Pace Women’s Lacrosse Team Honored at the White House

Pace University’s women’s lacrosse team joined college athletes from across the country at the White House on Monday to celebrate the team’s 2023 NCAA National Championship.

The Setters joined 47 teams from schools across the country including University of Texas, Penn State, University of Virginia, Stanford University, and University of North Carolina, among others. The teams represented 19 sports from all three NCAA divisions — national championship winners — that were recognized on the South Lawn of the White House as part of “College Athlete Day.”

“You made tremendous sacrifices — training through injuries, birthdays, vacations, and even a pandemic,” Vice President Kamila Harris told the crowd. “You know, all of you, what it means to commit and to persevere. And we know that so often, during the course of a long season, sports teams also become a family. You develop life-long relationships.  You demonstrate teamwork and character. You make the people around you better in every way. You are leaders. You are role models. And, of course, you are champions.”

Pace University women’s lacrosse team last month completed its historic season with a national championship, defeating No. 1 ranked West Chester University, 19-9, on May 21 in Indianapolis to win the first title in program history. The 19 goals scored by The Setters were the most-ever scored in a DII Women’s Lacrosse championship game, and they are the first NCAA collegiate team in Westchester County to win a national championship. The Setters, who finished the season ranked No. 1 in the nation with a 21-2 record, won a staggering 17 games against ranked opponents during the 2023 season, including a Golden Rams team that came into the national championship game a perfect 22-0 on the year.

The visit to the White House was a tremendous honor for the program and the university, said Head Coach Tricia Molfetta, who is in her sixth year with the team. “It was such an incredible honor to be welcomed to the White House by President Biden and Vice President Harris for College Athlete Day,” said Coach Molfetta.

Kayla Conway, who graduated in May 2023, represented Pace on stage with Vice President Harris and student-athletes across the country. “It truly was an honor to meet Vice President Kamala Harris and celebrate our athletic achievements with the NCAA community today,” Conway, of Wantagh, N.Y. “This is a monumental memory that I am beyond grateful for.”

President Marvin Krislov, who joined the team for their visit to the White House, said he couldn’t be prouder of the women’s lacrosse team for bringing Pace its first national championship. “We are excited for this historic accomplishment, and honored to celebrate it with Vice President Kamila Harris, and student athletes from across the nation. This is a fitting recognition – one they will remember for a lifetime.”