5 Key Reasons Embry-Riddle Lacrosse Is Soaring: 2025 Season Outlook, Coaches, And Star Players

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) Lacrosse is currently experiencing a significant ascent, fueled by strong coaching hires and an elite commitment to the student-athlete experience in the 2025 season. This unique NCAA Division II program, based at the Daytona Beach campus, continues to defy expectations, proving that academic rigor in fields like Aeronautics and Engineering can perfectly align with high-level athletic competition in the Sunshine State Conference (SSC). The Eagles are building on a successful 2024 campaign, with the women's team achieving program-best results and the men's team earning national academic recognition, setting the stage for a highly anticipated year.

As of late 2025, the ERAU Eagles are firmly established as a competitive force in one of the toughest lacrosse conferences in the country. From All-Conference selections to prestigious Academic All-America honors, the program’s foundation is built on a dual commitment to excellence on the field and in the classroom, attracting top-tier talent who are equally committed to their future in the aviation and aerospace industries.

The Architects of Success: Head Coaches John Jez and Christina Nikolai

The recent success and stability of the Embry-Riddle lacrosse programs are a direct result of the leadership provided by two highly respected figures: Head Men's Coach John Jez and Head Women's Coach Christina Nikolai. Their bios highlight a blend of national championship experience and a deep understanding of the program's unique culture.

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John Jez: Men's Lacrosse Head Coach

• Role: Head Men's Lacrosse Coach, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
• Appointment: Named the second head coach in program history in August 2023.
• Experience: Jez is noted as one of the most decorated head coaches in NCAA men's lacrosse history, having won two NCAA National Championships.
• ERAU Tenure: Entered his third season at the helm in 2025.
• Key Achievement: Guided the Eagles to the USILA Academic Team Award in 2024, emphasizing the program's academic priority.

Christina Nikolai: Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

• Role: Head Women's Lacrosse Coach, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
• Appointment: Elevated to Head Coach in August 2024 after serving as an assistant coach.
• Key Achievement: In her first year leading the program (2025), Nikolai guided the Eagles to their best season performance in program history, earning the SSC Coach of the Year accolade.
• Playing Career: A graduate of nearby Stetson University.
• ERAU Record: Holds an impressive overall record of 17-4 (.810) as of her first season, showcasing an immediate impact.

The 2025 Season Preview: Expectations in the Sunshine State Conference

Both Embry-Riddle lacrosse teams are competing in the highly competitive Sunshine State Conference (SSC), which is widely regarded as one of the premier NCAA Division II conferences for the sport. The 2025 season marks a critical year for both programs as they seek to climb the SSC standings and secure a berth in the national tournament.

Women's Lacrosse: A New Standard of Excellence

The ERAU Women's Lacrosse team is riding a wave of momentum following a stellar 2024 season that saw them post a 12-6 overall record. Their success was immediately recognized by the conference, as the Eagles were ranked sixth in the 2025 SSC preseason coaches' poll. The 2025 schedule includes 17 regular-season games, with the team aiming for a deep run in the conference tournament. The team's performance under Coach Nikolai has established a new benchmark for the program, moving them from a developing team to a legitimate contender in the SSC.

Men's Lacrosse: Building on Academic and Athletic Foundations

The Men's Lacrosse program, under Coach Jez, finished the 2024 season with a respectable 6-8 record. While the Eagles were picked seventh in the 2024 SSC preseason poll, the team’s true strength lies in its commitment to the student-athlete ideal, exemplified by earning the prestigious USILA Academic Team Award. The 2025 Men's Lacrosse schedule is set, and the team is focused on translating its academic success into consistent wins against tough SSC opponents. The program’s continued focus on recruiting high-character student-athletes ensures a sustainable path to success.

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The Star Power: Key Players and All-Conference Entities

The ERAU lacrosse teams boast a roster of players who excel both on the field and in the demanding academic environment of an aeronautical university. Their achievements highlight the successful blend of athletic prowess and intellectual commitment that defines the Embry-Riddle student-athlete.

Women's Lacrosse Star Athletes

The women’s team saw multiple players garner national and conference recognition, underscoring the team's rise:

• Eliana Enners: A true standout, Enners was named to the IWLCA Division II All-Region Team and earned SSC All-Conference honors in 2025, in addition to being named to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) All-America list.
• Kaitlyn Henry: Recognized for her exceptional dedication to academics, Henry was named to the 2025 CSC Academic All-America® Women's At-Large team, one of the highest honors for a student-athlete.
• Ella-Rae Cox: Joined Enners and Henry on the 2025 CSC Women's At-Large All-America list, further cementing the program's academic reputation.
• Kenley Zeruto: Also earned IWLCA Division II All-Region honors alongside Enners, demonstrating the depth of talent on the roster.

Men's Lacrosse Key Contributors

The men's team also had several players recognized for their 2024 performance within the conference:

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• Pete Abbes: Earned a spot on the 2024 All-Sunshine State Conference Third Team as an Attack player.
• All-SSC Honorees: A total of five Eagles were recognized by the Sunshine State Conference in 2024, including Christian Hofer, Isaiah Hines, and Kurt Pelchen, showcasing a broad base of talent across the field.

Embry-Riddle Lacrosse: A Unique Academic and Athletic Entity

The Embry-Riddle lacrosse experience is unparalleled in college sports, primarily due to the university's specialized focus on aviation and aerospace. This unique environment shapes the recruiting process, the student body, and the overall culture of the athletic department.

Topical Authority and Key Entities:

The program's topical authority is built around the following key entities and concepts, which are central to the ERAU identity:

• NCAA Division II: The competitive level of the program, offering a balance of high-level sports and academic focus.
• Sunshine State Conference (SSC): The highly challenging conference where ERAU competes, facing perennial national contenders.
• Daytona Beach Campus: The main location for the lacrosse programs and the heart of the athletic facilities, including the Embry-Riddle Lacrosse Field.
• Aeronautical/Aviation Focus: The university's core mission, which attracts a specific, highly disciplined type of student-athlete.
• Academic All-America: A recurring honor that highlights the success of ERAU student-athletes in rigorous degree programs like Nursing (Kaitlyn Henry's major).
• Recruiting Pipeline: The program actively recruits players committed to both elite lacrosse and a career in technical fields, such as Nico Yates '24, who committed to the men's team.
• USILA Academic Team Award: An honor specific to the men's program that validates their commitment to academic excellence.
• IWLCA All-Region: Recognition for the women's team from the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association.
• Program History: The recent successes are rapidly building a competitive program history for both the men's and women's teams.

The combination of an elite academic mission, top-tier coaching from John Jez and Christina Nikolai, and a roster of nationally recognized student-athletes ensures that Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Lacrosse will continue its upward trajectory, soaring to new heights in the Sunshine State Conference and on the national NCAA Division II stage.