Sustained success in the current college sports landscape can be tough to come by. Players enter the transfer portal, coaching and support staffs evolve, and energy can shift as quickly as it begins.
But when it comes to Towson men’s lacrosse, winning has been maintained through a philosophy that has remained consistent throughout the years. Each season is treated as a continuation rather than a reset. The emphasis is on building a foundation based on good habits.
The Tigers are eyeing a third consecutive CAA title and trip to the NCAA Tournament in 2026.
“There’s no doubt we want to elevate the success that we’ve had over the past few years and continue to build upon it,” head coach Shawn Nadelen said on Glenn Clark Radio Jan. 27. “It takes a committed group of young men and these guys have done a terrific job over the past years.”
Towson’s season-opener against North Carolina was canceled due to weather, so the Tigers will kick off the season at Johns Hopkins on Feb. 10. As Towson prepares for a new season, the program’s resume speaks for itself. With 10 total CAA titles, consistency is what makes all the difference. That consistency isn’t the product of a single dominant year or a perfect roster. It’s the result of a program culture that has continued to grow under Nadelen.
“It comes down to consistency on a couple fronts — consistency in our players and the level of young men that we’re getting as far as talent but also their motivation and their commitment, too,” Nadelen said. “That championship effort and mindset that we like to have here at Towson.”
Attackmen Mikey Weisshaar and Joaquin Villagomez lead the way for the Tigers in 2026. Weisshaar returns after scoring 48 goals and dishing out 24 assists a year ago. Villagomez, who scored 33 goals in 2024, enters the season after having missed all of 2025 due to a broken ankle.
Villagomez’s leadership has been a true dominant force for the Tigers and his return looks to be a promising one for the Tigers.
“It’s fun to see that dynamic between him and Mikey, just kind of different players in the same position at attack,” Nadelen said. “You’ve got Mikey, who everybody’s aware of — obviously is explosive and quick and fast and dynamic, a lefty. Joaquin’s the exact opposite — he’s 6-6, he’s physical, puts his shoulder into you, imposing, strong righty outside shot.”
“Joaquin has had such a hunger to get back on the field dealing with his injury last year,” the coach added.
That continuity matters. Two consecutive conference titles often invite talk of pressure or certain expectations, but within the program, the focus remains steady. Success is not framed as something to protect, but as a standard to meet.
As the Tigers prepare to face another season, the question is not whether they can sustain success. They already have. The question is how far a culture built on persistence, grit, and determination can lead them next.
For more from Nadelen, listen to the full interview here:
Photo Credit: Larry Maurer