June 12, 2006

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - The United States Naval Academy women's lacrosse club program will be elevated to varsity status for the 2008 season. The exciting news was announced this past Saturday, June 10, by the USNA Director of Athletics Chet Gladchuk.

"I am pleased that through the results of our year-long Physical Mission study, one recommendation has been the immediate elevation of women's lacrosse from club to varsity status," said Gladchuk.

Navy is currently a member of the US Lacrosse Women's Division Intercollegiate Associates (WDIA) where it plays in the Mid Atlantic Women's Lacrosse League (MAWLL). The Midshipmen made their sixth straight appearance in the US Lacrosse WDIA National Championship this year where they were the 12th seed. Navy won its first round game with a 10-7 upset over fifth-seeded UC-Santa Barbara. The Midshipmen then lost to fourth-seeded Michigan 17-5 in the quarterfinals. Navy ended its season with a 14-6 record.

Navy becomes the third team that has participated in the US Lacrosse WDIA National Championships to be elevated to Division I status since the tournament began in 2001. The other two schools are Oregon and the two-time defending national champions Northwestern. The Ducks played in the 2004 tournament and the Wildcats made it to the semifinals in the 2001 tournament.

Navy has an US Lacrosse WDIA National Tournament record of 7-6. The Midshipmen have made appearances in one final (2001), two semifinals (2002, 2003) and three quarterfinals (2004, 2005, 2006).

Navy will play a full club schedule this spring, including games against a number of varsity programs. In the spring of 2008, the team will become a full member of the Patriot League and will compete for the league championship and an automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament. The team will play its home games in the finest lacrosse facility in the nation, Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

"This is truly an exciting day at the Academy," said Gladchuk. "Our commitment shall be nothing short of whatever is necessary to set the stage for our women to compete at the highest level of Division I play. We have the facilities, the resources have been allocated, and now we expect to attract an outstanding leader, coach and administrator who will embrace this historic opportunity."

Navy will now field 31 varsity sports program in 2008, making it one of the largest athletic programs in the country. A national search for a head coach will begin immediately.