PITTSBURGH — Senior midfielder Chelsea Evans has been named team captain for the 2026 Duquesne lacrosse team, as voted on by her teammates, head coach Tracy Coyne announced.

Evans headlines a leadership group that also includes Casey McBride, Faith Conaty, and Addison Scanlon, who were selected to the Dukes' Leadership Council. The council is an initiative introduced by Coyne during her first season and enters its second year in 2026.

"Chelsea has consistently led by example, both on and off the field," Coyne said. "Her work ethic, competitiveness, and commitment to our standards make her a natural choice to serve as captain. Chelsea also brings outstanding vocal leadership, using it to hold the team accountable and reinforce that we are doing our best to meet the standard. Along with Leadership Council members Casey, Faith, and Addison, this group will play a key role in continuing to raise the bar for our program."

A proven leader on and off the field, Evans started all 15 games last season and earned spots on the Atlantic 10 Commissioner's Honor Roll and the IWLCA Academic Honor Roll. A member of the Dukes' Leadership Council in 2025, the Marlton, N.J., native totaled 16 goals, four assists, 36 ground balls, 32 draw controls, and 28 caused turnovers, ranking second on the team in ground balls and caused turnovers and third in goals and draw controls. She finished fourth in the Atlantic 10 in caused turnovers per game (1.87) and fifth in ground balls per game (2.40) in 2025. Evans has scored 47 career goals in 31 games and was selected to the 2023 Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team.

McBride, a senior defender, has been one of the league's most consistent defensive players, ranking among the Atlantic 10's top seven in caused turnovers per game in each of her first three seasons. The Manahawkin, N.J. product has started 43 games over her career on the Bluff and anchors the Dukes' defensive unit.

Conaty has appeared in 31 games with 29 starts over the past two seasons and emerged as a key contributor on draw controls. The junior defender from Moorestown, N.J., begins her second season as a member of the Dukes' Leadership Council.

Scanlon enters her sophomore season after making two starts and appearing in all 15 games in 2025. The midfielder from Frederick, Md., recorded five goals, 22 ground balls, eight caused turnovers, and three draw controls during her first collegiate campaign.

Duquesne opens the 2026 season on Feb. 7 at Akron before hosting Mount St. Mary's for its home opener on Feb. 14. For the full schedule, click here.

FOLLOW THE DUKES
Follow Duquesne Lacrosse online at GoDuquesne.com, as well as on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook (@DuqLax).