On the heels of yet another record-breaking season, head coach Megan Griffith ‘07CC readies her team – three-time reigning Ivy League champions and last season’s outright champions – on the practice court days before their first game of the season.
Barnard students are part of the five new additions to the team: 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 upper hand, 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.”
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, who is in her tenth year as head coach, said this year's team is her tallest ever, and applauds the team's 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.
Coming off a historic 2024–25 season — one that saw the Lions capture their first Ivy League Championship and NCAA Tournament victory — Columbia enters the 2025–26 campaign with high expectations. The team also claimed its third consecutive Ivy League regular season title and second straight at-large bid to the Big Dance.
The home opener will be against Richmond on Saturday, November 15, with the Lions adding another year to both their NCAA Tournament and Ivy League Championship banners.
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 new season tips off at Butler on Friday, November 7, before a challenging non-conference slate featuring nine opponents from last year’s NCAA Tournament, WBIT, or WNIT fields. Highlights include a home opener against Richmond (Nov. 15), three matchups at the Cancun Challenge versus Kansas State, South Dakota State, and North Carolina (Nov. 27–29), and a December showdown at Florida Gulf Coast (Dec. 29). The Lions will also host Saint Joseph’s (Nov. 20) and UTSA (Dec. 20), and rekindle their rivalry at Seton Hall (Dec. 9).
Virtual fans can refer to the Lions schedule page to find broadcast outlet information. The first handful of games will be streamed on ESPN+.