Princeton Wins First Men's Lacrosse Title Since 2001
· fashion
The Lacrosse Lesson: When Winning Isn’t Everything
The NCAA men’s lacrosse championship has a way of revealing the darker side of sports culture. This year’s title win by Princeton is no exception. On one hand, it’s exciting to watch a team dominate on the field, especially when they’ve been waiting 22 years for their next championship. But scratch beneath the surface of Princeton’s convincing victory over Notre Dame, and you’ll find a story that raises more questions than it answers about the true meaning of success in sports.
Princeton’s win marked its first NCAA title since 2001, but what does this achievement say about the state of college lacrosse today? With 17 wins this season, including 12 straight, the Tigers have undoubtedly proven themselves to be one of the best teams in the country. However, their success may also be attributed to factors beyond natural talent and dedication.
Princeton’s ability to adapt to different opponents is a key factor in their championship run. Against Notre Dame, they came from behind to take control, scoring 11 unanswered goals in the first half to blow the game wide open. This kind of resilience and strategic thinking can be a hallmark of great teams, but it also raises questions about whether such dominance is sustainable over the long term.
Notre Dame’s own story is similarly complex. As the No. 2 seed and recent champions themselves, they’ll likely be left wondering what went wrong. Their championship losses in 2010 and 2014 serve as a reminder that even the best teams can fall short when faced with pressure and expectation. The Irish have had titles in 2023 and 2024, but it’s unclear whether they’ll be able to bounce back from this setback.
College lacrosse has become increasingly about the spectacle, not just the game itself. Top teams like Princeton and Notre Dame draw massive crowds and generate huge revenue streams for their universities. This attention can have a double-edged effect: while it brings in much-needed funding, it also puts pressure on athletes to perform. Are they being valued as individuals, or merely as cogs in a lucrative machine?
As the sports world continues to focus on winning at all costs, Princeton’s win raises questions about what truly matters in college athletics. Is it the thrill of victory, or is it something more? Only time will tell if this title represents a genuine reflection of the team’s abilities, or just another example of the sports world’s priorities.
Reader Views
- THTheo H. · menswear writer
With Princeton's championship win, we're forced to confront the elephant in the room: college lacrosse has become increasingly about the spectacle, not just the game. The Tigers' 11-goal first half against Notre Dame was a show of dominance, but also a testament to the artificiality of this sport. Where's the strategy when you can just outgun your opponents? I'd love to see more discussion on how lacrosse teams adapt to the increasing role of analytics and video review in their games. Until then, we're stuck celebrating flash over substance.
- TCThe Closet Desk · editorial
The NCAA men's lacrosse title is more than just a victory for Princeton - it's also a reflection of the growing commercialization of college sports. The Tigers' 17 wins this season, including 12 straight, come at a time when schools are increasingly prioritizing athletic revenue over student-athlete experience and academic excellence. As the game becomes more about TV contracts and sponsorships, we risk losing sight of what truly matters: the sport itself. With Princeton's win, it's worth asking whether success is measured by championships or character.
- NBNina B. · stylist
With Princeton's championship win, it's worth considering the elephant in the room: the Ivy League advantage. Schools like Princeton have a massive edge when it comes to resources and talent recruitment, which can be both a blessing and a curse for their opponents. The NCAA needs to address these disparities if they want to truly crown a deserving champion each year. As it stands, we're left with a title that may feel more like a foregone conclusion than a genuine upset.