The Darien girls’ high school lacrosse team enters the 2026 season with enormous expectations following a dominant 2025 campaign in which the Blue Wave captured both the FCIAC and state championships. With a championship history already established, the program now faces the challenge of living up to its reputation as one of the top teams in the country and the state.
This year’s team is loaded with talent, highlighted by the addition of nine new Division I commits stepping up to the varsity level with big expectations. With future players headed to schools such as Yale, Dartmouth, Villanova, and more, these athletes are expected to make an immediate impact and add even more depth to an already stacked roster.
Darien currently holds the top spot among public high schools, ranks #1 in Fairfield County, and sits at #5 nationally—numbers that reflect both their past success and the high expectations for this spring. But with that recognition comes pressure, as every opponent will be looking at them with a target on their backs.
Navigating that pressure will largely fall to team leadership. Captain Haven Moneypenny, a standout defender for the team and a Harvard ’30 commit, acknowledged the challenges ahead, noting, “We lost a majority of our starting lineup this year, as they were all seniors who graduated last year. But I have so much confidence in our team this year; our chemistry is just something really special.” She added, “We have a really tough schedule this year, but that helps us stand apart. Our ability to compete with the best of the best—and to stand our own and win those games—really shows the caliber of our team. I think we are going to have a great year, and I’m really excited.”
While Darien’s longtime rival New Canaan remains a major matchup on the schedule, Wilton is emerging as a potential new threat. With a talented group of underclassmen, Wilton could challenge the traditional power structure and give Darien a serious test.
The senior class will be the anchor of it all. With commitments to top programs such as UVA, Florida, and Cornell, these players bring elite skill and unmatched experience as leaders. Their presence will be crucial in high-pressure moments as the team aims to repeat its championship success.
The season kicks off on April 4th against Chatham, New Jersey, marking the beginning of what Darien hopes will be another title run. With talent, depth, and a winning culture, the Blue Wave aren’t just aiming to compete—they’re aiming to dominate once again. But the question remains: will the 2026 Wave girls’ lacrosse team live up to expectations, or will the pressure prove too much? That’s something only time will tell.
