Northwestern University Athletics
Photo by: Henry Frieman/Northwestern Athletics
Maddie Epke Excels in Full-Circle Matchup with James Madison
5/11/2026 9:12:00 AM | Women's Lacrosse
EVANSTON, Ill. — Maddie Epke saw her collegiate paths converge in Sunday's NCAA Tournament Second Round clash with James Madison in Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium.
"At first, knowing we were playing them was a little surprising," Epke said. "With the help of coach and my teammates and how much belief they pour into me, it was easy to get some confidence knowing their style and how they play."
As No. 1 Northwestern secured a 17-5 victory over the Dukes, Epke played a pivotal attacking and possessional role. The senior attacker recorded a goal and a season-high four assists. Epke pulled down a game-high nine draw controls in a clinic inside the circle.
Epke said the team's work in attacking zone defenses was rewarded in bunches.
"Our whole offense has a ton of threats, and I just got the lucky end of everyone scoring off my passes today," Epke said. "Everyone's throwing great feeds and having great shots. It wouldn't happen without everyone around me. I had a lot of confidence in my stick today and just focused on the trust in this team."
When Combe Family Head Lacrosse Coach Kelly Amonte Hiller learned of her team's matchup on Friday afternoon, she knew Epke's familiarity with James Madison would prove paramount in preparation.
Throughout the year, Amonte Hiller has rotated between Epke and redshirt sophomore defender Madison Smith on draw responsibilities. But Epke was the sole specialist on Sunday, with Smith shifted into a full-time defensive role.
"We knew that she had a lot of knowledge [of the Dukes], and we knew she was ready to step up in this moment," Amonte Hiller said. "We wanted to give her the keys to be able to do that and just battle. She did a great job and just took it one draw at a time."
During the first three seasons of her college career, Epke carved out an All-American legacy in Harrisonburg, Va. She shattered James Madison's program records in single-game (23), single-season (235) and career draw controls (485). Epke also amassed 213 points, winning AAC Attack Player of the Year in 2025.
The Guilford, Conn., native sought a new challenge ahead of her final season of eligibility. Epke reunited with Amonte Hiller, who coached the attacker on the United States U20 National Team at the World Championships in 2024. During international play in Hong Kong, Epke pulled down a world record 110 draw controls and won a gold medal.
In perhaps the most full-circle moment of her lacrosse career, Epke said she just concentrated on enjoying the experience.
"I focused on myself and just pouring my love into this team and everything we've built so far," Epke said. "Then, it was just honestly kind of fun to see them on the field. I'm proud of them, too, with everything they've accomplished this season. There's a lot of respect out there and no hard feelings. It was really great to see that, and I'm glad to still call them my friends."
While the battle in the circle went back-and-forth early in the game, Epke and the Northwestern draw team found their footing as the matchup progressed. Senior attacker Madison Taylor, redshirt junior defender Jaylen Rosga and Epke established significant synergy in the circle, and their collaboration paid dividends.
The Wildcats outdrew the Dukes 15-9, including a 9-2 margin in the second half. Epke's draw control figure marked her highest since racking up 10 against Penn State on April 12.
"Our circle was great, too. We had great communication," Amonte Hiller said. "Like earlier in the season, we're not afraid that if someone's doing well to just run with them. And Maddie did a great job today."
For the first time since 2023, Epke will play in an NCAA Tournament quarterfinal on Thursday, May 14 against No. 8 seed Colorado at 1:30 p.m. CT.
"At first, knowing we were playing them was a little surprising," Epke said. "With the help of coach and my teammates and how much belief they pour into me, it was easy to get some confidence knowing their style and how they play."
As No. 1 Northwestern secured a 17-5 victory over the Dukes, Epke played a pivotal attacking and possessional role. The senior attacker recorded a goal and a season-high four assists. Epke pulled down a game-high nine draw controls in a clinic inside the circle.
Epke said the team's work in attacking zone defenses was rewarded in bunches.
"Our whole offense has a ton of threats, and I just got the lucky end of everyone scoring off my passes today," Epke said. "Everyone's throwing great feeds and having great shots. It wouldn't happen without everyone around me. I had a lot of confidence in my stick today and just focused on the trust in this team."
When Combe Family Head Lacrosse Coach Kelly Amonte Hiller learned of her team's matchup on Friday afternoon, she knew Epke's familiarity with James Madison would prove paramount in preparation.
Throughout the year, Amonte Hiller has rotated between Epke and redshirt sophomore defender Madison Smith on draw responsibilities. But Epke was the sole specialist on Sunday, with Smith shifted into a full-time defensive role.
"We knew that she had a lot of knowledge [of the Dukes], and we knew she was ready to step up in this moment," Amonte Hiller said. "We wanted to give her the keys to be able to do that and just battle. She did a great job and just took it one draw at a time."
During the first three seasons of her college career, Epke carved out an All-American legacy in Harrisonburg, Va. She shattered James Madison's program records in single-game (23), single-season (235) and career draw controls (485). Epke also amassed 213 points, winning AAC Attack Player of the Year in 2025.
The Guilford, Conn., native sought a new challenge ahead of her final season of eligibility. Epke reunited with Amonte Hiller, who coached the attacker on the United States U20 National Team at the World Championships in 2024. During international play in Hong Kong, Epke pulled down a world record 110 draw controls and won a gold medal.
In perhaps the most full-circle moment of her lacrosse career, Epke said she just concentrated on enjoying the experience.
"I focused on myself and just pouring my love into this team and everything we've built so far," Epke said. "Then, it was just honestly kind of fun to see them on the field. I'm proud of them, too, with everything they've accomplished this season. There's a lot of respect out there and no hard feelings. It was really great to see that, and I'm glad to still call them my friends."
While the battle in the circle went back-and-forth early in the game, Epke and the Northwestern draw team found their footing as the matchup progressed. Senior attacker Madison Taylor, redshirt junior defender Jaylen Rosga and Epke established significant synergy in the circle, and their collaboration paid dividends.
The Wildcats outdrew the Dukes 15-9, including a 9-2 margin in the second half. Epke's draw control figure marked her highest since racking up 10 against Penn State on April 12.
"Our circle was great, too. We had great communication," Amonte Hiller said. "Like earlier in the season, we're not afraid that if someone's doing well to just run with them. And Maddie did a great job today."
For the first time since 2023, Epke will play in an NCAA Tournament quarterfinal on Thursday, May 14 against No. 8 seed Colorado at 1:30 p.m. CT.
Players Mentioned
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