While the Syracuse Orange women's lacrosse team prepares for their regular-season finale in Boston, the program is already celebrating a major off-field victory. Two standout seniors, Emma Muchnick and Coco Vandiver, saw their professional dreams realized during a historic night for the sport: the inaugural Women’s Lacrosse League College Draft.
In a landmark event for the new professional league, all four WLL teams made selections over four rounds. The Syracuse duo didn't have to wait long to hear their names, and they received the incredible bonus of being drafted to the same professional club. Emma Muchnick was selected 9th overall in the third round, while Coco Vandiver was the final pick of the draft at 16th overall. Both will be taking their talents to the California Palms this summer, ensuring their powerful on-field connection continues at the professional level.
The draft watch party at Syracuse was electric, especially when Muchnick's selection was announced. The moment, shared by the team's social media, captured the pure joy and culmination of years of hard work. Syracuse joined an elite group, as one of only five schools to have multiple players drafted on the night, alongside powerhouses like North Carolina and Northwestern.
For Muchnick, a versatile two-way midfielder, the draft validates her complete skill set. Her ability to impact the game on both ends of the field makes her a perfect fit for the fast-paced pro league. Her summer just got even busier, as she will now embark on her professional career with the Palms while also representing Team USA at the World Championships.
Meanwhile, Vandiver's selection as the final pick is a testament to her defensive prowess. In a draft where every team prioritized defense, her record-setting ability to cause turnovers for Syracuse—often from the complex rover position—made her an invaluable last-round steal. The reaction from her teammates said it all, highlighting the respect and excitement within the program for both of its newest professional athletes.