars in the game naming her the USA Lacrosse Pre-Season Player of the Year, further cementing her status among the sport’s elite. 

With a championship pedigree, international success, and record-breaking production already to her name, the sophomore returns to Chapel Hill chasing history, and her sophomore season is one you won’t want to miss