USF certifies women’s lacrosse team as 20th varsity sport
In 2021, USF announced it would be adding women’s lacrosse to the university’s sports ecosystem. Now, they are one step closer to facing off.
During a Tuesday meeting, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to certify lacrosse as the 20th varsity sport at USF.
The NCAA requires collegiate sports to be verified by the respective university, according to its bylaws.
USF Vice President of Athletics Micheal Kelly and women’s lacrosse head coach Mindy McCord were both present during the certification.
Related: USF’s Mindy McCord builds culture of “family and love” into lacrosse
McCord stood at the podium and displayed a green South Florida lacrosse jersey – adorned with the number “25,” representing the year that her team will begin play.
“Being a coach for 28 years has been a labor of love,” McCord said during the meeting. “I love mentorship and I’ve been honored to be a part of this athletics program so far.”
USF hired McCord away from Jacksonville – a program she founded in 2010 and quickly turned into a Division I powerhouse. McCord posted eight Athletic Sun Conference championships along with eight NCAA tournament bids with the Dolphins.
She became the first women’s lacrosse coach in USF history in May 2022.
Related: USF’s Natalie Eastwood: Maryland born, Australia bound
Women’s lacrosse was supposed to make its debut during the 2023-24 season. In 2022, that date was pushed back a year to allow for an increased number of recruits to make their commitments.
The Bulls will now make their official NCAA debut during spring 2025, with a series of exhibition matches this fall.
With four recruiting classes under her belt, McCord already boasts a roster full of considerable talent.
Redshirt sophomore attacker Sophia Chepenik made the Atlantic Coast Conference All-Freshman Team at Clemson before transferring to USF in 2023. Freshman goalie Natalie Eastwood represented Australia in the World Lacrosse Women’s U20 Championship in August.
“We are so proud of the roster we have developed so far,” she said. “We’ve been in severe recruiting battles against top 10 programs that we’ve won.”
USF president Rhea Law also said the university will soon certify beach volleyball as the 21st varsity sport. They will begin play during spring 2026.
Women’s lacrosse will play Florida Southern and St. Leo in an exhibition match on Oct. 6 at the USF Track and Field Stadium.
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