Rhode Island College (D3) Adds Men's Lacrosse

Providence, R.I.—Rhode Island College President Jack Warner announced today the addition of men's lacrosse as RIC's 24th intercollegiate sport. Additionally, the women's lacrosse program will also be elevated to include a full-time head coach.

President Warner said, "Adding men's lacrosse at the present time fits in very well with our overall strategic enrollment plan of enhancing our male enrollment, while at the same time, recognizing the importance of equitably enhancing the women's lacrosse program. These two initiatives are very important as we recruit from very successful interscholastic and community-based lacrosse programs in the state during a period when the Hope Scholarship program is playing a key role in supporting Rhode Islanders as they seek affordability in continuing their education. It is also our hope that more out of state students will continue to make Rhode Island College their first choice when it comes to selecting a college with new and diverse academic programming, an enhanced campus and within a state that has some of the best natural resources the region has to offer."

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Posted in: Division III,Rhode Island

Recapping 2026 Inaugural Year Programs

Columbia College
NAIA (M/W)
South Carolina
M - 2-14
W - 1-13

Northwest Nazarene University
Division 2 (M)
Idaho
M - 4-10

Austin Peay State University
Division 1 (W)
Florida
W - 4-13

Florida State University
Division 1 (W)
Florida
W - 4-12

Colby-Sawyer College
Division 3(M)
New Hampshire
M - 1-10

University of Pittsburgh at Bradford
Division 3 (W)
Pennsylvania
W - 10-7

Posted in: Division I,Division II,Division III,Florida,Idaho,NAIA,New Hampshire,Pennsylvania,South Carolina

Fitchburg State University (D3 MA) Adds Men's Lacrosse

Fitchburg State University is proud to announce the expansion of its intercollegiate sports portfolio with the addition of varsity men’s lacrosse. This move brings the university’s total varsity offerings to 19 programs, further solidifying the Falcons' commitment to student-athlete growth and campus engagement. The Board of Trustees, chaired by Michael Fiorentino Jr., unanimously approved the creation of the team on Tuesday, April 28, paving the way to begin competitive play in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC). Men's lacrosse now a varsity sport The new men's varsity lacrosse team will play in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference.

"The addition of men’s varsity lacrosse marks an exhilarating new chapter for Fitchburg State," said Fitchburg State President Donna Hodge. "This expansion is a direct investment in our students and the vibrant campus culture that defines the Falcon experience. By elevating our offerings to 19 varsity programs, we are not just growing our athletic department—we are creating more pathways for talented student-athletes to develop leadership skills, find their community, and pursue excellence both in the classroom and on the field. We are fully committed to supporting this program as it transitions to the NCAA level."

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Posted in: Division III,Massachusetts

City College of New York (D3) Adds Men's Lacrosse

New York, NY - The City College of New York Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation Duane Bailey announced the addition of NCAA Men's Lacrosse as the department's newest varsity athletic program. The Beavers will begin competition during the 2026-27 academic year. 

 "We are committed to creating opportunities that enhance the student-athlete experience and support the continued growth of our athletics program," said Bailey. "Elevating Men's Lacrosse from a successful club program to NCAA varsity status reflects our investment in expanding opportunities for our students while continuing to build a competitive and dynamic athletic department." CCNY will elevate its current club men's lacrosse team to varsity status, building upon an established foundation and creating a pathway for student-athletes to compete at the NCAA Division III level while representing the Beavers.

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Posted in: Division III,New York

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