The 2026 boys lacrosse season is upon us, and the stage is set for a big year for the Wildcats.
After finishing 8–10 last spring and earning a No. 21 ranking in Oregon, the Wildcats enter the new season with unfinished business, ready to compete. The record may not have been the best, but it doesn’t tell the full story about last season’s campaign.
Wilsonville showed flashes of brilliance throughout 2025, making the playoffs with a 1st year head coach, proving they could compete with some of the state’s toughest programs, being very lethal on the attack, averaging around 10 goals a game last year.
With preseason workouts in full swing, Wilsonville is hungry to open the season with momentum as they prepare to battle in the highly competitive OHSLA Northwest Conference, home to several top-tier 6A programs.
Returning junior midfielder Zach Schlaadt recognizes the importance of a productive preseason, pointing out,” Preseason workouts are very important because the work you put in reflects on the season and you need everyone in the zone dialed in.”
Wilsonville’s attack last season was very strong and consistent throughout the season, led by returning senior attackers Michael Hanson and Biz Nieuwstraten, both vital players for the Wildcats attack.
With only 1 senior on the roster graduating last season. Wilsonville has several key contributors who have learned the system under second-year coach Chris Miller, returning this season with a full year of experience in the system.
“Experience in this game matters,” Schlaadt states. He adds, “Everyone being on a team together for a year builds chemistry, which helps you win games and stay consistent, knowing how to operate formations and play as a team from offense to defense.”
This season, they are focused on their man defence, staying composed and playing as a unit defensively. Their goal is to stay together on defence, playing as a team, communicating.
Goalkeeper Brixton Carpenter believes Wilsonville is destined to compete in the OLeague this year, pointing out,” This season, we believe that we can compete at a higher level, having lots of improvements from our defense to our communication.”
With Wilsonville’s first game being March 17th at West Salem, an opening day win can set the season and set a positive tone for the start of the season. Carpenter believes consistency and communication are key for consistency. He points out,” Our biggest goal is to do the little things well, such as passing and communication, that will help us win early in the season.”
This season, Wilsonville is focused on continuing its growth as a program—setting clear goals, raising standards, and building consistency at every level. Over the years, the program has made significant strides, from the development of its coaching staff to the performance and commitment of its players. This year presents an opportunity not only to compete at a high level, but to make a defining statement about who Wilsonville is and where it’s headed this season.