The two-time defending Big Ten Tournament champions are back for the crown and more this season. Today, we take a look at the roster turnover, key additions, season outlook and more in our complete guide to Michigan lacrosse:
It only took a few years for Michigan Lacrosse to transform into a behemoth. Its Big Ten success has translated to the national stage as the Wolverines search for their first ever Final Four berth. This season comes with previously unknown expectations, both internally and externally.
Here’s what to watch for in 2025.
A Brief History of Michigan Lacrosse
When the program made the jump from MCLA (club) to Division I in 2012, few could have foreseen the growth of Michigan lacrosse. Former head coach John Paul was a legend at the club level and brought the Wolverines into the Big Ten in 2015.
While he went an underwhelming 23-61 in six seasons, his contributions extend far beyond the playing field. He is largely credited as the grandfather of Michigan lacrosse and without him, no one knows where the program would be today.
Eventually, it was time for a change.
In 2018, Maryland defensive coordinator Kevin Conry took over. After orchestrating some of the decade’s most dominant defenses, Conry came to Ann Arbor with plenty of expectations. He started 26-35 through his first five seasons, but everything changed in 2023.
The Wolverines went 10-7 before blitzing through the Big Ten Tournament and earning their first-ever NCAA Tournament bid. The magic didn’t stop there, as Michigan upset Cornell in a thrilling 15-14 contest before falling to Duke in the Elite Eight.
Last season, Conry’s squad replicated the 10-7 record and repeated as Big Ten Tournament champions, once again capturing three must-win games. Michigan would fall to Denver in the Sweet Sixteen. It left a sour taste for the Maize and Blue faithful, but provided us with plenty of optimism moving forward.
Now, no longer the new kids on the block, the Wolverines come into the spring hoping to reach the NCAA Tournament for a third straight year as they pursue their first trip to Memorial Day Weekend.
Key Departures
A Michael Boehm
Boehm is up there for the most important player in Michigan lacrosse history. He was part of a 2024 class that won three games in 2021 and finished with two Big Ten championships. Boehm’s 133 goals, 104 assists and 237 points are all program records. He and Ryan Cohen were the offensive engines last season, and his production and leadership will be sorely missed.
A Justin Tiernan
The Lehigh grad recorded the program’s first 50-goal season, putting up 57 goals during the 2024 campaign. He was a constant headache for opposing defenses as he operated around the crease and used his exceptional hands to finish (seemingly) every pass thrown his way.
FO Justin Wietfeldt
Another member of that storied ’24 class, Wietfeldt won 61 percent of his faceoffs last year and 62 percent for his career. While the offensive output from Boehm and Tiernan is difficult — but not impossible — to replicate, it will be a major challenge for the Wolverines to get this type of production at the X.
SSDM Beau Pederson
Pederson was an absolute animal at defensive midfield, wing and in transition. The Princeton transfer was a consensus first-team All-American, and while Conry always has a deep midfield at his disposal, it’s tough to imagine anyone filling his enormous shoes.
D Jack Whitney
A three-year starter at close defense, Whitney was the model for Michigan poles. A 6-foot-2, 205-pounder who could switch everything and played with a commanding tenacity. I don’t want to understate Whitney’s impact on the defensive end, but with Pace Billings coming in (more on him later), the Wolverine poles should be fine.
Other Notable Departures
- M Christian Ronda (18g, 6a)
- M Isaac Aronson (17g, 1a)
- D Cathal Roberts (4g, 28 CT, 32 GB)
Key Returners
A Ryan Cohen, Sr
Boehm deservedly received most of the headlines for Michigan over the last few spring semesters, but it was actually Cohen who led the team in scoring with an absurd 34 goals and 37 assists in 2024. He carries a 47-game point streak into his senior season and is one of the most dangerous players not only in the Big Ten, but the entire country. Expect Cohen to carry the brunt of the offensive load, particularly while new faces get acclimated.
A Bo Lockwood, Jr
We’ve seen Lockwood deployed more so as a midfielder, but he’s really better off behind the cage. His quickness and passing ability led to 8 goals and 29 assists, and he will be a primary facilitator alongside Cohen.
M Aidan Mullholland, Sr
Mulholland is one of those guys who has to step up this year. That’s not a detriment to his 18-goal, 3-assist output in 2024, but a testament to his ability to lead the offensive midfield. He’s a skilled dodger, shooter and finisher, and has all the tools to become an alpha dog.
“He has done such a great job in the fall season, not just on the field but in his leadership,” Conry said.
D Mason Whitney, Jr
Whitney started his sophomore season as an LSM and man-down savant before turning into arguably the top cover pole at close defense. He’s more than prepared to fill his older brother’s shoes and will likely draw the opposition’s top attackman every game.
D Kees Van Wees, Sr
Van Wees has been a mainstay on the Michigan defense since 2023 and will help lead the unit once again. He’s a total Conry guy, playing at a rangy 6-foot-2 and willing to switch everything.
G Hunter Taylor, Jr
After splitting time as a freshman, Taylor took the reigns in 2024. He allowed 11.17 goals per game and stopped 50 percent of shots. Those numbers are somewhat pedestrian, but it’s Taylor’s knack for making a big save in a big moment that stands out. He’s been named to the Big Ten All-Tournament team twice and plays his best ball when the lights are brightest.
“He’s grown into the starting goaltender role,” Conry said. “Last year, he earned the right to be a full-time starter. Now he knows what it takes.”
Other Key Returners
A John Morgan, Sr
Morgan tallied 8 goals and 2 assists last season and while he’s listed as an attackman, there may be more opportunities for him as a midfielder. He’s got a strong shot and could be a valuable off-ball player.
SSDM Carson Billig, Jr
Billig was named to the Big Ten’s Preseason Player to Watch list in 2024 and excelled as one of the team’s top defensive midfielders. A two-year contributor, Billig should be a key cog on defense and add to his 13 career CT.
SSDM Jack Welcsh, Gr
Welcsh played a lot in 2023, but a season-ending injury cut his 2024 campaign short. He was named a team captain for the upcoming season and will be one of the most important leaders on the roster.
Grad Transfer Adds
A Will Byrne, Bowdoin
The D3 attackman of the year in 2024, Byrne did nothing but produce in the NESCAC. He finished his Bowdoin career with 165 goals and 134 assists in three seasons. His versatility should make for a seamless fit alongside Cohen and Lockwood.
“He’s such a dynamic scorer and adds incredible range,” Conry said.
A Lukas Stanat, Princeton
Despite playing on a loaded Princeton offense, Stanat recorded 16 goals and 17 assists over the past two seasons. He’ll likely start as an option out of the box, but expect Stanat to be in the mix offensively.
M DJ Dixon, Wesleyan
After racking up 101 goals and 45 assists in three seasons at Wesleyan, Dixon will definitely get run in the offensive end. However, Conry also envisions him as a guy who can play on the faceoff wing and provide value in transition play.
“He’s been our Swiss Army Knife,” Conry said. “The best part about his game is in-between the lines where he can use his athleticism.”
LSM/D Pace Billings, Princeton
Billings is a perfect match for this squad. He’s long, athletic and versatile. He should be an instant starter and fits the Michigan long pole prototype. Billings has 63 GB and 46 CT to his name, but his most impressive accolade might be being named to the NCAA All-Tournament Team twice.
Projected Starting Lineup
- A Ryan Cohen, Bo Lockwood, Will Byrne
- M Aidan Mulholland, John Morgan, DJ Dixon
- FO Jackie Weller
- SSDM Carson Billig, Jack Welcsh
- LSM Pace Billings
- D Mason Whitney, Kees Van Wees, Max Bonner
- G Hunter Taylor
Key Rotational Players
- M/A Lukas Stanat
- M Jackson Clay
- D Ryan Lyngklip
- D Rowan Clay
Season Outlook
Michigan is ranked No. 16 in USA Lacrosse’s Preseason Rankings . Fellow Big Ten competitors Maryland (No. 6), Johns Hopkins (No. 9), Penn State (No. 13) and Ohio State (No. 19) also earned nods. The ACC and Ivy League are probably better both at the top and overall, but the Big Ten figures to be one of the most daunting conferences again.
I’m mostly worried about the loss of Justin Wietfeldt at faceoff, and no Michael Boehm will be a huge hole for the offense. But even with the greatest class graduating, there is still plenty to be excited about in 2025.
The Wolverines are going to have a fantastic defense with Taylor manning the pipes. Offensively, Cohen, Lockwood and Byrne should form one of the most dynamic attack trios in the nation. If Michigan can get midfield scoring, watch out.
Conry’s team has relied on getting hot at the right time (6-0 in the Big Ten Tournament the last two years) but will likely need to put together a more consistent season. The non-conference slate features road tests in Chapel Hill and Durham, but other than that, the Wolverines can enter Big Ten play feeling good about themselves.
Schedule Prediction
Jan 25 vs. Robert Morris (exhibition), W
Feb 1 vs. Marquette, W
Feb 8 @ North Carolina, W
Feb 15 @ Hobart, W
Feb 22 @ Duke, L
Feb 25 vs. Canisius, W
Mar 4 vs. Cleveland State, W
Mar 8 @ Harvard, W
Mar 15 vs. Notre Dame, L
Mar 22 @ Maryland, L
Mar 29 vs. Johns Hopkins, L
Apr 6 vs. Penn State, W
Apr 13 @ Rutgers, W
Apr 19 vs. Ohio State, W
Season result
-9-4, Big Ten Tournament Runners Up, loss in NCAA Tournament Elite Eight