October 2015 ~ The Growth Blog - Chronicling the Growth of the Sport of Lacrosse

St. Josephs College (DIII NY) Adds Men's Lacrosse

Saturday, October 31, 2015

Patchogue, NY| The Department of Athletics at St. Joseph’s College (SJC) is pleased to announce that it will offer men’s lacrosse and volleyball at SJC Long Island, effective spring 2017. These additions reflect the growth that the College is experiencing within its academic programs and facility upgrades. Approved by the NCAA and Skyline Conference, men’s lacrosse and volleyball are the newest Golden Eagles teams to be offered.

Existing sports programs already offered include swimming, baseball, dance, equestrian, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s golf, women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s tennis, men’s and women’s track and field, and women’s volleyball. By adding men’s lacrosse and volleyball to its roster, SJC is aiding the Skyline Conference by increasing the number of schools who meet NCAA minimums for championships.

"Long Island is a hotbed for lacrosse and well-known for its club volleyball programs, so we are excited to be offering these sports at SJC Long Island,” said Shantey Hill, assistant vice president and senior director of athletics and recreation at SJC. “Long Island student-athletes will now have the opportunity to stay home while expanding their educational and athletic pursuits."

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Posted in: Arizona,Delaware,Division I,Division III,International,New York,Participation,Urban Growth

University of Hartford Adds Women's Lacrosse

Thursday, October 29, 2015

WEST HARTFORD, CONN. – University of Hartford Director of Athletics Anton Goff announced today that the University will add the sport of women's lacrosse for the 2017-18 season and will discontinue its men's and women's tennis programs at the conclusion of the 2015-16 season. The actions are a result of an examination of Hartford's budget, fundraising, and facilities alongside of trends in intercollegiate athletics since Goff became Director of Athletics in May 2014.

"Women's lacrosse is one of the fastest growing sports in the nation," Goff said. "Seven schools in the America East Conference already have teams and we are committed to being successful competitors in our conference. Our goal in adding women's lacrosse is to move to full compliance with Title IX."

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Posted in: Connecticut,Division I

Butler University Adds Women's Lacrosse & Concordia University Ann Arbor (NAIA) Adds Lacrosse

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

INDIANAPOLIS -- Butler University will add women’s lacrosse as its 20th varsity sport with the team beginning play during the 2016-17 academic year. The announcement was made by Butler Vice President/Director of Athletics Barry Collier Wednesday, Oct. 21.

“The addition of women’s lacrosse as a varsity sport provides Butler with the opportunity to deepen relationships in portions of the country that continue to be very important to the University, especially Indiana, the Midwest and the East Coast,” said Collier. “Women’s lacrosse adds to our wide offering of varsity sports, which provide exceptional student-athlete experiences and are a source of pride and unity for Butler undergraduates, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends.”

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ANN ARBOR, Mich.-- Concordia University Ann Arbor (CUAA) announces the addition of men's and women's lacrosse programs beginning with the 2016-2017 academic year. Lacrosse brings the University's athletic offerings to 22 teams: 10 men's programs, 11 women's programs and one co-ed program.

"The growing popularity of lacrosse, especially in Michigan and the Ann Arbor area, made it the perfect sport to add to CUAA," said Lonnie Pries Athletic Director. "Athletics is an important tool for us as we carry out our mission of preparing students in mind, body, and spirit for success when they leave this place." Pries continues, "When we expand our athletic opportunities, we expand our ability to have greater impact on the world."

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Posted in: Division I,Division III,Indiana,Michigan

Arizona State University Adds Women's Lacrosse

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

TEMPE, Ariz. – Through generous donations and a grant from USA Triathlon, Sun Devil Athletics officially announces the addition of NCAA women’s triathlon and NCAA women’s lacrosse as Arizona State’s 24th and 25th varsity sports, respectively. The first seasons of triathlon and lacrosse are scheduled for the 2017-18 academic year.

In November 2014, Sun Devil Athletics received the largest donation in department history of $32M to fund the elevation of the Sun Devil Men’s Ice Hockey team to the NCAA Division I level. The donation also provided extra support to sponsor additional women’s NCAA programs for both Title IX compliance and to expand educational opportunities for future Sun Devil student-athletes. “To date, this is one of the most rewarding experiences I have had here at Arizona State,” said Ray Anderson, Vice President for University Athletics.

“To announce today that we are expanding competitive and educational opportunities for future Sun Devil student-athletes is extraordinarily gratifying. It is an honor for ASU to be able to empower, embolden, serve and provide opportunities for these young people. The addition of triathlon, lacrosse and even hockey, embodies the purpose for us as administrators and advocates for our student-athletes.”

Full Article

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