DENVER – The University of Denver women's lacrosse fifth year defender Sam Thacker has been named USA Lacrosse Preseason Defender of the Year.

Thacker earned National Defender of the Year honors and postseason first team All-America honors a year ago and was a BIG EAST first team selection last season.

The Lutherville, Maryland, native led Denver with 53 caused turnovers during the 2023 campaign while ranking second on the team with 59 ground balls and third with 45 draw controls. Her 53 forced turnovers were the third most in a single season in school history while her 59 ground balls were the seventh-most.
 
A unanimous selection for the second straight season as the Big East Defensive Player of the Year and also a repeat member of the All-Big East First Team, Thacker was selected to both the Big East Championship All-Tournament Team and the NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team during postseason play.

A nominee for both the 2022 and 2023 Tewaaraton Award, Thacker was named both a USA Lacrosse Magazine and Inside Lacrosse All-American while assisting the Pioneers to their best season in program history. DU posted an undefeated regular season and went 22-1 during year, recording the most wins and tied for the fewest losses among any D-I program.

Izzy Scane of Northwestern was named both the USA Lacrosse Preseason Player and Attacker of the Year. Boston College's Belle Smith was recognized as Midfielder of the Year and Delaney Sweitzer of Syracuse was chosen as Goalkeeper of the Year.
 
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