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Delaney Sweitzer knew she needed to grow on her own. At 23 years old, she had played every game of her athletic career alongside her twin sister, Savannah.

But after SU’s 2024 Final Four loss and Savannah’s college eligibility expiring, Delaney faced a pivotal decision. With an extra year of eligibility due to not playing as a freshman, she had three options: leave college, stay at SU or forge her final chapter elsewhere. Delaney chose the third.

“I couldn’t imagine going back (to Syracuse) without Savannah, and I was beyond grateful for getting that experience with her,” Delaney said. “(Leaving) was kind of just a decision that happened.”

So, Delaney transferred to perennial powerhouse Northwestern in December for her sixth and final year of college. During three seasons with Syracuse and two as its starting goalie, she emerged as one of the program’s most accomplished netminders. The Orange made back-to-back Final Fours in 2023 and 2024, while Delaney won IWLCA and Atlantic Coast Conference Goalkeeper of the Year honors in 2023.

Now between the pipes for the Wildcats — the reigning NCAA Tournament runners-up and 2023 National Champions — Delaney returns to the JMA Wireless Dome Tuesday as No. 3 Northwestern (4-1, 0-0 Big Ten) faces No. 5 Syracuse (3-1, 0-1 Atlantic Coast).

“Once I realized I had a great opportunity to grow individually and put myself in an uncomfortable position, I knew that’s where the growth could be for me,” Delaney said of choosing Northwestern.

After taking over as Northwestern’s starting goalie, Delaney Sweitzer has posted a .424 save percentage and notched a 2-1 record. Courtesy of Henry Frieman | The Daily Northwestern

For the first time, Delaney now lives alone. It’s forced her to find confidence within herself. She’s no longer attached to the hip of her twin Savannah, who will watch Tuesday’s game on TV due to her role as an assistant coach for Penn’s women’s lacrosse team.

Despite saying she quickly found comfort at Northwestern, Delaney didn’t appear for NU until its third game of the year due to undisclosed reasons, jumping straight into the fire against No. 1 Boston College. The opponent was a familiar foe.

On May 24, 2024, Delaney’s SU career ended with a loss to the Eagles in the Final Four. Looking back, Delaney said she wasn’t sure if it was the end. Her words in the postgame press conference, however, revealed a glimpse of reflection.

“I’m really grateful to be Orange,” Delaney said postgame. “I took a chance on myself when Kayla (Treanor) was coming in as the head coach, and it was the best decision of my life.”

Despite being a two-time Under Armour All-American out of high school, Delaney failed to find her footing at USC from 2020-21. After not playing as a freshman and appearing in just three games as a sophomore, Delaney and Savannah transferred to Syracuse. The Orange had just lost to BC in the 2021 NCAA Championship, and Treanor was newly named their head coach during the offseason.

The Sweitzers took a chance on Treanor, and Treanor took a chance on them. Delaney played sparingly across the 2022 season, starting just five games as Kimber Hower dominated the starting role. The next year, Delaney became a consensus top goalie in the nation, tallying a .505 save percentage to help the Orange to an 18-3 record.

Though 2024 wasn’t as glamorous. Delaney battled injuries throughout the year, according to Colleen Magarity, her former club coach and the current coach of the New York Charging of the Women’s Lacrosse League. She posted up-and-down performances but played her best in the Final Four.

When the ending arrived, Delaney didn’t think much about the future. Early in the summer, the thought of playing without Savannah felt unimaginable. But midway through the summer, Delaney said she began to process everything, reflect on the past year and think about what was next.

Eventually, she knew a new destination was inevitable.

“She loved Syracuse, and felt like she kind of ended that chapter with her sister,” Magarity said. “(Northwestern) is an ending solo chapter for Delaney with a different jersey.”

Delaney Sweitzer notched a .447 save percentage across 56 games at Syracuse from 2022-24. Joe Zhao | Design Editor

As summer turned into fall, only a few schools had both a need for a premier goalie and the ability to bring one in. Northwestern graduated two-year starter Molly Laliberty and returned a cast of inexperienced goalies. Wildcats head coach Kelly Amonte Hiller said they spotted Delaney in the transfer portal and had long admired her talent from afar. NU then recruited her to see if there was any interest.

While not knowing much about Northwestern, Delaney’s connection with Magarity allowed her to find comfort. Magarity helped the Wildcats to three NCAA titles from 2008-11 under Amonte Hiller and maintained strong ties to the program by regularly sending her club players there.

Once Delaney expressed interest in Northwestern, Magarity shared stories about the program and its coaching staff. As Amonte Hiller called Magarity to speak on Delaney, it was easy to sell a goalie with a proven track record.

Savannah described the decision as an emotional struggle, though she knew Delaney wanted to return to the Final Four. Delaney characterized the process as a blur.

“When Northwestern reached out, I think Delaney knew that was what was going to feel right for her,” Savannah said. “She wanted to still be able to compete for a National Championship.”

Delaney officially announced her commitment in a Dec. 9 social media post, writing, “When one door closes, another door opens.” Despite being a late addition to the roster, Delaney has taken over the reins of the starting job. Through three games in net, she’s posted a .424 save percentage on 49 shots faced.

Returning to Syracuse Tuesday, Delaney described it as a special place that holds many memories. Treanor said in a statement to The Daily Orange that Delaney was a significant figure for the program over the past few years, and SU expects to face a tough goalie Tuesday.

Magarity thinks there will be emotions but believes Delaney will be ready to compete and leave the past in the back of her mind.

Savannah said watching her sister play against her alma mater on TV will be like Jason Kelce being forced to cheer for his former team, the Philadelphia Eagles, versus his brother, Travis, and the Kansas City Chiefs. Admittedly, on a smaller scale.

Delaney and Savannah already see it as “weird” not playing by each other’s side. The pregame meals together no longer happen. Nor do the pregame handshakes. But this is what Delaney felt she needed. A final year on her own path.

Published on February 24, 2025 at 9:48 pm

Contact Aiden at: amstepan@syr.edu | @AidenStepansky