June 14, 2006

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- The University of Florida Athletics Director Jeremy Foley announced Wednesday that the Gators' athletic program will add women's lacrosse. The inaugural season is targeted for the spring of 2010.

The official announcement was made on Wednesday afternoon (June 14) after it was approved by the UF Athletic Board of Directors. The Gators' athletics program will now have 21 varsity sports.

Florida currently has a club women's lacrosse team that is a member of the US Lacrosse Women's Division Intercollegiate Associates (WDIA). A University of Florida media relations official clarified Wednesday that this announcement is for a new women's lacrosse team and not the elevation of the current club team. The status of the club team once the varsity team is in place has not yet been determined.

Five days ago the U.S. Naval Academy elevated its club team to varsity status with the Midshipmen beginning their season in 2008.

The Gators are the second Southeastern Conference school to field a women's lacrosse team, the other is Vanderbilt.

The Florida club team has made fourth consecutive trips to the US Lacrosse WDIA National Championships where they have made it to two semifinals (2004, 2005) and two quarterfinals (2003, 2006). The Gators tournament record is 4-4.

Also see:
* Official University of Florida release
* UF Women's Lacrosse site