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