As is the case at many other universities, Northwestern’s 

football and men’s basketball teams garner the most attention from fans and students. The team on campus with the most consistent success, however, is one that one that many don’t know a lot about.

The Northwestern women’s lacrosse team has dominated the sport over the past decade, making 10 straight appearances in the national semi-finals and winning seven national championships. The few times that the team didn’t win, they lost to the eventual champion. In a word, the team has been outstanding. While a lot of NU students recognize this success, it hasn’t been fully appreciated.

Not to say that there aren’t any big women’s lacrosse fans.

On campus – there are. But despite their success, the media attention given to big time programs, like football and men’s basketball, and the revenues that they generate, will always make them the most prevalent sports on campus, for better or for worse. What students at Northwestern should realize is that there’s – no shame in watching and supporting sports that might be less publicized.

Exciting talent remains on the women’s basketball team. Women’s tennis was the Big Ten Tournament champion again, a streak that hasn’t been broken in 16 years. Women’s softball had one of the best offenses in the nation, this year, and made a run in the NCAA softball tournament.The crowds at these games won’t be as big or loud, but it’s still worth going.

This year’s women’s lacrosse team, which had a disappointing season, still made it to the Final Four. Learning how the game works might take a while for some, but it’s fun to watch a team as competitive as the Wildcats are, year in and year out. So, next year, give lacrosse and other less publicized sports a chance.

Support from students means the world to the student-athletes and you just might enjoy it and learn something new. Odds are, it won’t be too long before Northwestern women’s lacrosse is, once again, a national champion.