DAYTON, Ohio - The University of Dayton will add women’s lacrosse as an intercollegiate sport and begin competition in spring of 2016.
The addition of women’s lacrosse, the fastest-growing team sport in the U.S., according to the most recent research by Sports Marketing Surveys USA, gives Dayton 18 intercollegiate sports.
“Lacrosse is enjoying unprecedented growth,” University of Dayton Vice President and Director of Athletics Tim Wabler said. “We understand the popularity of the game from youth levels all the way to the pros. We are excited to add another avenue such as lacrosse to showcase our student-athletes at the University of Dayton.”
The team will play in the Atlantic 10 conference with Davidson (becomes A-10 member in 2014-15), Duquesne, George Mason, George Washington, La Salle, UMass, Richmond, St. Bonaventure, Saint Joseph’s and VCU (adding lacrosse in 2015-16). Six teams are required to hold a conference championship.
The addition of women’s lacrosse is one of four initiatives announced to elevate the University of Dayton athletics program. The University also announced facility upgrades that will benefit all 18 sport programs.
The projects are:
● The relocation of the 1,800-square-foot basketball weight room at the Donoher Center to a new 10,000 square-foot state-of-the-art Athletic Performance Center in Reichard Hall adjacent the Baujan Field/Frericks Center/Cronin Center complex on campus. The Athletic Performance Center will benefit all 18 sport programs and is scheduled to open in 2014.
● The renovation of the Donoher Basketball Center to make use of the space vacated by the weight room, as well as upgrades to the locker rooms and open spaces currently being used by the Flyer basketball and football teams. It will be the first major renovation since 1999.
● Complete the renovation of the Frericks Center, including increased investment in the Flyers’ nationally-ranked volleyball program with a new locker room just off the court, enhanced game-day and practice environments, a new atrium area and improved office spaces.
In the last 15 years, a span during which Dayton has won its most championships and ranked among the nation’s best in graduating its student-athletes, the University has constructed or renovated the on-campus home for every Flyer team.