Fenton Earns Barb Jordan Award
October 15, 2026 | Lacrosse
BOULDER — Colorado Buffaloes lacrosse Associate Head Coach Mitch Fenton has been named the NCAA Division I recipient of the 2026 Barb Jordan Outstanding Assistant Coach Award, the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association announced.
The award recognizes assistant coaches whose hard work, commitment, dedication and sportsmanship have made a significant impact on their programs. Presented across all three NCAA divisions, the honor highlights the contributions assistants make to their teams' success, including the daily work that often takes place behind the scenes.
The IWLCA renamed the award in September to honor longtime Gettysburg assistant coach Barb Jordan, who helped the Bullets win three NCAA Division III national championships. A recipient of the award in 2011, Jordan was recognized throughout her career for her mentorship of student-athletes and fellow coaches, along with her accomplishments on the field.
"I am extremely humbled to be named one of this year's Barb Jordan Outstanding Assistant Coaches," Fenton said. "I have been so privileged to get opportunities to work with, and learn from, incredible coaches throughout my career, many of them being assistant coaches who have had an enormous impact on their respective programs and the coaching world at large."
Fenton has been a key member of the Colorado lacrosse staff for more than a decade. Throughout his tenure, he has coached goalkeepers, worked extensively with the defense and most recently led the Buffaloes' offense. His ability to adapt to different roles has made him an important part of the program's success.
A 2014 Colorado graduate, Fenton began working with the program as a volunteer assistant before joining the staff full time in 2017.
"Fenton has remained committed to Colorado despite having other opportunities come his way," Head Coach Ann Elliott Whidden wrote in her nomination. "His adaptability, unselfishness, and dedication have made him a cornerstone of Colorado lacrosse."
During the 2026 season, Fenton helped the Buffaloes finish 16-4, capture their first Big 12 Tournament championship and advance to the NCAA Tournament quarterfinals for the first time in program history.
His work with goalkeeper Elena Oh also helped support a standout season. Oh earned Big 12 Goalkeeper of the Year honors, seven Big 12 Goalkeeper of the Week selections and honorable mention All-America recognition from USA Lacrosse and Inside Lacrosse.
Beyond his work on the field, Fenton contributes to scouting, practice planning and student-athlete mentorship. His involvement in women's lacrosse rules and legislation extends that commitment beyond Colorado, supporting the sport's continued development.
Fenton joins Division II recipient Carly Shisler of Maryville and Division III recipient Clara Bissell of Wesleyan as this year's honorees. The three will be recognized at the Honors Dinner and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Nov. 19 at the Tradewinds Resort in St. Pete Beach, Florida, during the 2026 IWLCA Convention.
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