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Friday Lax Links


-Oxford, MI Adding Youth Lacrosse

-Lacrosse Equipment Market Growing

-Focus on Growth to Ensure Future of Box Lacrosse

-Popularity of Lacrosse Boosts Global Market

-The Curious Case of Michigan State Lacrosse

-David Gross to Step Down as MLL Commisioner

-Gloversville, NY Adds Youth Girls Lacrosse

-In Poland is it Grow the Game, or Grow the Money?

-RI Student Helps Grow the Game

-Kennesaw State President Talks Adding Sports


The Most Frustrating Excuse Athletic Departments Use to Not Add Lacrosse

As the popularity of lacrosse grows across the nation college Athletic Directors at schools that do not sponsor the sport are being asked more and more if their school will add the sport in the future.  The majority of the time the ADs response is ‘not likely’ and falls into two categories.  They blame the cost associated with adding lacrosse, and or the challenges associated with adding a male sport while maintaining Title IX proportionality.  Both of these challenges have some validity to them, but as we have seen in recent years they can be overcome.   Big donors can step up to cover the costs associated with adding lacrosse and or a women’s team can be added to maintain proportionality.  Each of these are easier said than done, but at least there is a path to varsity status.

However, there is a third excuse that athletic departments also love to make.  One that should be extremely frustrating to the lacrosse community.  It’s most recent use was when Michigan State was asked in an article about the possibility of returning its program to varsity status.

“Currently Michigan State is focusing on getting its 25 other sports up to a competitive national level,” said Michigan State Athletic spokesperson Matt Larson.

This excuse is being used more and more by athletic departments when asked about adding lacrosse.  Why do they like it so much?  Because it leaves no path to adding the sport.  A donor can’t write a big check, adding a women’s sport isn’t enough….no, it depends on the success of EVERY OTHER SPORT.  Something no one can control but those teams themselves. And how is their success measured?  If every Michigan State team wins a national championship this year do we get lacrosse?  It’s a purposely vague and subjective response that leaves little hope for their lacrosse community.  

Michigan State is not unique… every athletic department in the nation is in a constant state of working to get their sports up to a competitive national level.  Unfortunately, when this is their position on adding lacrosse it tells us they are also in a constant state of impeding the sports return to varsity status.

Willamette University (D3 OR) Adds Women's Lacrosse

SALEM, Ore. – Willamette University Athletics Director Valerie Cleary has announced that the NCAA Division III Bearcats will hire a head coach for women's lacrosse in the spring of 2017 with the goal of competing within the Northwest Conference in the spring of 2019. "

After careful consideration of levels of interest in high school sports, student interest surveys completed on campus last spring, and competition available within the Northwest Conference, lacrosse quickly emerged as the top candidate for Willamette's new women's sport," Cleary said.

Full Article

Quick Hits:

-Ohio Machine Announce New Lacrosse Specific Stadium

-Round-table Discussion: How to Grow the Game

-Native Based Lacrosse Organization (CA) Announces Fundraiser

-Taking Lacrosse to Young Kids in Illinois

-Girls Check Out Lacrosse in British Columbia

-3 Things Pro Lacrosse Needs

-Growing the Game in Kenya

-Sacramento to Host MLL All Star Game

-Youthful Ambassadors Spreading Lacrosse Goodwill

-Lacrosse Growing in Birmingham, AL

-Idaho Family Grows Game

Upper Iowa University (DII) and Central Christian College (KS NAIA) Add Lacrosse

Upper Iowa University and the Athletics Department is proud to announce that women's lacrosse will become the 16th varsity sport for the Peacocks with the first team set to compete in the 2018-19 academic year. A search for a full-time head coach will begin immediately with the position starting early this spring (2017) to establish recruiting, schedules and other day-to-day operations for the new program. The program's first competition will take place in spring 2019.

The team will compete and train at Harms-Eischeid Stadium. "We are excited to add women's lacrosse to our Athletics Department and provide new opportunities to new students looking at Upper Iowa University as their top choice for higher education," said President William R. Duffy II. "The caliber of student-athletes who compete in lacrosse will be an asset for our university, and we look forward to these young women becoming UIU leaders inside and outside of the classroom."

Full Article


The Central Christian College Board of Trustees and the President's Cabinet have approved the addition of Men's Lacrosse beginning in the Fall of 2017. The announcement was made late last week by Central Christian Director of Athletics, Steve "Twiggs" Reed. When Reed was hired in the summer of 2015, one of the projects he was tasked with by CCC President, Hal Hoxie, was to begin looking at other NAIA championship sports that could be added to the College's lineup of athletic programs, that would help place in CCC in the national spotlight, and also help to boost enrollment.

In his first year at the helm, Reed added men's wrestling to the docket, and after many months of research the decision was made to start a men's lacrosse program at CCC. Lacrosse is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States and has been gaining popularity here in the central states over the past decade. Currently it is listed as an invitational sport in the NAIA with 30 schools sponsoring a program.

Full Article

Quick Hits:

-Washington School District Adds Girls Lacrosse

-Lacrosse Makes Appearance on the Simpsons

-Growing the Game in Baltimore City

-NLL Expansion Plans on Track

-Lacrosse Makes an Impact in Cincinnati Public Schools

-Help this California school get access to lacrosse equipment

-How Do You Grow the Game?


Sunday Lax Links

-Utah Adds Varsity Beach Volleyball...is Lacrosse Next?

-Ohio Machine Work to Grow the Game with Lacrosse Convention

-US Lacrosse Opens New Stadium at Organization Headquarters

-Texas Rejects Lacrosse as Official High School Sport

-New Arena League Set to Launch

-All Access to Cleveland State's First Varsity Season

-Puerto Rico Becomes the FIL's 56th Member Nation

-The Growing Trend of Mini Lacrosse Games

-Ex Dowling Women's Lacrosse Players Transfer to NYIT to Launch Program

-With Headgear Women's Lax Gets Safer...Or Does It?

-UNLV Eyes Varsity Hockey

-New Arena League to be Training Ground for NLL

-Local Father Creates Headgear for W. Lacrosse



2016 High School Sponsorship Data Released

From Laxpower.com

Lacrosse at the high school level has grown dramatically since 2001 and continues to expand at a more rapid rate than most other sports. Girls' lacrosse again cracked the top 10 in number of participants, with about 88,000 players at schools covered by the NFHS survey.

Data on school sponsorship and student participation are compiled annually by the National Federation of State High School Associations, and we have created a summary of the NFHS data, which includes both data tables and graphs that present the figures longitudinally.

From 2001 through 2016, the number of high schools sponsoring boys' and girls' lacrosse increased by 193% and 229%, respectively. Over that period, the number of students participating in lacrosse rose by 162% for boys and 172% for girls. For more detailed information, see the full report

Note that the NFHS universe is limited. There are over 1,200 boys' and about 700 girls' lacrosse teams and their participants not included in the totals. In many states, the NFHS umbrella does not include all schools. High schools in states where lacrosse is not officially sanctioned are simply not reflected in NFHS figures.

Quit Hits:

-Southern Miss to Consider Adding New Sport

-Lacrosse May Be Coming to Manatee High School (FL)

-Sports Growth Culminates With Illinois HS Recognition

-Lacrosse Comes to North West Denver

-Growing Lacrosse in Montana

-Birmingham Lacrosse Helping Inner City Kids Go to College

-Taiwan Embracing Lacrosse

-Growth Spurs New Conference in NC High School System

-New Morgan State AD Talks Adding Lacrosse

-Local Teams Happy Ohio HS Association Added Lacrosse


St. Ambrose University (NAIA IA) Adds Women's Lacrosse

St. Ambrose University President Sister Joan Lescinski, CSJ, PhD, announced today the University will add men's and women's varsity swimming & diving and women's varsity lacrosse next academic year. The swimming teams will begin competition in the fall of 2017 and the women's lacrosse team will begin play in the spring of 2018. Additionally, SAU Director of Athletics Ray Shovlain announced the hiring of Garrett Wimberly as the head men's and women's lacrosse coach at St. Ambrose. He will begin his duties on Sept. 1.

Since 2009-10, the University has added men's and women's bowling, men's lacrosse, athletic band, and now men's and women's swimming & diving, and women's lacrosse.

Full Article

Quick Hits:

-15 Ways US Lacrosse is Growing the Game

-New Girls HS Rules Aim to Boost Game

-LSN's Take on Fixing the MLL

-Growing Wheelchair Lacrosse

William Peace Univeristy (D3 NC) Adds Lacrosse

RALEIGH, NC – William Peace University is proud to announce the addition of Men's and Women's Lacrosse to its athletics roster. With the additions, WPU becomes the only higher education institution in the Raleigh area to offer NCAA men's lacrosse. The University will immediately conduct a national search for a head coach and staff, explore development strategies, and begin recruiting student-athletes for competition with an anticipated start date of spring 2018.

"We are thrilled to be adding the exciting and growing sport of lacrosse to Pacer Athletics," said Brian C. Ralph, Ph.D., President of William Peace University. "Our student-athletes are difference makers in competition, in the classroom and in the community. I am confident our new lacrosse teams will be substantive contributors to campus life and our academic programs. We all look forward to welcoming these new Pacers and cheering them on."

Full Article

Quick Hits:

-MLL Game Feeds Minnesota's Lacrosse Appetite 

-Minnesota Major League Lacrosse?

-Olympic Lacrosse Pros & Cons

-FIL Pushes for Lacrosse's Olympic Inclusion

-FIL Honors Leader for China Growth

-How Lacrosse Became Georgia's New Favorite Sport

-NLL Determined to Expand Digital Footprint

-Compton Lacrosse Program Looking to Grow

-A New Era For US Lacrosse

-Growing Lacrosse in Malaysia

Mars Hill University (D2 NC) Adds Women's Lacrosse

MARS HILL, N.C. – Athletic Director David Riggins and the Mars Hill University Athletics Department announce the addition of women's lacrosse for the 2017-18 season. Also announced is inaugural head coach, Kristina Llanes. Llanes will spend the 2016-17 season on the recruiting trail before placing MHU's first women's lacrosse team on the field in the spring of 2018.

Riggins stated, "Mars Hill University welcomes Coach Llanes to the Lion Athletic Family. We are so fortunate to land a head coach with such extensive head coaching experience. The fact that she has experience in developing a first year collegiate program is value added."

Full Article

Quick Hits:

-Harrisburg, PA Kids Learn Lacrosse

-When Will Lacrosse be Added to the Olympics?

-Where is Major League Lacrosse Headed Next?

-US Lacrosse & NLL Explore Collaboration 

-Great Midwest Athletic Conference Adds Lacrosse

-MLL Testing Minnesota and Connecticut Market

-Utah AD: No We Are Not Adding Lacrosse

-NCAA To Experiment With Rule Changes This Fall

-2016 MLL Season: Parity a Sign of Growth

-New ECU Coach Begins Buildling

-New US Lacrosse Headquarters Will Help Grow the Game

-Time for Changes to International Rules

Tuesday Lax Links

-Local Tournament Shows Lacrosse Growth In Northern Michigan

-Help Lacrosse Grow in Southern Kentucky

-Q & A With New Arizona State Women's Lacrosse Head Coach

-Herkimer College (JUCO) Drops Women's Lacrosse

-The MCLA-NAIA Question

-Reexamining the MCLA Varsity Exemption

-NLL Eyes Return to Philly

-Lacrosse Added at Lake Zurich High (IL)

-American Family Grows Lacrosse in Europe and Beyond

-Scotland's Finest - The First D1 Players From Europe

Friday Lax Links


-
Morgan State Considers Return to D1

-Former Morgan State Players Support D1 Effort

-South Walton High (FL) Adds Lacrosse

-South Walton First Santa Rosa, FL Area School to Add Lacrosse

-Two More Florida High Schools Considering Lacrosse

-What Come's Next For UWLX?

-Lacrosse Pathfinders: Montana

-Interest in Lacrosse Growing in Nebraska

-Lacrosse Shines in the Golden State

-Collegiate Lacrosse Growth Limited by Gender Quota

Utah News:

-Utah Hiring UNC Coach to Run MCLA Program, No Timetable for D1

-New Coach Hopes Utah D1 A Reality Soon

-Utah Might Add Lacrosse and That's a Big Deal

-Would Utah Make Sense for the Big East?

Wednesday Lax Links


-Lacrosse Growing in Milton, WI

-Utah Club Team Sees Growth in Scrimmage

-Utah Considering Sanctioning Prep Lacrosse

-Is Utah Considering Adding D1 Lacrosse?

-Is Lacrosse Growing Rapidly in Colorado?  Kind of.

-Tournament Shows Growth in Baltimore 

-Utah Hires UNC Coach to Run MCLA Team

-Growth Showing in Connecticut

-Help this 'Highest Poverty' grade school get access to lacrosse sticks.

-NCAA D1 A Goal for Utah

-Morgan State Considers Return to Varsity Status

Wednesday Lax Links


-Colby Sawyer and Regis Join the GNAC

-Digging Deep for Diversity

-UWLX Runs Equipment Clinic

-PITT Plans Indoor Lacrosse Facility...but No D1 Plans

-Facility Keeps Bowling Green Lacrosse Alive

-Why Diversity Matters

-Academy of New Church Helps Grow Game in PA

-Growing Game on Staten Island

-From Japan, With Lacrosse

-Grands Rapid, MN High Schools Adding Lacrosse

-Marcus Holman Talks About Growth of Lacrosse

Wednesday Lax Links

-St. Gregory's University (NAIA, OK) Suspends Lacrosse Operations

-WVU Grad's Lacrosse Invention

-Lacrosse Growing in New Brunswick, Canada

-Lacrosse Wave Hits Myrtle Beach

-Coach Growing Lacrosse in New London, CT

-Math Doesn't Work for Adding M. Lax at Elon

-Harlem Lax Meets Durham Lax

-What's Next for Hampton Lacrosse

-Help Virginia Middle School Add Girls Lacrosse

-Clemson Discusses Adding Sports/Lacrosse

-University of Regina Should Add Lacrosse

-NLL Making Push for Growth

-Australian Lacrosse Club Looks to Grow

-Shark Tank Appearance Inspires Teen to Grow Company

-North Dakota Lax Association Looks to Grow Game

-New York Woman Helps Grow Game

NYIT Adds Women's Lacrosse

Westbury, N.Y. – New York Institute of Technology Director of Athletics Duane Bailey, has announced that NYIT will add women's lacrosse to its intercollegiate athletics department as of June 3, 2016. The Bears will begin competition in the 2016-17 academic year, as a NCAA Division II member of the East Coast Conference.

"Today we celebrate the addition of women's lacrosse to our Bears Athletics family," Bailey said. "This exciting sport allows NYIT to expand women's athletics opportunities at the Division II level. Women's lacrosse continues to grow in popularity and participation here in the northeast and throughout the country. We are confident that Bears fans will enthusiastically support our new team as we build the program over the next several years."

Full Article

Recapping 2016's Inaugural Year Programs


Virginia Commonwealth University 
Division 1 (W)
Virginia
W - 2016 Record: 3-14

Felician College
Division 2 (W)
New Jersey
W - 2016 Record: 0-11

Montreat College
NAIA (W)
North Carolina
W - 2016 Record: 1-15

Ohio Northern University
Division 3 (M/W)
Ohio
M - 2016 Record: 8-7 
W - 2016 Record: 7-9

University of the Cumberlands
NAIA (M/W)
Kentucky
M - 2016 Record: 7-5 
W - 2016 Record: 4-8

UMass Lowell
Division 1 (W)
Massachusetts
W - 2016 Record: 1-16

Central Michigan University
Division 1 (W)
Michigan
W - 2016 Record: 6-10

Radford University 
Division 1 (W)
Virginia
W - 2016 Record: 1-14

U.S. Military Academy at West Point
Division 1 (W)
New York
W - 2016 Record: 5-12

University of Northwestern
Division 2 (W)
Minnesota
W - 2016 Record: 2-13

Purchase College
Division 3 (M)
New York
M - 2016 Record: 0-4 

University of Saint Mary 
NAIA (M/W)
Kansas
M - 2016 Record: 6-9 
W - 2016 Record: 2-10

Moravian College
Division 3 (M/W)
Pennsylvania
M - 2016 Record: 10-6 
W - 2016 Record: 6-10

Clarke University
NAIA (M/W)
Iowa
M - 2016 Record: 1-10 
W - 2016 Record: 4-3

University of Indianapolis
Division 2 (M/W)
Indiana
M - 2016 Record: 8-6 
W - 2016 Record: 6-12

Wilkes University 
Division 3 (M)
Pennsylvania
M - 2016 Record: 0-15 

Alabama Huntsville 
Division 2 (M/W)
Alabama
M - 2016 Record: 3-9 
W - 2016 Record: 14-4

Ottawa University
NAIA (M/W)
Kansas
M - 2016 Record: 9-5 
W - 2016 Record: 6-4

Northern Michigan University
Division 2 (W)
Michigan
W - 2016 Record: 6-2

Georgian Court University 
Division 2 (M)
hunt New Jersey
M - 2016 Record: 2-13 

Benedictine College
NAIA (M/W)
Kansas
M - 2016 Record: 5-8 
W - 2016 Record: 7-5

Davis & Elkins College 
Division 2 (M/W)
West Virginia
M - 2016 Record: 0-9 
W - 2016 Record: 1-10

Concordia University Chicago
Division 3 (M/W)
Illinois
M - 2016 Record: 1-13 
W - 2016 Record: 0-17

Westminster College
Division 3 (M)
Pennsylvania
M - 2016 Record: 2-7 

University of Montevallo
Division 2 (W)
Alabama
W - 2016 Record: 6-12

Hamline University
Division 3 (W)
Minnesota
W - 2016 Record: 10-6

Frederick Community College
NJCAA (M/W)
Maryland
M - 2016 Record: 4-6 
W - 2016 Record: 4-13

St. Thomas Aquinas College 
Division 2 (M)
New York
M - 2016 Record: 0-12 

Hampton University
Division 1 (M)
Virginia
M - 2016 Record: 0-5 

Westminster College
Division 2 (M/W)
Utah
M - 2016 Record: 13-3 
W - 2016 Record: 2-9

Laurel University
NCCAA
North Carolina
Did Not Add Sport

University of Dayton 
Division 1 (W)
Ohio
Did Not Add Sport


La Roche College
 
Division 3 (W)
Pennsylvania
Did Not Add Sport

Marian University
NAIA (W)
Indiana
Delayed One Year

Northland College
Division 3 (M/W)
Wisconsin
Delayed One Year


Saturday Lax Links


-Final Four TV Ratings Increase

-Final Four Attendance Increase

-Dowling College (DII NY) To Close Doors, Shut Down Athletics

-Lacrosse a New Thrill at Philly Inner City School

-Growing the Game in Prince Albert, CA

-Youth Lacrosse Growing Through Northern Michigan

-Lacrosse's Big Moment

-High School Lacrosse Growth in Washington State

-High School Lacrosse Growth in Illinois

-Women's Professional Lacrosse League Has Mission in Mind

-Lacrosse a Way of Life for Alabama Man

-The Dream of Black Lacrosse

-Courage Games Grow in 2nd Year

-Minnesota Hockey Players Switching Sticks in the Spring

-Growing the Game in Illinois Community

Marian University (D3 WI) and University of Montevallo (D2 AL) Add Lacrosse

FOND DU LAC, Wis. – Marian University director of athletics Jason Bartelt is pleased to announce the addition of men's lacrosse and the hiring of Reid Mayberry as the program's first head coach. The Sabres will begin play in the 2017-18 season.

 "I am extremely excited to bring lacrosse in as an NCAA sport to Marian University and our athletic department," Bartelt said. "Lacrosse is an up-and-coming-sport in our area and will have a

tremendous impact on our campus." The university approved the addition of men's lacrosse to Marian's athletics offerings earlier this month and will become the 21st varsity sport. The addition of men's lacrosse is expected to add 50 to 60 student-athletes to the university, athletic administrators have stated

 "Lacrosse is an exciting, fast paced game of skill and teamwork. I'm very excited to add it to the collection of sports already offered at Marian University." Marian President Dr. Andrew Manion said. "I'm also really pleased to be adding Reid to our coaching staff. He has exceptional experience as a coach and a player at exemplary NCAA Division III lacrosse programs."

Full Article


MONTEVALLO, Ala. – University of Montevallo President John W. Stewart III recently announced the addition of men's lacrosse as the 18th intercollegiate sport. Men's lacrosse will become the eighth men's intercollegiate sport at the University. It is the seventh intercollegiate sport added at the University in the past four years.

 "I would like to thank the University Board of Trustees and President Stewart for approving men's lacrosse," said Athletic Director Mark Richard. "The lacrosse community continues to expand on the national landscape and in the state of Alabama and we're excited to be part of the sport's growth." The men's lacrosse program will begin its inaugural season in the spring of 2018. 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 natural grass field at the lacrosse/track and field facility that opened in the spring of 2016. For more information about the head coaching position and the program's new facility, visit www.montevallo.edu or www.montevallofalcons.com.

Full Article

Quick Hits:

-Help a Nebraska Elementary School Teacher Introduce Lacrosse to His Students

-BC Should Drop Baseball, Add Lacrosse

-Introducing the Lacrosse Industry Summit

-Ohio Quarterfinals Site Shows Games Growth

US Lacrosse Releases 2015 Participation Survey

ational lacrosse participation topped 800,000 active players for the first time since US Lacrosse began monitoring participation levels in 2001. For the year, total participation grew 2.2 percent to a total of 802,044 players competing on organized teams.

Youth lacrosse continues to be the largest segment of play in the country with nearly 450,000 players under the age of 15. For the second consecutive year there were 14 states with at least 10,000 players, led by New York with 56,335 players. At the high school level, lacrosse remains the fastest-growing team sport according to date from the National Federation of State High School Associations. Over the five-year period from 2010-2015, the number of schools with boys’ lacrosse rose 29.5 percent and the number of girls’ programs grew 29.8 percent. Indoor track was the only other sport with a double-digit percentage increase in new teams.

The growth rates were even higher at the NCAA level. From 2010 to 2015, the number of new men’s programs grew 33.6 percent and the number of new women’s programs grew 36.6 percent.

Full Article/Survey

Quick Hits:

-Myles Jones on being the 'Face of the Game'

-LaxFest Highlights Sports Popularity in Spokane, Washington

-VA Boosts Wheelchair Lacrosse in Midwest

-Girls Lacrosse Gaining Popularity in Windsor, ON

-Paul Rabil Lends Helping Hand to Harlem Lacrosse

-Lacrosse Enjoying Growth in South Dakota

-South Africa Lacrosse Needs Coaches

Averett University (D3 VA) & Columbia College (NAIA MO) Add Lacrosse

DANVILLE, Va. — Through the support of an anonymous donor, Averett University is proud to announce the addition of three NCAA Division III varsity athletics programs — men's lacrosse, women's lacrosse and men's wrestling. All three are scheduled to begin play during the 2017-18 academic year. Averett is launching its 14th, 15th and 16th varsity programs, respectively, as part of the university's "Averett 2020" strategic plan to increase enrollment and expand the geographic diversity of its student population.


The three programs are expected to generate 90 new students within four years, which will assist Averett in its aspiration for 1,100 traditional students. "It is an exciting time at Averett University as we drive strategic growth centered on our students' success and their enhanced experience," said Dr. Tiffany M. Franks, President of Averett University.

"We are so very appreciative of this most generous gift that will help us achieve new levels of athletic and academic excellence. Adding these sports will help us to diversify our enrollment pipelines by attracting prospective students from geographical regions outside of Averett's traditionally targeted territories."

Full Article

 Columbia, Mo. – Columbia College has elected to add two new sport programs to its lineup of teams beginning in the fall of 2017. The Cougars will be adding men's lacrosse and women's bowling. "We are excited about the expansion of athletic offerings at Columbia College," stated athletic director and head men's basketball coach Bob Burchard. "Adding men's lacrosse and women's bowling allows us to further our vision of providing quality and sustai
nable opportunities for student athletes."

 Lacrosse has steadily increased in popularity over the last few years and is currently in invitational status with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and will most likely become a championship sport within the next couple years. 27 schools sponsor men's lacrosse in the NAIA.

Full Article

Quick Hits:

-Westminister (D2 Utah) Dreams Big With Move From Club Ranks

-Should Louisville Add a Men's Lacrosse Team

-Pro Lacrosse Player Brings Passion to South West Florida

-Kansas Youth Getting Hooked on Lacrosse

-Sharing the Wealth Helps Lacrosse Grow (NY)

-Coach Has Big Plans to Grow Lacrosse in San Diego

-Growing the Game in Fox Valley, IL

-Rush Owners Believe NLL Will Return to Edmonton

-Lacrosse Evolving in Kentucky

-Parssipany NJ Lacrosse Continues Growth

-Lacrosse Popularity Growing in Clarksville, TN

-Girls Lacrosse Growing in Wausau, WI

-Hawaii Prep Lacrosse Growing

Monday Lax Links


-Will Stateline Area Schools (IL) Add Lacrosse

-Lacrosse Becoming Ohio's Fastest Growing HS Sport

-Celebrating 10 Years of CityLax

-Hoboken Girls Lacrosse Team a First For County

-Boston Cannons Coach on Growth of Lacrosse

-Nebraska HS Hopes for Lacrosse Sponsorship

-The Growing Popularity of Lacrosse in PA Community

-Lacrosse Gains Popularity in Huntsville, Alabama

-Penn State Lacrosse Eyes Facility Expansion

-How Lacrosse Became an IHSA Sport

-Syracuse Heads to Georgia as Sport Booms 

-South Florida Club Adds Three Teams

Southern Wesleyan University (DII SC) Adds Women's Lacrosse

CENTRAL, S.C.- The Board of Trustees of Southern Wesleyan University has approved the addition of women’s lacrosse as an intercollegiate sport for the 2016-17 school year. “I am excited to announce that our Board of Trustees has approved the addition of our 18th varsity sport at SWU,” said Southern Wesleyan Director of Athletics Chris Williams.

“A big thank you to President Voss and his cabinet, and to the members of my staff who have worked to gather data, write the pro-forma and to pitch the proposal.”

Full Article

Quick Hits:

-Casey Powell Introduces Speed Lacrosse

-Illinois Votes to Sponsor Lacrosse at High School Level

-UGA Football Uses Lacrosse Sticks for Motivation 

-Colorado High School Adds Lacrosse

-Fast Paced Lacrosse Growing in Wisconsin

-Lacrosse Growing in Coronado, TX

-Lacrosse Interest Growing in Kansas

-How A History Making Team Challenges Lacrosse's White Image

-Eastern Washington Girls Club at Forefront of Growth

-Desert Vista, AZ Players Finding Success

Monday Lax Links


-Lacrosse Continues to Explode Across US

-Is this the Future of Lacrosse?

-Lacrosse Growing as High School Club Sport in Indiana

-Girls Lacrosse Growing at Scranton Prep

-Growth of Girls Lacrosse in Minnesota

-UNC and the Growth of Women's Lacrosse

-Why Lacrosse is Booming in British Universities 

-Television Exposure Helps Penn State Lacrosse Grow

-Edmonton Still Feeling Lacrosse Boost From Departed NLL Team

-Grad Helps Set Foundation for Pittsburgh Area High School Team

-Trump Talks Jim Brown and Lacrosse

-Officials Shortage Challenges Oregon Lacrosse

-Prep Lacrosse Begins First Season in Duluth, MN

-Lacrosse Growth Provides Ohio HS Students with More Opportunities 

Earlham College (D3 IN) Adds Lacrosse

RICHMOND, Ind. – The Earlham College Athletics Department continues to broaden its programming. Effective in the 2017-18 academic year, Earlham will sponsor men's and women's lacrosse as varsity sports.

"Adding men's and women's lacrosse on campus and to our department allows Earlham to be attractive to yet another population of prospective and current students," Director of Athletics Mike Bergum said. "More varsity lacrosse programs are popping up in the Midwest, and Earlham wants to be part of that progression. The vision on campus is to grow, and adding lacrosse is a great way to move forward."

Full Article

Quick Hits:

-Lacrosse Gaining Popularity in Lincoln, NE

-Go Fund Me for Hawaiian Lacrosse Team

-Lacrosse Gaining Traction in Kansas City

-Assistant Coach Helping BU Lacrosse Take Next Step

-Lacrosse Finds a Home in Tampa Bay

-Girls Lacrosse Growth in Upstate NY

-Colorado Lacrosse Player Does His Part to Grow Game in Haiti

-Q&A With AD of New Georgia NAIA Program

-Lacrosse Takes Step Forward in Panhandle

-Michigan Community Builds Lacrosse Program

Brenau University (NAIA GA) Adds Women's Lacrosse

Brenau University Athletic Director Mike Lochstampfor said the time is right for the fastest-growing school sport in the nation, lacrosse, to join the Golden Tigers’ intercollegiate athletics program. Lochstampfor plans to hire a head coach this summer and begin recruiting student-athletes and marketing the program in the fall.

The plan is to be ready to play the first Brenau lacrosse games in February 2018. “It’s such a popular sport right now with the momentum it’s gained at the youth level and in high schools,” Lochstampfor said. “Even internally, we’ve had some requests from some of our current students.” Lochstampfor said university officials have been discussing the addition of lacrosse for a few years. “It’s the logical choice to proceed with that as our next big venture,” he said. “We’ve gotten all of our other sports solidified.”

Full Article

Grove City College (D3 PA) Adds Lacrosse

GROVE CITY, Pa. -- Men’s lacrosse will become the 22nd intercollegiate varsity sport at Grove City College, starting with the 2017-18 academic year. The College will field its inaugural NCAA Division III varsity team effective spring 2018 as a member of the Ohio River Lacrosse Conference (ORLC), a joint venture between the Presidents’ Athletic Conference and the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference.

 “For many years, the men’s lacrosse team at the College enjoyed a high level of success as a club sport program competing in the Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association,” said Todd Gibson ’02, Grove City College athletic director. “As the College’s club lacrosse team has grown over the years, we’ve seen increased interest in our ability to offer our student athletes additional opportunities to compete at an even higher level. We’re excited about elevating the men’s program to official varsity status.”

 Grove City College is committed to offering many and varied athletic opportunities for its men and women to not only compete, but to build character – physically, spiritually and mentally. The addition of men’s lacrosse will give Grove City College 11 men’s sports programs and 11 women’s sports programs. Grove City currently sponsors 21 varsity sports. The College most recently added men’s and women’s indoor track and field prior to the 2014-15 academic year.

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Westminster College (D3 MO) Adds Lacrosse

FULTON, MO, March 22, 2016 -- The Athletics Department of Westminster College is launching a nationwide search for student athletes to play for its new men's and women's lacrosse teams, which will take the field in the 2017 spring semester, it was announced today.


 The teams will schedule 10 to 12 games, including home games, away contests and tournaments. "The NCAA has labeled lacrosse as an upward trending sport nationally and in recent years we have seen it become an up-and-coming sport for young people throughout Missouri," said Westminster Director of Athletics Matt Mitchell.

"With lacrosse, we are expanding the opportunities for Westminster's student athletes and future student athletes, and establishing a national platform for our athletics program."

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East Carolina University Adds Women's Lacrosse

GREENVILLE, N.C. -- East Carolina University will add women's lacrosse as an intercollegiate sport with competition to begin in the 2017-18 academic year according to an announcement by director of athletics Jeff Compher on Wednesday. The addition of women's lacrosse will increase East Carolina's cumulative varsity sport count to 20 and represent the 11th women's athletic program. 

"Today we celebrate the addition of women's lacrosse to our Pirate family," Compher said. "This exciting sport allows East Carolina to expand women's athletics opportunities at the Division I level. Women's lacrosse continues to grow in popularity and participation throughout North Carolina and the nation and we are confident that Pirate fans will enthusiastically support our new team as we build the program over the next several years."

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Kent State (D1 OH) Adds Women's Lacrosse

KENT, Ohio - The Kent State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has unveiled its strategic vision, a comprehensive plan that maps out a course for the growing department over the next four years. The plan contains the department's mission, core values and strategic initiatives, including a wide scope of topics ranging from facilities, student-athlete well-being and competitive expectations.

"This plan will lay the foundation for us to make decisions that will enhance our winning and our academic success for many years to come," Director of Athletics Joel Nielsen said.

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Texas Wesleyan University (NAIA) Adds Women's Lacrosse

Texas Wesleyan currently competes in baseball, cross country, basketball, soccer, golf, track and field, tennis, softball, volleyball, table tennis, and competitive cheer and dance. Plans are also underway to develop a new women's lacrosse program. Texas Wesleyan student-athletes regularly win scholar-athlete awards and adhere to the same academic standards as other University students. 

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Embry-Riddle University (DII Florida) Adds Lacrosse

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Embry-Riddle Director of Athletics John Phillips, has announced that Embry-Riddle will add men's and women's lacrosse to its intercollegiate athletics program. The Eagles will begin intercollegiate competition in lacrosse in 2017-18, which is projected to be ERAU's first season of full NCAA II membership.


 "I'm really excited to announce the addition of these two new sports to our athletic program as part of our transition to NCAA Division II and the Sunshine State Conference," Phillips said. "Lacrosse is a fast-paced, fan-friendly sport that I know will be a great addition to our athletic program here on the Daytona Beach campus. It is one of the fastest growing sports in the nation and we look forward to being part of that excitement and growth."

 The search for the programs' first head coaches will get underway in the next few weeks. The candidates will begin work this summer and then have a full academic year to recruit in preparation for the Eagles' first intercollegiate lacrosse games in the spring of 2018.

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