St. Catherine University (D3 MN) Adds Women's Lacrosse

ST. PAUL, Minn. – St. Catherine University is proud to announce the addition of flag football and women's lacrosse as the department's new varsity sports, expanding opportunities for student-athletes and continuing the institution's commitment to growth within NCAA Division III athletics.

The new teams mark the Wildcats' first additions to their intercollegiate programs since adding golf in fall 2011. Flag football is slated to begin competition in the spring of 2027, with women's lacrosse set to begin in the spring of 2028. The department will conduct national searches for head coaches who will lead program development, recruiting, and competitive readiness.

"We are thrilled to be adding to our varsity sport offerings," said Eric Stacey, Director of Athletics at St. Catherine University. "Flag football and lacrosse are both fast-growing sports at the youth and high school level, so it is an excellent time for St. Kate's to move in this direction. These additions will bolster the vibrant and positive atmosphere our student-athletes foster throughout the athletic department and across the entire campus." Flag football is one of the fastest-growing women's sports nationwide, while women's lacrosse continues to see strong growth at the collegiate level. The addition of the two programs also supports St. Catherine University's broader enrollment strategy by creating new pathways for prospective student-athletes, expanding recruiting reach, and enhancing campus engagement. Both sports align with the University's mission to develop leaders, foster belonging, and provide transformative student experiences.

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Posted in: Division III,Minnesota

Brandeis University (D3 MA) Adds Women's Lacrosse

WALTHAM, Mass. -- Brandeis University will add women's lacrosse as the newest varsity sport for the Judges, with competition set to begin during the 2026–27 academic year. This marks an exciting expansion of the athletic department's commitment to student-athlete development and growing

opportunities for participation in collegiate athletics.

Currently, all but seven private selective Division III schools in the northeast have women's lacrosse included in their portfolio of varsity sports. Over the past decade, women's lacrosse has seen a significant surge in participation across all levels of play and remains one of the fastest-growing women's collegiate sports. The addition will provide new athletic opportunities for women, strengthen Brandeis' competitive standing in New England, and contribute to the university's broader enrollment and engagement strategies.

"Adding women's lacrosse is more than a program expansion — it's an investment in the future of women's sports and the student-athlete experience at Brandeis," said Brandeis Director of Athletics Jessica Chapin '10. "This is a momentous step forward for our program and the University as a whole. It allows the athletic department to further align with the institution's strategic goals, broaden athletic offerings, and foster excellence  across campus. I am thrilled to be a part of the growth of women's lacrosse and Brandeis Athletics."

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Posted in: Division III,Massachusetts

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