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