On Game Day, it’s always great to be a Sun Devil. There’s an unmistakable pride in putting on the Maroon and Gold and representing Arizona State University, whether it’s the athletes themselves, the fans, student-athlete families, friends or students. And on Game Day, the stands are full of Sun Devil Nation cheering on their Sun Devils with that pride on full display.
As Sun Devil Lacrosse took the field against Marquette on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, the crowd was full of the team’s family members, who have become one Sun Devil family of their own. Moms, dads and those close to the team gathered before the game to celebrate the day with a tailgate.
Once inside the game, the pride in their player was on full display, thanks to sophomore defender Caroline Lyttle’s mom, Jackie. She made these badges of honor to include their daughter’s headshot, number, position, complete with the team schedule on the back. This is a beloved tradition that has been passed down for years, from parent to parent, as seniors graduate.
On top of the love and support of their families, at ASU there’s a culture of support that makes being a Sun Devil that much more meaningful.
Sun Devil Lacrosse’s single-game attendance record-setting crowd cheers at the 2026 season's home-opener against Denver.
Sun Devils show up for Sun Devils
No matter the day, no matter the season, no matter the sport, Sun Devils show up for Sun Devils.
Last season, the team saw season attendance records with a total attendance of 5,007 in nine home games (average of 556 per game), which was also the best mark in the Big 12. This season has already set a single-game attendance record, too, with 782 fans showing up for the home-opener game against Denver.
But as Sun Devil Lacrosse took the first draw on Game Day, the stands were louder than they’d been all season long. More impressive, this game was on a Tuesday.
Head coach Kenny Dillingham and his Sun Devil Football team did not come quietly. At moments, it sounded less like a lacrosse game and more like a Saturday night at Mountain America Stadium.
The team oohed and aahed at the girls making great plays. They screamed “Shoot it!” on possessions. They celebrated goals with standing ovations and dances while throwing forks in the air with high fives and even louder cheers.
It was team bonding for them, too. A break from their own playbook. A chance to sit in the bleachers and simply be students who love their school and being a Sun Devil.
“The guys wanted to come out to another sporting event,” Dillingham said. “Most of them, it was their first lacrosse game they’ve ever been to. That’s something they’ll remember forever. It’s about getting them to see there are other athletes here putting in a lot of work too.”
That work showed as the Sun Devils charged on to a 19-16 win.
Parents noticed the lift too.
“They definitely elevated the team’s play,” Brad Beucher said, father of Claire Beucher, a senior midfielder.