Head Coach Megan Griffith ’07CC and her Lions — three-time reigning Ivy League champions — are continuing their historic run in the 2025–26 season. As of late January, the Columbia Lions have secured the longest active winning streak against any Ivy League opponent, racking up 13 wins against Brown.
Coming off a historic 2024–25 season, one that saw the Lions capture their first Ivy League Championship, Columbia entered the 2025–26 season with sky-high expectations.
Another exciting feat this season — the Lions were selected by Nike to collaborate on a New York City-inspired uniform concept. The alternate uniforms weave the energy of New York City with the power of lions through custom wordmarks, fonts, and bold styling. The team will wear this exclusive look at select home games.
Barnard students made their mark on the roster once again: Alicia Mitchell ’29, Hilke Feldrappe ’27, and Blau Tor ’27. They cross Broadway to compete as Lions alongside their Columbia University teammates, a testament to the strong partnership between both institutions.
“It gives us an upperhand, in many ways,” said Griffith of the partnership. “We love our Barnard players. We love the empowerment of women at Barnard — they’re cultivated to be leaders.”
In her first collegiate start against Yale, Feldrappe scored 13 points, helping the Lions outrun Yale with an 85-58 victory.
Newcomer Mitchell is enthusiastic about her position as a Barnard student and Columbia Lions player through the consortium.
“I feel great representing Barnard and all the women that came before me. This community really celebrates women’s sports,” said Mitchell.
Coach Griffith, in her tenth year as head coach, observes this collaboration at every practice, game, and huddle. The Lions' palpable energy and strong bond is a masterclass in cross-institutional camaraderie.
Barnard and Columbia students share insights with one another from their experiences at differing institutions while still joining together with a common goal — to win.
And a quick message to all of the Lions fans, near and far:
“We need everyone to cheer us on,” said Mitchell. “I love seeing familiar Barnard faces in the gym.”
“We need you,” said Feldrappe. “The fans are the sixth player off the court. Come out to the games. We can’t wait to see you.”
“I play for me and my family — but also for Barnard and Columbia. I love the Lions,” said Tor.
The momentum was bolstered by a $10 million donation from Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine CC ’88 to Columbia University Athletics — the largest gift the women’s athletics team has ever received.
“Our student-athletes represent not only the highest level of excellence on the court and the field, but — more importantly — the character, intellect, and discipline that define the very best of Columbia,” said Jonathan Lavine in a press release.
Lions women’s basketball games can be streamed on ESPN+.