Wofford athletics continue to be a significant draw to the college for prospective students, but over the years many students have questioned why there is not a men’s lacrosse team.

The college offers a women’s lacrosse program that has shown to be quite successful, with thirty-five current team members. These student athletes include freshmen through seniors, from all areas of the country.

Wofford offers both men and women’s basketball, tennis, track and field, soccer, cross country, golf, and a rifle team. Men’s teams also include baseball and football. In addition to lacrosse, women teams include volleyball and softball. With lacrosse being a popular sport for men as well as women, students are curious to know why a men’s lacrosse program is not offered.

According to Brent Williamson, associate AD for athletic communications, serious conversations have not occurred regarding a men’s lacrosse team.

“A large number of factors go into the decision to add a sport, including but not limited to financial funding and student interest. These were factors that we used in adding our most recent sports, women’s lacrosse and softball,” Williamson said.

The addition of a sport involves complexities. These two factors, along with NCAA mandates, are significant factors to consider when adding a sports team on the collegiate level.

“The college is required to operate under Title IX regulations when it comes to providing athletic opportunities,” Jameica Hill, faculty athletic representative and NCAA representative, said.

The addition of a women’s lacrosse team (announced in 2015) does not presume the addition of a men’s team, as Williamson points out. Though the first women’s season officially began less than ten years ago, the likelihood of a men’s team being added in the immediate future is low. In addition to Hill, Williamson also emphasizes the importance of adhering to Title IX standards.

Title IX is a 1972 federal law that mandates equitable treatment as well as commensurable scholarships and participation rates. Therefore, funding and student interest must align with these regulations in order for a sport to become officially recognized at a school.

“By adding a men’s sport, we would also have to add another women’s sport,” Williamson said.

In accordance with federal Title IX standards, the following factors must be considered in order to add a college sport: budget priorities, resource allocation, student interest, national athletic trends, institution regulations, recruitment and sponsorship.

Though this is the current verdict on the potential establishment of a men’s lacrosse team, students are able to form a club team, should the interest arise. Reach out to Wofford Athletics or the student involvement board in order to get involved and start a group.