.
.

NCAA Soccer Proposal to Encroach On Lacrosse Spring Season

There is a potential conflict stirring behind the scenes in the NCAA right now. Two Division I coaching committees are about to come to a head over a proposal to expand the NCAA Soccer season. The Men’s Soccer Division I Coaching Committee is submitting a proposal to the NCAA with support from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, U.S. Soccer and Major League Soccer, which would largely eliminate mid-week games and move the NCAA soccer tournament to the spring:

"Under a proposal formulated by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, the number of official team days would grow to 144 from 132. Teams would open training camp in late August, hold two friendlies, then play 13 matches between mid-September and the weekend before Thanksgiving. (Currently, some teams play two friendlies and as many as 24 games between late August and the holiday.) From late November until late February, teams would go on winter break, restricted to eight hour-long training sessions. Spring training camp would begin in late February and include one friendly. The season would resume in mid-March and include nine regular season matches, plus conference and NCAA tournament games." - Washington Post

In addition to the coaches association the proposal has support from a block of athletic administrators led by former Houston Dynamo President and current WVU AD Oliver Luck.

What is the reason for this push for change by the soccer conglomerate?

There are several.  1) College soccer coaches feel they are trying to cram too many games and practices into a fall season that is not consistent with other soccer leagues nationwide, many that play 10 month seasons. 2) For this reason they argue that many of the best players in the country are forgoing a college soccer experience in favor of other development opportunities. 3) They also argue that those that do play in college are not as prepared for post-collegiate soccer opportunities due to the limitations of the current structure 4) College soccer has long been envious of sports (like lacrosse) that have marquee championship weekends.  The NCAA College Cup, played in the month of December, struggles for tv coverage and fans, with only a few thousand often attending. 5) Soccer is clearly sick of being the little brother to Football and Basketball in the fall months.  Lacrosse has had the benefit of, for the most part, competing against the less tv friendly and more regional college baseball/softball.  Soccer wants a piece of that spring time exposure as well.

How does this affect the sport of lacrosse?

It comes down to a conflict over resources and space. Over 2/3 of all NCAA varsity lacrosse programs share a field with soccer, meaning soccer gets the field priority in the fall and lacrosse in the spring.  Additionally, about 1/3 of all varsity lacrosse programs, especially at the Division III level, share a locker room with their schools soccer team on a seasonal basis.  With only so many hours in a day, and knowing that not every school has a field with lights, how will schools that have M/W Lacrosse also add M. Soccer to their spring schedules?  Will all soccer programs now expect a year-round locker room and how will that be handled with those teams that share seasonally with lacrosse?  What if both teams share the same athletic trainer on an in-season basis?

Will the lacrosse community respond?

It seems that the Intercollegiate Men's Lacrosse Coaches Association is aware of this proposal and is preparing to push back.  The 2014 IMLCA Coaches Pre-Convention Survey included your typical questions about shot clock, assistant coaches, support staffing etc...but also included 3 survey questions specific to what facilities and resources a team shared with their schools soccer program. The IMLCA should absolutely push back on this proposal, and coaches should take the time to go to their ADs and discuss concerns about how their program would be negatively affected by such a proposal.  The IMLCA should also consider a counter proposal where if soccer is to become a year-round sport, than so should lacrosse.  Instead of making fall ball a 'scrimmage' season, make the games count, take a break in thanksgiving, and pick up again in March.  Why is it ok for soccer to go year-round but not lacrosse?

Could this really happen?

It depends on who you ask.  There is certainly guarded optimism among some coaches in collegiate soccer circles that the proposal is picking up steam and looks like it will be reviewed by the NCAA. Regardless, it is still an uphill battle for soccer.  In addition to the infrastructure and logistical challenges we've already touched upon, we must remember that soccer (like lacrosse) is a non-revenue sport.  It will be difficult to expect athletic departments, many of which are already cash-strapped to begin with, to add more practices, more games, and possibly more support staff, to maintain soccer year-round.  Especially when one considers that many of the NCAAs recent student-athlete welfare proposals have involved discussions about lessening practice times for athletes, it seems unlikely the governing body would agree to increase practices times for one particular sport. There is also no talk of applying any of these changes to Women's Soccer, which may not sit well with the gender equity conscious NCAA.  John Infante, an expert on NCAA bylaws recently stated that while soccer's plan is reasonable and well considered "It has virtually zero change of being enacted" We'll just have to wait and see.

Quincy University (DII IL) Adds Men's Lacrosse

Quincy University announced plans to completely renovate historic QU Stadium—home of QU baseball and future home of QU football—with a $4 million investment by PFIC, a California-based developer of facilities for colleges and universities such as University of Massachusetts, University of Houston, Bucknell University, and University of Connecticut. The renovations are to begin immediately and are slated for completion by fall 2015. Quincy University President Dr. Robert Gervasi stated that the improved facilities will benefit not only the players on the field, but also the university as a whole as well as the entire Quincy region.

 "QU prides itself in excellence in education and in all aspects. Therefore, we must be competitive in attracting student athletes," Gervasi says. "The expansion of QU athletics will increase overall enrollment, creating a more vibrant campus experience. We envision QU Stadium to be a destination for large scale events appealing to the entire Quincy Region."

Full Article


Quick Hits:

-After Cutting Sports UAB Must Now Add to Stay NCAA Compliant

-How Broke is UAB Athletics?

-New Leadership Spurs Growth in British Columbia Community

-South Carolina Community Considers More Lacrosse Funding

-Lacrosse and Rugby Growing in Santa Barbara Area

-Denver is Pre-Season #1

-Popular Helmet Decertified by Safety Organization

-Is Syracuses Lacrosse Dynasty Over?

-Growing England Lacrosse 

Hamline University (DIII MN) Adds Women's Lacrosse


Hamline University is proud to announce that the game known as 'America's first sport' will be the newest women's athletics offering at Minnesota's first university. Women's lacrosse at Hamline will begin in the spring of 2016, making the Pipers part of a sport with deep historical roots which is thriving in popularity across the nation among high school and college students.

 "Lacrosse is one of the fastest growing sports in the nation so this new endeavor will open up many new and exciting opportunities for student athletes," Hamline Athletics Director Jason Verdugo said. "We are pleased to be able to build on the strength and depth of Hamline Athletics with a sport that has such a rich history and bright future with a new generation of athletes." Lacrosse is currently offered as a club sport at Hamline, but as part of Division III the new Pipers team will uphold National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) standards and regulations and will compete as an NCAA independent during their first year of competition.

Read More

Quick Hits:

-Growth of Midwest Lacrosse Benefits Marquette

-Paul Rabil is the Face of Lacrosse

-Why Cleveland State is a Good Fit for Lacrosse

-Lacrosse Clinic Brings in Best and Brightest to New York

Monday Lax Links


-Player Development Improving in British Columbia

-Israel Lacrosse Growing the Game

-Lax Room Heads to Albania to Grow Lacrosse

-Arizona State Adds Varsity Hockey, Considers Women's Lacrosse

-More on ASU and Women's Lacrosse

-ASU Hockey Alters College Hockeys Landscape

-Cleveland State Close to Adding Varsity Lacrosse

-The Benefits of Varsity Lacrosse at U. Indianapolis

-Serena Williams Picks up Lacrosse

-Paul Rabil and Driving Conversations for Cadillac

University Montevallo (DII AL) Adds Women's Lacrosse

MONTEVALLO, Ala. – University of Montevallo President John W. Stewart III announced the addition of women’s lacrosse as the 16th intercollegiate sport following approval by the Board of Trustees at its annual meeting in November.

Women’s lacrosse will become the ninth women’s intercollegiate sport at the University. “I would like to thank the University Board of Trustees and President Stewart for approving women’s lacrosse as we continue to add opportunities for prospective students,” said Athletic Director Mark Richard.


“Lacrosse is a growing sport on the national landscape and we are excited to be part of the sport’s continued growth within the state of Alabama.” The women’s lacrosse program will begin its inaugural season in the spring of 2016.

 A national search to find the first head coach in the history of the program will begin immediately. The program will play home games at the brand new natural grass field at the track and field facility, which will be completed in the spring. For more information about the head coaching position and the program’s new facility, visit www.montevallo.edu or www.montevallofalcons.com.

Full Article

Westminster College (DIII PA) Adds Lacrosse

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. - Westminster College has announced the addition of men's lacrosse as a varsity sport for the 2015-16 academic year. The addition of men's lacrosse increases the number of Westminster's varsity sports to 21. Men's lacrosse will be a spring sport.

 "The addition of lacrosse to our portfolio of athletic offerings reflects the growth of the sport nationally and increasing interest in it by both current and prospective students," Westminster President Richard Dorman said. "As the Presidents Athletic Conference (PAC) continues to see new varsity lacrosse programs established at member colleges, Westminster is pleased to be the next entry into this fast and exciting sport."

 Westminster is anticipating adding women's lacrosse as a varsity sport in the near future. At this time, women's lacrosse remains a club sport.

Full Article

Quick Hits:

-Historically Black College Adding Lacrosse?

-Lacrosse Growing in Indiana Community

-Is Lacrosse on the Cusp at College of Charleston?

-North Carolina HS Association Reworks Conferences Due to Growth

-Lacrosse Still Growing in Ohio Valley

-Growth of Lacrosse in Washington Community

-Help Turkey Lacrosse Grow


Concordia University - Chicago Adds Lacrosse

Oct. 28, 2014 – Concordia University Chicago will begin men's and women's lacrosse during the 2015-16 academic year. The announcement was made at the recent 2014 Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

 "Concordia University Chicago is an ideal university for student-athletes to flourish in the classroom, in their sports and ultimately in life beyond college," said Dr. Daniel L. Gard, President of Concordia University Chicago. "The University looks forward to lacrosse becoming a part of our active and growing athletic program and to the presence of lacrosse players who will add much to our campus. Go, Cougars' Lacrosse!"

 The addition of both lacrosse programs will increase the number of intercollegiate sports programs offered at CUC to 19. "We think that lacrosse is a growing sport that fits the profile of the students attending Concordia-Chicago," said Pete Gnan, Concordia-Chicago Director of Athletics. "By adding two additional athletic programs, it will enhance the opportunities that students have for intercollegiate competition at the university."

Full Article

Quick Hits:

-University of the Cumberlands (KY) Names First Coach

-Buffalo School Board Assembles Group to Review Local HS Sports

-New Lacrosse Focused Sports Complex Being Built in Michigan

-EMU AD Named Chair of Men's Lacrosse Committee 

-Wheeling Jesuit University (WV) Helping to Spread Lacrosse

-An Awkward Phase in College Lacrosse Growth

-Lacrosse Growth at University of Lincoln (UK)

-Ponderosa High School Lacrosse (CO) Donates Equipment to Turkey Lacrosse

Benedictine College (NAIA KS) Adds Lacrosse

The Benedictine College Athletic Department will add both men's and women's lacrosse to its intercollegiate lineup for the spring of 2016. "We have observed the growth of lacrosse as an intercollegiate sport in our region and nationally," said Benedictine Athletic Director Charlie Gartenmayer.

"We spent a great deal of time investigating the positive impact a program like Lacrosse will make on Benedictine College. This new program provides an additional opportunity for prospective student-athletes to explore the opportunities Benedictine College offers in academic, social and spiritual development in addition to an excellent athletic tradition."

A search for head coaches for both programs will begin immediately with a target of spring of 2016 for both teams to compete as part of the Raven Athletics varsity lineup. Currently, Benedictine has both men's and women's lacrosse as club sports.

Full Article

Georgian Court (DII NJ) Adds Men's Lacrosse

Lakewood, N.J.- Georgian Court University will add men's lacrosse to its current mix of athletic teams, growing the number of men's offerings to five by Fall 2015. The decision, motivated in part by the popularity of lacrosse in New Jersey and surrounding states, is expected to draw highly competitive players from across the Shore region and beyond.

"This is yet another step in becoming fully coed, and it also represents another investment in the future of the university," added GCU President Rosemary E. Jeffries, RSM, Ph.D. "When we announced the move to coeducation in 2012, we expected to move forward in phases that would impact academics, athletics, residence life, and student affairs. In adding men's lacrosse, we are taking yet another step to make more opportunities available to our male students."

"In 2013, we consciously decided to only add five men's sports—basketball, cross-country, soccer, and indoor and outdoor track & field—so that we would be in compliance with NCAA regulations and not overwhelm the university during the transitional process," added GCU Athletics Director Laura Liesman. "With the addition of men's lacrosse, we will become an attractive option for male lacrosse players who want to earn their degree at a Catholic institution."

Full Article

Sunday Lax Links


-UK Website Interviews Paul Rabil

-Southern Conference Adds Air Force

-NCAA Survey: Lacrosse Shows Greatest Growth

-Naperville, IL Community to Get Lacrosse

-The Growth of Lacrosse at UK Universities

-Lacrosse Growing in Netanya, Israel

-Columbia School District (MO) Considering Lacrosse

-Students At UK School Vote to Add Lacrosse to PE Class

-B1G Lacrosse is Coming

-Notre Dame and Team USA Play to Capacity Crowd in Washington State


Sunday Lax Links


-US Lacrosse Responds to Florida Helmet Mandate

-Helmet Mandate Goes to ASTM vote

-Shoot Out for Soldiers Wheelchair Lacrosse Event

-JMU Club Lacrosse Continues Success

-Naperville North, Central (IL) Add Lacrosse

-Cumberland County (NC) Says No to Lacrosse For Now

-Paul Rabil Talks MLL Future

-Youth Sports Participation 2008-2012:


Northern Michigan University (DII) & Ottawa University (NAIA KS) Add Lacrosse

MARQUETTE, Mich. – Northern Michigan University Athletic Director Forrest Karr announced Friday that the NMU Board of Trustees unanimously voted to add four intercollegiate sports. Women’s golf and men’s swimming and diving will be implemented next fall. Women’s lacrosse and men’s soccer will follow in 2016.

 All four sports will compete in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

Full Article


Ottawa, Kansas – Ottawa University announced today the addition of men's and women's lacrosse. With the addition of these two teams, it brings OU's total number of varsity athletic teams to 20. The search for a head coach and recruitment of student-athletes will begin immediately, with competition slated to begin in 2015-16. Lacrosse is a spring sport, which fits well into the University's athletic offerings from a scheduling and facility standpoint.

Lacrosse was developed by Native Americans as early as the 15th century and was played for recreation, the settlement of tribal disputes and as a form of warrior training. Goals could be up to several miles apart with no sidelines to constrain play. Like so many others around the country, Ottawa University is opting to return to the country's original athletic roots, as well as its own roots through its ties with the Ottawa Tribe, to play the oldest game on the continent.

Full Article

Quick Hits:

-Indigenous Studies Program to Focus on Lacrosse

-Lacrosse Clinics in South Africa

-Hackettstown (PA) Schoolboard Approves Lacrosse

-Hong Kong Establishes Lacrosse High Performance Camp

-More on Cleveland State Considering Lacrosse

-First Year Program Navy Women's Lacrosse Gets Underway at Georgetown

-More on UAH Adding Lacrosse

-Students Push for Lacrosse at Alamo Colleges (TX)

-Girls Lacrosse Comes to Carrolwood Schools (FL)

Sunday Lax Links


-Sport England Rewards England Lacrosse For Sports Growth

-BC Football Honors Lacrosse Hero

-Michigan Approves Plan for Lacrosse Stadium

-UAH Adds Lacrosse But Is It a Good Idea

-BBC Sports: How to Get Into Lacrosse

-2014 High School Participation Survey Results Released

-What's Right with Youth Lacrosse

-D1 Lacrosse Being Considered at Cleveland State

-New England Black Wolves are the NLLs Newest Team

University of Alabama Huntsville Adds Lacrosse

The University of Alabama in Huntsville Department of Athletics announced the addition of men's and women's lacrosse programs on Monday, and the teams will begin competition in the spring of 2016. The teams will compete at the NCAA Division II level, increasing UAH's number of varsity sports to 18. "Increasing opportunities for young people is always very gratifying," said UAH Director of Athletics Dr. E. J. Brophy.

"We look forward to having our first UAH lacrosse student-athletes on campus next fall to compete for, and earn degrees from, one of the finest institutions in
the country." The Chargers will compete at Charger Park, an immaculate on-campus facility that also houses the University's men's and women's soccer programs along with baseball and softball. UAH will join the current 57 Division II institutions that sponsor men's lacrosse and 85 schools that have women's lacrosse.

Full Article

Sunday Lax Links

-Lacrosse Team Goes CoEd in Hope to Grow the Game

-Horry County HS (SC) Approves Sanctioned Lacrosse

-NYC Program Awarded US Lacrosse Grant

-New Lacrosse Coach Hopes to Build Cal Program

-San Benito High (CA) Adds Lacrosse

-Dominican University (CA DII) to Downgrade Program to MCLA

-Lacrosse Sweeps the Philippines 

-Supporters Seek Lacrosse at Edmond (OK) Schools

-B1G Women's Lacrosse Helping to Grow the Game

-How Lacrosse is Changing Higher Ed

MLL Title Game May Help Land Atlanta Franchise

Major League Lacrosse is holding more than a championship game at Kennesaw State today. It’s hosting an audition to bring a professional team to the Atlanta area. The Rochester Rattlers play the Denver Outlaws to determine the MLL championship. But by 2016 you’ll likely see those teams on a regular basis, when the league would like to have an Atlanta-based franchise.

“There’s a lot of interest in having an MLL team in Atlanta,” commissioner David Gross said. “Our goal is to field a team there in 2016.” There had been

Full Article

Quick Hits:

-Non-Revenue Sports Could Lose if NCAA Model Changes

-Some Kids Saying Football Not Worth the Effort

-Minnesota Start-Up Brings New Designs to Americas Oldest Game

-Poudre Schools (CO) Adding Lacrosse

-Has College Football Lost the Millennials 

-Growth of Lacrosse Means More Orthopedic Injuries to Treat

-Lacrosse Title Game on Tap in Atlanta

-The Man Behind the Upcoming Lacrosse Video Game

Mid-Week Growth Links


-Windsor Mulls HS (Vermont) Adding Lacrosse

-Hart High School (California) Readies to Add Lacrosse

-Hart HS Faces Hurdles in Bid For Lacrosse

-Horry County Schools (South Carolina) Consider Adding Lacrosse

-St. Charles High School (Illinois) Adding Lacrosse

-Coaches Survey on Shot Clock Implementation

-Participation in California Reaches Record Levels

-3D Lacrosse Opens Texas Office

-Kingston, MA Youth Program Continues to Grow

-Inside New York City's Thriving Lacrosse Culture

-Growing Lacrosse in Lake Placid Area

-NLL's Wings Moving to Connecticut

All Quiet on The Varsity Status Front

As the summer of 2014 winds down, this websites 5th summer of existence, we have started to notice a (somewhat worrying) trend specific to colleges and varsity status. Frankly, there just seems to be less colleges announcing varsity lacrosse this year than in recent years.

By compiling all the dates of university press releases announcing varsity men's lacrosse, women's lacrosse, or both over the last 5 years we came up with the below data:

Year  Announcements Per Month
2010 1.5
2011 2.4
2012 2.75
2013 2.6
2014 1.5

Now granted 2014 is not over, and is currently in line with 2010s announcement rate, however there is reason to believe it could ultimately end up trending below 2010s rate.  In the four year period from 2010-2013 there was a total of 3 months where there was zero announcements for varsity status.  Halfway through 2014, we already have 3 months this year with zero announcements.

However there are also some reasons to think 2014 could turn things around.  Over the last 4 years the month of August has averaged the greatest amount of varsity announcements (4) in any given month, followed by September (3.25).  The fall months in general tend to be very active for varsity announcements, so here's hoping 2014 ends on a strong note.

So what does all this mean? Who knows, could be nothing.  It's certainly too premature to worry about a slowing in the games growth.  However when you combine this data with the US Lacrosse most recent participation survey that showed in 2013 we had the worst year to year growth since 02-03, it's certainly something to keep an eye on.

Sunday Lax Links

-American Football Eyeing 2024 for Olympics as Well

-How to Make Lacrosse Grow in 1983

-3D Lacrosse: Thinking Inside The Box

-Lacrosse Player Drug Use Up

-Ohio Machine Foundation Announced

-Olympic Lacrosse and the Iroquois 

-FIL Working Towards Unified Field Dimensions

-Beninati Joins B1G Network

-Oregon Team Growing Through Club Program

-St. Charles HS (IL) May Add Lacrosse


Thompson Trio Featured on SportsCenter



Quick Hits:

-
Colorado Man Lends Help to Colombia Lacrosse

-German Laxers Have World Cup Fever

-Lacrosse Moves One Step Closer to the Olympics

-Anthony Wayne High School (OH) to Add Lacrosse

-Despite Rocket Fire at Home Israel National Team Stays Focused

-Uganda National Teams Gets First Win

-NCAA DII Admits 300th Member, Several Lacrosse Playing Institutions

-Homecoming for CMU's First Coach

-Lacrosse Experiencing Chicagoland Boom

-Lacrosse Coach Helping to Grow Sport in Ohio

-Private Schools Adding Lacrosse to Attract Students

Small Colleges Using Lacrosse to Attract Students From East Coast

Even before the University of Indianapolis hired its men’s and women’s lacrosse coaches in June—and almost two years before the Greyhounds play their first game in the spring of 2016—Athletic Director Sue Willey already had fielded some intriguing inquiries.

 Wabash College has already landed players from California and Washington, and is also scouring the East Coast and nearby markets. “I got a call from a mother in Texas,” Willey said. “She was very interested in [the University of Indianapolis] because we’re adding lacrosse.”

Full Article

Quick Hits:

-Big Ten Expansion Huge for Lacrosse

-Lacrosse is Americas Fastest Growing Sport

-Grow the Game By Opening Avenues for Everyone

-Lacrosse Has Come A Long Way on Cape Cod

-Coming North to Grow the Game

-Support the National Campaign for Lacrosse

-Colorado Man Lends Help to Colombia Lacrosse


University of Indianapolis (DII) and Wilkes University (PA DIII) Add Lacrosse

INDIANAPOLIS – The University of Indianapolis made official its addition of men's and women's lacrosse, announcing the hiring of two head coaches Wednesday. Newlyweds Greg Stocks and Jillian Howley, both former head coaches at Division II Lake Erie, will each step in as their respective gender's very first UIndy lacrosse head coach. Married just a few weeks ago, the duo comes to Central Indiana from Lake Erie College in Painesville, Ohio – a suburb of Cleveland. Both will have a year to recruit and build a staff before starting NCAA Division II competition in the spring of 2016.

 "We are extremely excited to welcome Jillian and Greg as our head lacrosse coaches not only because of their successful coaching backgrounds, but also because they are a great fit for the University of Indianapolis," said Dr. Sue Willey, UIndy Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics. "Their passion for their sport, team-player attitude and desire to establish a positive experience for our student-athletes makes them a perfect fit for UIndy.

Full Article


WILKES-BARRE – Wilkes University is proud to announce its plans to add men's lacrosse to its list of intercollegiate sport offerings. The expansion will increase the number of intercollegiate teams at Wilkes to 20 with ten men's sports: baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, tennis, and wrestling; and ten women's sports: basketball, cross country, field hockey, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, and volleyball.

 Wilkes will begin to search for its new men's lacrosse head coach immediately with the program set to begin play during the 2015-16 academic year. "We believe adding a men's lacrosse team enhances the student experience and allows student athletes the option of enrolling in one of Wilkes' excellent academic programs and competing at the collegiate level in the sport they enjoy," said Paul Adams, Vice President, Affairs.

Full Article

Quick Hits:

-7 Reasons to Support a Lacrosse Video Game

-Rancho Contate High School (CA) Adds Lacrosse

-Port Charlotte High School (FL) Adds Lacrosse

-Shreveport, LA Lacrosse Camp Garners Awareness of Sport

-Lacrosse League Hoping to Grow in Nova Scotia

-Help Jersey City Lacrosse Grow

-Mexican Lacrosse Founder Helps Grow Game


Lacrosse Not In U. Illinois Future

CHAMPAIGN — The Big Ten will contest the first lacrosse championships for men and women next spring. Don’t look for the Illini to be in the hunt.

 Lacrosse is not currently one of the school’s 19 varsity sports, and UI athletic director Mike Thomas said Thursday, “We haven’t looked at program expansion. As we sit today, we want to see how we can help our existing programs before we look at adding others.” Thomas is familiar with lacrosse and its rapid growth nationally.

Full Article

Quick Hits:

-McNick HS Adding Lacrosse Will Change Ohio Landscape

-Penncrest PIAA Championship Shows Penn Growth

-Wheelchair Lacrosse USA Looking to Raise Funds

-Big Ten Announces Lacrosse Championship Dates/Locations

-Box Lacrosse Continues to Grow in US

Florida Becomes First State To Mandate Helmets In Girls HS Lacrosse

It’s official: helmets have been mandated in the state of Florida. On June 10, the Florida High School Athletic Association ruled that all participating members of the FHSAA will have to wear helmets in 2015. These participating FHSAA programs will be the only teams in the nation state-mandated to wear this form of protective head gear.

 “The board did vote on mandating a helmet for the 2015 season,” Alex Ozuna, an Assistant Director of Athletics and the lacrosse administrator for the Florida High School Athletic Association, confirmed Wednesday. “A board member brought up this recommendation to the board for an action item. It was discussed during the operations committee, and we had individuals from US Lacrosse present to kind of give the committee a background on where they currently are in the process of standardizing specifications for a soft helmet for the girl’s game.” Ozuna continued: “The item was taken to the Board of Directors. The whole entire board reviewed and took into account what was said by the individuals from US Lacrosse and decided that because it is a major safety issue in our state — they took into account how long the process has been for US Lacrosse to get to this point — and moving forward that they wanted to go ahead and take the steps now instead of having to wait one, two, possibly three years for an actual product with the specific standardize specifications that US Lacrosse was going to implement.”

Full Article

Quick Hits:

-Lacrosse Coming to Arlington, TX

-Lacrosse Growing Fast in Montana

-Lacrosse Players Working Hard to Grow Game in Wisconsin

-McNicholas High School (OH) to Add Lacrosse

-Lacrosse Migrating North in Maine

-On the Eve of the World Cup, A Look At Soccers 20 Year Growth

University of Saint Mary (NAIA KS) & Movarian College (DIII PA) Add Lacrosse

The University of Saint Mary has hired its first ever lacrosse coach as it builds toward the launch of men's and women's club-level lacrosse teams that will take the field in the Spring 2015 semester. Lacrosse Coach Matt Kimsey comes to the University of Saint Mary Spires from the Blue Valley West Jaguars lacrosse program, which he coached for the past three years.

 He will shepherd the development of Saint Mary Men's & Women's Lacrosse—first as a club-level program for Spring 2015, and then as a varsity program the following year. Kimsey already has several recruits committed to playing lacrosse at Saint Mary, and USM athletics is offering scholarships to student-athletes to come play lacrosse for the Spires. "For me, the excitement is about building a new program here," Kimsey said.

"The University of Saint Mary has a real community feel, a real family feel. Building a lacrosse program around that is a natural fit.

Full Article


BETHLEHEM, Pa. --- Moravian College will elevate its men's and women's lacrosse teams from club to varsity status beginning with the 2016 season. Since 2011, both the men's and women's teams have competed in the National College Lacrosse League for club teams. Previously, Moravian's women's team completed at the NCAA Division III intercollegiate varsity level from 2003 to 2010. The men's team squad competed on the varsity level from 2004 through 2010.

"Restoring men's and women's lacrosse to varsity level competition in 2015-16 is another step in Moravian College's growth and revitalization," said Dr. Bryon L. Grigsby '90, president. "There is a growing interest in playing lacrosse among college bound students in the mid-Atlantic region. We intend to attract those student-athletes with a transformative quality education and an outstanding intercollegiate sports experience."

Full Article

Quick Hits:

-Help Lacrosse Video Game Become a Reality

-NCAA Tournament State By State Breakdown

-Lacrosse Thriving Across North Carolina

-Youth Lacrosse Alive and Well in Helena, MT

-Lacrosse Sees Growth in Milton, GA

-3D Lacrosse Riding Sports Economic Growth

-Tri-City (TN) Youth Teams Need Help to Keep Growing

-Interlakes HS (NH) Considering Adding Lacrosse


Recapping 2014's Inaugural Year Programs


Point University
NAIA (M)
Georgia

M - 2014 Record: 3-10


Johnson & Wales University
Division 3 (M/W)
Rhode Island

M - 2014 Record: 4-13
W- 2014 Record: 8-9

University of Tampa
Division 2 (W)
Florida 


Missouri Valley College
NAIA (M/W)
Missouri

M - 2014 Record: 15-2
W- 2014 DNP

Northhampton Community College
NJCAA (M)
Pennsylvania

M - 2014 Record: 1-6

Lourdes University
NAIA (M/W)
Ohio

M - 2014 Record: 11-3
W- 2014 Record: 1-15

Georgetown College
NAIA (W) (Applying for NCAA DII)
Kentucky

W- 2014 Record: 2-3

University of Great Falls
NAIA (M)
Montana

M - 2014 Record: 1-5

Capital University
Division 3 (M/W)
Ohio

M - 2014 Record: 8-6
W- 2014 Record: 10-5

Brevard College
Division 2 (M/W)
North Carolina

M - 2014 Record: 3-10
W- 2014 Record: 0-13

Rockhurst University
Division 2 (M/W)
Missouri

M - 2014 Record: 1-8
W- 2014 Record: 0-10

Lynn University
Division 2 (M)
Florida

M - 2014 Record: 1-10


Rhodes College

Division 3 (W)
Tennessee

W- 2014 Record: 8-4


University of the District of Columbia
Division 2 (M/W)
D.C.

M - 2014 Record: 3-8
W- 2014 Record: 0-10

St. Ambrose University
NAIA (M)
Iowa

M - 2014 Record: 8-8

University of Richmond
Division 1 (M)
Virginia

M - 2014 Record: 6-11

Illinois Wesleyan University
Division 3 (M/W(2015))
Illinois

M - 2014 Record: 8-6

Saint Mary's College
Division 3 (W)
Indiana

W- 2014 Record: 2-13

Wingate University
Division 2 (W)
North Carolina

W- 2014 Record: 2-6

Caldwell College
Division 2 (W)
New Jersey

W- 2014 Record: 0-12

Stockton College
Division 3 (W)
New Jersey

W- 2014 Record: 10-5

Ursuline College
Division 2 (W)
Ohio

W- 2014 Record: 5-11

John Carroll University
Division 3 (M/W)
Ohio

M - 2014 Record: 13-4
W- 2014 Record:  DNP

Tusculum College

Division 2 (M/W)
Tennessee

M - 2014 Record: 5-8
W- 2014 Record: DNP

Kalamazoo College
Division 3 (M(2015)/W)
Michigan

W- 2014 Record: 5-10

George Fox University
Division 3 (W)
Oregon

W- 2014 Record: 6-6

Augsburg College
Division 3 (W)
Minnesota

W- 2014 Record: 6-7

Methodist University
Division 3 (M)
North Carolina

M - 2014 Record: 3-10

Elon University
Division 1 (W)
North Carolina

W- 2014 Record: 8-9

Post University
Division 2 (M)
Connecticut

M - 2014 Record: 4-11

Monmouth University
Division 1 (M)
New Jersey

M - 2014 Record: 0-10

Furman University
Division 1 (M/W)
South Carolina

M - 2014 Record: 1-12
W- 2014 Record:  DNP

Boston University

Division 1 (M)
Massachussets

M - 2014 Record: 2-12

University of Colorado

Division 1 (W)
Colorado

W- 2014 Record:  11-8

Bryn Athyn College
Division 3 (W)
Pennsylvania

W- 2014 Record:  5-7

University of Pikeville
NAIA (W)
Kentucky

W- 2014 Record:  DNP

Albertus Magnus College
Division 3 (M/W)
Connecticut

M - 2014 Record: 3-10

University of Dubuque
Division 3 (M)
Iowa

M - 2014 Record: 0-12

University of Michigan
Division 1 (W)
Michigan

W- 2014 Record:  4-13


Quincy University (DII IL) Adds Women's Lacrosse

QUINCY, Ill. – The Quincy University athletic department announced Tuesday (May 13) the addition of a women's swimming program that will begin competition in the 2015-16 academic year. The department also announced that it will add a women's lacrosse program, which will launch in 2017-18. The department will begin a coaching search for women's swimming in the coming weeks with the aim of having the coach in place to recruit and build the foundation of the program during the 2014-15 school year.


 "We are very excited to launch our women's swimming program," said QU director of athletics Marty Bell. "We have received a great deal of interest on this front from a local level and feel the time is right to begin expanding our athletic offerings at the University. With eight other GLVC members sponsoring women's swimming, it allows QU to connect regionally with prospective student-athletes, as well as high school and club programs."

 Quincy will be the ninth school in the Great Lakes Valley Conference to sponsor women's swimming after the University of Missouri-St. Louis reinstated its program for 2014-15. The conference also features Drury University and Truman State University, which have combined to win 17 of the last 18 national championships in women's swimming and diving. Drury this season claimed the inaugural GLVC Swimming & Diving Championship and won its fifth national championship in six years.

Full Article

Quick Hits:

-Popularity of Lacrosse Growing at All Levels in Baltimore

-Lacrosse Brings Opportunities to Chicago Kids

-Lacrosse Growing in Bangor ME High Schools

-Thompson Trio on CBS Evening News

-Youth Lacrosse Growing in Western, PA

-Lacrosse Growing in Coastal Carolina

-Columbia, MO High Schools May Add Lacrosse

-Help Team Columbia Get to Denver for FIILs

-State by State Breakdown of NCAA Tournament Teams