NORTHBOROUGH, Mass. – The Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) released its final Coaches Poll for the 2021 season Tuesday afternoon and the Jacksonville University women's lacrosse team finished the season ranked inside the top 25, checking in at #18 in the final rankings of the year. In the final USA Lacrosse Magazine and Inside Lacrosse polls released in early May, JU checked in at #16 and #17 respectively. This is the second time in program history that Jacksonville has been a consensus top 25 program, the first time following the 2019 season.

"I'm so proud of our team's run to the Sweet 16 this year," said head coach Mindy McCord. "A relentless, hardworking group who's ready for the next challenge, while staying humble and hungry. We'll be striving to improve in the off season while always prioritizing the team mission, to be the best place to play lacrosse."
 
The Dolphins, who surged into the national spotlight following a 12-11 win over then #5/6 Florida in their home opener on March 13, were a mainstay in the weekly rankings for the balance of the season and appeared in the top 10 in each of the three women's lacrosse national polls and climbed as high as 10th in the IWLCA rankings on April 12.
 
Jacksonville claimed their seventh ASUN regular season title and seventh ASUN Tournament Title in 2021 and finished the season with a 12-2 record and making the program's seventh trip to the NCAA Tournament. JU advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history with a 20-12 win over Vanderbilt in the Gainesville Regional.
 
Senior attack Sarah Elms has been recognized by several national outlets for her performance this season, being named an Honorable Mention All-American by USA Lacrosse Magazine and Inside Lacrosse, while being named a Second Team All-South Regional Selection by the IWCLA, which will announce its National All-American Teams later this month. Head Coach Mindy McCord was named ASUN Coach of the Year for the fifth time during her tenure at JU while nine players were named to the ASUN All-Conference teams.
 
Statistically in 2021, the Dolphins ranked in the top 10 nationally in several categories, finishing second in the NCAA in ground balls per game (22.99), fifth in caused turnovers per game (11.43), seventh in scoring margin (6.29) and shots on goal per game (26.21), eighth in shots per game (34.50) and ninth in scoring defense (9.36) and free position percentage (.530).
 
Individually, Elms ranked second in the NCAA in both shots per game (9.71) and shots on goal per game (7.29), seventh in goals per game (4.29) and was in the top 15 in free position goals per game (1.21).