ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Navy women's lacrosse head coach Cindy Timchal announced that seniors Emma Kennedy (Cooksville, Md.) and Ava Yovino (Parkland, Fla.) would serve as team captains for the 2026 season.
 
"It is an extreme honor to be named team captain alongside Ava," Kennedy said. "I love this team and everything it represents. Leading this team is such a privilege, as I get to learn something new from the team every day. Coming off of last year, we have so much potential and I am excited to see it all come together again this spring."
 
"Emma Kennedy leads with a steady strength that lifts our entire program," remarked Timchal. "She is calm, confident, and relentless in everything she does. Emma brings a spirit of belief that anchors our team, and she lives our values every single day. She plays with fire, she leads with clarity, and she cares deeply for the women beside her. Emma is the kind of captain who makes everyone around her better. We are proud of her, and Navy Women's Lacrosse is stronger because of her."
 
Kennedy has appeared in 55 games, making a pair of starts in her career. The attacker has recorded 90 points on 67 goals and 23 assists, while adding 16 ground balls. As a junior, Kennedy finished the year with 54 points on 43 goals and 11 assists with eight ground balls. She scored goals in 18 games with 13 multi-goals performances, including six hat tricks. For her efforts last season in the Patriot League Tournament (10g 4a), Kennedy was selected to the all-tournament team.
 
"I am extremely grateful to have been selected as team captain for this upcoming season," Yovino stated. "Our senior class is full of strong leaders and I am excited to lead alongside such an incredible group of women. Our team is the embodiment of grit, toughness, and determination. I look forward to building upon our foundation and competing at the highest level in order to carry on our legacy and winning culture. I love my teammates and am beyond blessed to know such a great group. I can't wait to see what this team accomplishes this year."
 
"Ava is the heartbeat of Navy women's lacrosse," commented Timchal. "Naming her captain feels natural because she already leads us every day with her energy, her spirit, and her deep care for this team. Ava lifts people, she listens, she inspires, and she competes with a fire that brings out the very best in everyone around her. We are so proud of her and excited for the way she will guide this team with love, purpose, and a championship mindset."
 
Yovino has played and started 40 games in her career. The midfielder is a two-time All-Patriot League performer, earning All-American honors from USA Lacrosse Magazine and Inside Lacrosse following her freshman year. In her career, Yovino has 124 points on 60 goals and 64 assists, while adding 54 draw controls, 64 ground balls, and 35 caused turnovers. Last season, she finished with 32 points on 18 goals and 14 assists with 39 ground balls, 15 caused turnovers, and three draws. Yovino scored goals in 13 games with five multi-goal performances.