In September 2023, Juliana Doran announced her commitment to the University of California, Berkeley to advance her decade-long lacrosse career at the Division 1 level. Doran made it official in the fall, driven by the school’s standards and outlook.
“Cal was the perfect fit academically and athletically. I wanted a school where I could be challenged in the classroom and compete at the highest level of lacrosse,” Doran told The Fanscotian. “The coaching staff made me feel at home, and I connected with their vision for the program.”
Founded in 1868, UC Berkeley is a public research university located in Berkeley, California. The Golden Bears compete in the Pac-12 Conference at the top-echelon within the NCAA.
Cal’s women’s lacrosse program has sustained an unfavorable stretch of seasons with a losing record, finishing a year with a winning record last in 2013 (9-7). SPF’s ace will help with the rebuild and the team in finding their footing amidst the exceptionally talented division.
Around the same time that Doran made her commitment post, the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) added Cal as a part of an expansion to become a super conference in college sports. The lacrosse star is eager to face the elevated competition in the upcoming years and embrace her role on the team.
“I’m most excited about competing in the ACC against some of the best players in the country and continuing to grow as an athlete,” Doran said. “I’m also really looking forward to building strong relationships with my new teammates and being part of a program where everyone is working toward the same goals.”
Doran has cemented her extensive legacy at SPF, recording astonishing numbers in four years on the team. In all but five out of 69 total games in her career, she has scored at least one goal. In those 69 games, the versatile attacking-midfielder has amassed 278 goals, 38 assists and 291 draw controls.
“I hope I’ve left a legacy of leadership, hard work and passion. I’ve always tried to set the tone with my energy and effort, and to be a role model for younger players,” Doran said. “I want to be remembered as someone who gave everything to the program and helped create a positive, competitive culture that lasts beyond my time at [SPF].”
Last year, she surpassed Elle Priesing for the school’s leading number of career goals and points. This spring alone, Doran has tallied 100 goals in 17 games, breaking her previous two records of most goals in a single season and setting a new bar for the program.
“Being a record holder here is something special, I will cherish it forever,” Doran said. “It’s been an honor to represent my town and help shape the program as a captain and a four-year starter.”
Under five years with DEWLAX, an organization that offers elite club competition, enhanced training on technique and expertise on the game, Doran honed her craft and further developed her passion.
“DEWLAX pushed me to compete at a high level year-round and helped sharpen every part of my game—from my stick skills to my lacrosse IQ,” Doran said. “The coaching staff always challenged me, but also gave me the confidence to play freely and aggressively. They believed in me early on, and that support was a huge part of my growth.”
With only a couple regular season matches on the schedule and the state tournament coming up shortly, Doran reflects on her time playing at the high school, acknowledging what it has meant to her.
“Playing at SPF has been one of the most meaningful parts of my high school experience,” Doran said. “I’ve grown into a leader, learned how to handle pressure and built lasting relationships.”
