William Smith junior defender Janey Sypeck was named an Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association Division III first team All-American today. She was one of 57 student-athletes named to the 2026 IWLCA Division III All-America teams.
 
The Liberty League Defensive Player of the Year, Sypeck adds another honor to her already impressive resume from the 2026 season. She also earned IWLCA All-Empire Region first team and the All-Liberty League first team honors. In addition, last week Sypeck was named a second team All-American by USA Lacrosse Magazine. Sypeck won the Liberty League Defensive Performer of the Week award four times and the IWLCA Defensive Player of the Week award once.
 
A shutdown defender, Sypeck started 18 games this season. She led the team with 46 caused turnovers and 43 ground balls. Sypeck finished second on William Smith's single-season takeaway list while drawing one of the top offensive assignments every game. She is 44th in the nation in caused turnovers per game (2.56). Sypeck had a season-high five caused turnovers against Hamilton. She recorded four or more caused turnovers in a game seven times, including games against then No. 6 Washington and Lee and then No. 2 Wesleyan. Sypeck logged at least one takeaway in 16 games. She had a season-high five ground balls against Ithaca and Vassar. Sypeck also had an assist against the Brewers.
 
Sypeck anchored William Smith's defense that is ranked 19th in the nation in scoring defense (7.00). She also played a role for the Herons' clearing unit that is first in the nation in clearing percentage (.918).
 
A three-year starter, Sypeck has played in 60 career games. She has 99 caused turnovers and 97 ground balls. Sypeck is fourth on the Herons' all-time list in caused turnovers.
 
William Smith finished the year with a 17-3 record. The Herons won the Liberty League Championship and made their 10th straight trip to the NCAA tournament.