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."

Full Article

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."

Full Article 

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.

Full Article

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.

Full Article

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."

Full Article

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.

Full Article 

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."

Full Article

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

Bryant & Stratton College (NJCAA WI) Adds Men's Lacrosse

MILWAUKEE — Next year, Bryant & Stratton College (WI) will be beginning its lacrosse program and the program’s first head coach, BJ Bargas, will be leading the way. Bargas has plenty of experience when it comes to coaching lacrosse.

“I helped coach Sussex Hamilton this past spring, helping it to it's first playoff win in program history while also getting a layout of the land here in Wisconsin. I [also] coached at Buford High School this past season, which led to a state championship,” Bargas said. “Prior to that, I actually started a high school program at East Forsyth High School in 2021. Was there for a couple of seasons and worked with a group that had various backgrounds of experienced players and players that had never picked up a stick before. It really paved the way for me to understand how to start something from scratch.”

Before landing at East Forsyth, Bargas coached in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and played club ball for the University of New Mexico. With a new program set to begin, he already has a plethora of players ready to make the inaugural season a successful one.

Full Article

Posted in: JUCO,Wisconsin

UW - Superior (D3 WI) Adds Women's Lacrosse

 SUPERIOR, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Superior and Yellowjacket Athletics have announced the addition of three sports – one varsity sport and two club sports, to its current athletic offerings. UW-Superior will add one varsity NCAA sport, women's lacrosse, which will debut in time for the 2026-27 academic year with sights set on competing in the spring 2027 season.

Additionally, UW-Superior will add two club sports – men's ice hockey and men's soccer, which will begin play in the 2025-26 academic year. The additions bring the total varsity sports at UW-Superior to 20 (9 men's, 11 women's). The club men's hockey and soccer teams will be the first club sports brought under the umbrella of Yellowjacket Athletics.

 "We are thrilled to expand our offerings to provide more, and new, opportunities for student-athletes. Expanding these programs appeals to the interest we receive from prospective students and the growing participation of these sports within our region," UW-Superior director of athletics Nick Bursik said.

Full Article

Posted in: Division III,Wisconsin

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.

Full Article

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.

Full Article

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."

Full Article

Posted in: Division II,Idaho

Colby-Sawyer College (D3 NH) Adds Men's Lacrosse

Colby-Sawyer College will add two new varsity sports programs — softball in the fall of 2025 and men’s lacrosse in the fall of 2026.

Both programs will compete in NCAA Division III, which emphasizes the importance of academics alongside athletics. This expansion of the college’s athletic offerings reflects its commitment to providing a comprehensive experience to student-athletes and promoting student engagement through diverse sports programs.

“The addition of these two highly competitive and popular varsity pr

ograms will be a tremendous benefit both for our student-athletes and for the campus community at large,” Director of Athletics Jeanette McKillop said. “The introduction of softball and men’s lacrosse will not only enhance the college’s athletic portfolio but also create new opportunities for student-athletes to compete at a collegiate level.”

Both sports are popular among college students in the region. According to McKillop, the number of men’s lacrosse programs in Division III has surged in the Northeast as schools have recognized the sport's appeal and its ability to draw student interest. As of 2023, more than 200 colleges field men’s lacrosse teams. This growth reflects a broader trend in youth sports, where lacrosse has gained popularity particularly among high school athletes. Because of its current popularity, lacrosse will return to the Olympic games in 2028.

Full Article

Posted in: Division III,New Hampshire

William Woods University (NAIA MO) Adds Men's Lacrosse

FULTON, Mo. - In addition to the previously announced additions of Football, Flag Football and Competitive Dance, William Woods University will add Men's Lacrosse for the 2024-25 school year, with 2023 KCAC Coach of the Year Seth Matlock joining the Owls as the team's head coach. The team is seeking affiliate membership in the Heart of America Athletic Conference for the spring 2025 season. "The addition of men's lacrosse is a strategic step in our five-year growth plan," said Director of Athletics Steve Wilson.

"Lacrosse is a rising sport in both the NAIA and the Heart of America Athletic Conference. I'm excited to continue this historic growth - at The Woods, in the Heart, and in the NAIA." "The addition of men's lacrosse at William Woods is another important investment in the future of our University, one that typifies the remarkable growth and vitality of our institution," said President Dr. Jeremy Moreland. "Across the board, we have been growing at The Woods – in enrollment, academics and athletics – and adding lacrosse is the latest demonstration of our eagerness to welcome students to our campus." Men's Lacrosse is in its eighth year as an Invitational championship in the NAIA, with 31 schools currently declared for the sport. Six members of the Heart currently sponsor men's lacrosse, with William Penn (no. 5) and Benedictine (no. 10) both finishing the 2024 regular season ranked in the NAIA Coaches' Rating.

Full Article

Posted in: Missouri,NAIA

Austin Peay State University (D1 TN) Adds Women's Lacrosse

 CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Austin Peay State University Athletics Department is set to add women's lacrosse – the fastest-growing sport in the National Collegiate Athletics Association – to its intercollegiate athletics programs for Spring 2026. In adding women's lacrosse, the Governors add their 17th athletic team – and 11th women's program – competing at the Division I level. 

 "As always, it is a great day to be a Gov and we are thrilled to announce the addition of a women's lacrosse program at Austin Peay," said APSU Vice President and Director of Athletics Gerald Harrison. "Lacrosse is the fastest-growing women's sport in the NCAA, and we are excited to have the first Division I women's lacrosse program at a public university in the state of Tennessee! "This is an exciting time for Austin Peay and the entire Clarksville community, and I can't wait to watch an entirely new group of Governors student-athletes fulfill the 'Total Gov Concept' while also competing for championships on the field!" Austin Peay plans to conduct a national search for its first-ever women's lacrosse head coach during the summer of 2024. After a head coach is hired, they would have the entirety of the 2024-25 athletic year to hire a staff, begin to recruit, and sign student-athletes.

 "The launch of a new Division I program in women's lacrosse is an exciting opportunity for Austin Peay State University," said APSU President Dr. Michael Licari. "Lacrosse is the fastest-growing sport in the country, and with this new program, we will be the only public university in Tennessee with a Division I scholarship women's program. I am proud that, once again, Austin Peay leads the way in providing opportunities for student-athletes to compete at the highest level while pursuing a top-notch education."

Read More

Posted in: Division I,Tennessee

Florida State University Adds Women's Lacrosse

 Florida State University will add women's lacrosse as a varsity scholarship program, Vice President and Director of Athletics Michael Alford announced on ­­­Tuesday, October 3. FSU women's lacrosse is projected to begin competition in the 2025-26 academic year. 

"We are excited to add women's lacrosse as a varsity scholarship program at Florida State," said Alford. "Lacrosse is the fastest growing college sport nationally and it is evident that our culture and community will enthusiastically embrace it. Lacrosse provides another opportunity to compete at a championship level." With this decision, FSU becomes one of 118 Division 1 NCAA women's lacrosse programs spanning 16 conferences. The Seminoles also embark on competition in one of the nation's premiere women's lacrosse conferences in the ACC, which has produced 17 NCAA women's lacrosse national champions and has placed a team in the national title game in 13 of the last 14 seasons. "As a club team at FSU, women's lacrosse has a proven culture of excellence and achievement," said Alford. "In hearing from both current and former players, their passion and input throughout this process was constructive and helpful in our decision making. I am thankful for their participation in the process and looking forward to an exciting future." 

"We are thrilled that Florida State will begin sponsoring women's lacrosse and we look forward to welcoming the program in 2025-26," said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, Ph.D. "There is no shortage of ACC women's lacrosse successes, and this is another example of our league's continued commitment to maximizing the educational and athletic opportunities for our student-athletes."

Full Article

Posted in: Division I,Florida

Dominican University (D2 CA) Adds Lacrosse

 SAN RAFAEL, Calif. – Dominican University of California is pleased to announce that both the men's and women's lacrosse teams have been elevated into the NCAA and will be joining the rest of its Dominican counterparts in participation at the NCAA Division II level, effective immediately. This will be the first NCAA Division II women's lacrosse program and the second NCAA Division II men's lacrosse program in California, with student-athletes joining the teams from throughout the United States.

"Both the men's and women's programs have been led by two exemplary leaders in coach [Samuel] Vogel-Seidenberg and coach [Joseph] Manna," Dominican Athletics Director Amy Henkelman said. "Coach Vogel-Seidenberg had a clear vision for the men's program and has done a great job of championing the sport and its development. I'm very excited for the future of both programs. The young men and women of both programs have done everything we asked of them and have been a great addition to the Dominican community, campus and department."

The Dominican men's lacrosse team has been participating at the club level as a member of the Men's Collegiate Lacrosse Association (MCLA) in the Western Collegiate Lacrosse League (WCLL) conference since 2015 while the women's team spent its inaugural season in 2023 the Western Women's Lacrosse League (WWLL) conference of the Women's Collegiate Lacrosse Association (WCLA). The two teams will play as independent programs, void of any conference. 

Full Article

Posted in: California,Division II

Geneva College (D3 PA) Adds Women's Lacrosse

BEAVER FALLS, Pa. -- Geneva College announced today that it will launch a women's lacrosse program for the 2024-25 academic year with the spring of 2025 being the first year of competition within the Presidents' Athletic Conference. Geneva College will become the 11th member of the PAC to field a women's lacrosse program. 

"The PAC is thrilled that Geneva College has unveiled plans to add the 11th varsity women's lacrosse program to our conference," states PAC Commissioner Joe Onderko. "From a standing start less than 10 years ago, the PAC has grown and developed into now having all full conference members sponsor this growth sport at the varsity level. Under the leadership of President Calvin Troup and Athletic Director Van Zanic, I am confident the Golden Tornado women's lacrosse program will quickly become competitive and represent the school and conference extremely well, both on the field and in the classroom." 

Women's lacrosse will become the 20th varsity sport that Geneva's student-athletes can compete in. It is the seventh new varsity program for Geneva College in the last 10 years following men's and women's indoor track and field, men's and women's golf, men's tennis, and men's volleyball.

Full Article

Posted in: Division III,Pennsylvania