Coco Vandiver selected No. 16 overall by California Palms in 2026 WLL Draft
Syracuse defender Coco Vandiver was selected by the California Palms with the No. 16 pick in the WLL College Draft Wednesday evening. Eli Schwartz | Asst. Photo Editor
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Syracuse defender Coco Vandiver was selected No. 16 overall by the California Palms in the fourth round of the inaugural Women’s Lacrosse League College Draft Wednesday evening. The senior was SU’s second player drafted, joining Emma Muchnick, who was selected by the Palms ninth overall.
Through nearly four seasons, Vandiver has amassed 115 caused turnovers and 83 ground balls, starting 61 of her 62 appearances. She’s been especially monumental to Syracuse’s defensive success this season, notching 40 caused turnovers across SU’s 15 games, a tally that ranks 11th nationally.
Vandiver’s success is no surprise to those who’ve played next to her. Katie Goodale, who stars for the WLL’s New York Charging, said she always expected Vandiver to thrive, even though Vandiver entered her freshman season as an unknown recruit. Four years later, she’s become an All-Atlantic Coast Conference talent, Tewaaraton Award Watch List recipient and holds the program record in total caused turnovers, a mark previously held by Goodale.
“She’s elevating what it is to be a defender and elevating the Syracuse defense in everything she does,” Goodale told The Daily Orange of Vandiver. “She embodies what it means to be a Syracuse defender.”
Although Vandiver is aided by goalie Daniella Guyette, the senior defender is on pace for her best season yet. Her 40 caused turnovers match her career-high from last season, when the Orange played four more games. She’s also scooped up 25 ground balls and forced a career-best six turnovers in SU’s quadruple-overtime win over Notre Dame Saturday.
When Vandiver finishes her time at SU, she’ll become the 10th former Orange player to play in the WLL.
