Barry University (D2 FL) Adds Men's and Women's Lacrosse

MIAMI SHORES, Fla. – The Buccaneers are at it again as Barry University adds men's and women's lacrosse to its ever-expanding menu of varsity sports, President Dr. Mike Allen and Associate Vice President/ Director of Athletics and Recreation Dr. Scott Smith announced today. The additions bring the total number of varsity programs in The Shores to 23, with 10 new programs since 2023-24. Both programs will compete in the Sunshine State Conference, "The Conference of National Championships", beginning in the spring of 2027.

"At Barry, we are committed to creating opportunities for student-athletes to grow on the field and in the classroom. The addition of men's and women's lacrosse to our expanding roster reflects our dedication to fostering excellence through athletics and providing students with the resources they need to become dynamic leaders in their communities," said Dr. Mike Allen, Barry University President Barry becomes the tenth SSC institution to sponsor men's lacrosse and the ninth for women's. As of the spring of 2025, there are currently 79 men's and 110 women's NCAA Division II lacrosse programs. The Bucs join Tampa, Rollins, Florida Southern, Florida Tech, Lynn, Saint Leo, Palm Beach Atlantic, and Embry-Riddle in the men's conference, while Nova Southeastern will also begin play on the women's side in 2027.

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Posted in: Division II,Florida

St. Thomas University (NAIA FL) Adds Men's Lacrosse

Miami Gardens, Fla. – The St. Thomas University Athletic Department revealed the next sport sponsored

by the Bobcats will be Men's Lacrosse, marking the 33rd varsity sport on campus. Set to lead the Bobcats into their inaugural season in the spring of 2027 and beyond is Matt Blamey, who comes to Miami Gardens with over two decades of coaching experience and a proven track record of launching and elevating programs. The addition of the sport marks the 16th under President David A. Armstrong, J.D. Other sports added under Armstrong include Beach Volleyball Men's and Women's Bowling, Flag Football, Football, Women's Golf, Women's Lacrosse, Men's and Women's Rugby, Men's and Women's Swimming, Men's and Women's Indoor Track and Field, Men's Volleyball and Men's Wrestling.

"Because of our investment in Women's Lacrosse, it made great sense to start Men's Lacrosse as it is a growing sport in the NAIA and within the Sun Conference," President Armstrong said. "The key was finding the right coach to build a program that fit STU's winning culture. In Coach Blamey, we believe we have found our champion."

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Posted in: Florida,NAIA

Recapping 2025's Inaugural Year Programs

William Woods University

NAIA (M)
Missouri
M - 5-8

Geneva College
Division 3 (W)
Pennsylvania
W - 0-15

Pacific Lutheran University
Division 3 (W)
Washington
W 1-14

Lawrence University
Division 3 (M/W)
Wisconsin
M - 5-11
W - 1-12

Emory and Henry College
Division 2 (M)
Virginia
M - 0-14

University of Pittsburgh at Bradford
Division 3 (M/W)
Pennsylvania
M - 5-8

Northwood University
Division 2 (M/W)
Michigan
M - 5-9
W - 6-9

University of South Florida
Division 1 (W)
Florida
W - 13-5

Iona College
Division 1 (M)
New York
M - 2-13

Alfred State College
Division 3 (M/W)
New York
M - 9-6
W - 4-9

UNC Charlotte
Division 1 (W)
North Carolina
W - 6-10

Tiffin University
Division 2 (M)
Ohio
M - 3-9

University of Rhode Island
Division 1 (W)
Rhode Island
W - 8-8

Posted in: Division I,Division II,Division III,Florida,Michigan,Missouri,NAIA,New York,North Carolina,Ohio,Pennsylvania,Rhode Island,Virginia,Washington,Wisconsin

Bryant & Stratton College (NJCAA WI) Adds Men's Lacrosse

MILWAUKEE — Next year, Bryant & Stratton College (WI) will be beginning its lacrosse program and the program’s first head coach, BJ Bargas, will be leading the way. Bargas has plenty of experience when it comes to coaching lacrosse.

“I helped coach Sussex Hamilton this past spring, helping it to it's first playoff win in program history while also getting a layout of the land here in Wisconsin. I [also] coached at Buford High School this past season, which led to a state championship,” Bargas said. “Prior to that, I actually started a high school program at East Forsyth High School in 2021. Was there for a couple of seasons and worked with a group that had various backgrounds of experienced players and players that had never picked up a stick before. It really paved the way for me to understand how to start something from scratch.”

Before landing at East Forsyth, Bargas coached in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and played club ball for the University of New Mexico. With a new program set to begin, he already has a plethora of players ready to make the inaugural season a successful one.

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Posted in: JUCO,Wisconsin

UW - Superior (D3 WI) Adds Women's Lacrosse

 SUPERIOR, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Superior and Yellowjacket Athletics have announced the addition of three sports – one varsity sport and two club sports, to its current athletic offerings. UW-Superior will add one varsity NCAA sport, women's lacrosse, which will debut in time for the 2026-27 academic year with sights set on competing in the spring 2027 season.

Additionally, UW-Superior will add two club sports – men's ice hockey and men's soccer, which will begin play in the 2025-26 academic year. The additions bring the total varsity sports at UW-Superior to 20 (9 men's, 11 women's). The club men's hockey and soccer teams will be the first club sports brought under the umbrella of Yellowjacket Athletics.

 "We are thrilled to expand our offerings to provide more, and new, opportunities for student-athletes. Expanding these programs appeals to the interest we receive from prospective students and the growing participation of these sports within our region," UW-Superior director of athletics Nick Bursik said.

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Posted in: Division III,Wisconsin

Penn State Harrisburg (D3 PA) Adds Men's Lacrosse

MIDDLETOWN, Pa. - Penn State Harrisburg has announced it will add men's lacrosse as its newest varsity athletic program, with a search for a full-time head coach to begin this spring. In conjunction with the addition of men's lacrosse, women's flag football will also transition to varsity status.

 With the incorporation of men's lacrosse and the advancement of women's flag football, Penn State Harrisburg will sponsor 19 intercollegiate varsity sports. Men's lacrosse will compete at the NCAA Division III level as a member of the United East Conference beginning in the spring of 2027.

 "We've had consistent interest in men's lacrosse in recent years from students and we're thrilled to turn that excitement into reality," said Rahsaan Carlton, Penn State Harrisburg director of athletics. "The overwhelming response from our current students regarding women's flag football made it clear that we need to initiate this as a varsity sport offering sooner than later.

With support from the NFL, Olympic Games and schools across the country, it is a burgeoning sport whose popularity continues to grow. We are incredibly excited to add these programs as future varsity offerings." Penn State Harrisburg's Admissions Office has seen a growing interest in men's lacrosse among prospective students, prompting the college to expand its athletic offerings.

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Posted in: Division III,Pennsylvania

Columbia College (NAIA SC) Adds Men's and Women's Lacrosse

Columbia, S.C. (January 7, 2025) – In a groundbreaking expansion of its athletic programs, Columbia College is thrilled to announce the addition of men's and women's lacrosse teams, with competition set to begin in February 2026. This marks a significant milestone for Koala Athletics as the college continues to grow its legacy of excellence and opportunity in sports. 

"This is an incredible moment for Koala Athletics," said Glen Crawford, Director of Athletics. "Adding men's and women's lacrosse allows us to elevate our athletics program while bringing more energy and enthusiasm to our campus. Lacrosse is a fast-growing sport with a passionate following, and we're proud to join this movement right here at Columbia College." Columbia College has built a strong tradition of athletic achievement, with numerous teams earning regional and national recognition in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). By introducing lacrosse, the College aims to enrich the student experience, promote athletic diversity, and strengthen its sense of community pride.

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Posted in: NAIA,South Carolina

Northwest Nazarene University (D2 ID) Adds Men's Lacrosse

NAMPA, Idaho – After a rapid ascension to one of the top MCLA Division II programs in the nation, Northwest Nazarene men's lacrosse has been approved to make the jump to the NCAA Division II level starting in the 2025-26 academic year.

 With the move, Nighthawks men's lacrosse will become NNU's 17^th intercollegiate varsity sport, joining STUNT as recent additions to the department's offerings.
 

"It's an exciting day not only for our men's lacrosse program but also for the entire local lacrosse community," said NNU head coach Tom Blanchard. "Today, we solidify ourselves as Idaho's premier lacrosse destination, becoming the first and only NCAA lacrosse program in the state of Idaho."
 
NNU's primary conference, the GNAC, does not sponsor men's lacrosse, so as a result, NNU will become an associate member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) for the sport.
 
"The opportunity to be the first NCAA Lacrosse program in the state of Idaho is a special moment for Northwest Nazarene University," said NNU AD Paul Rush. "Joining the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference will give the young men in our program a tremendous experience and the opportunity to compete for NCAA Championships. We are thankful for the support of Commissioner Chris Graham and the members of the RMAC for welcoming our men's lacrosse program."

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Posted in: Division II,Idaho