Women’s Flag Football, Men's Lacrosse, and Men's Swimming to launch in 26–27
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The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth will expand its athletics offerings beginning in the 2026–27 academic year, highlighted by the launch of women’s flag football and the return of men’s lacrosse and men’s swimming as varsity programs.
“Athletics is an important part of the fabric of our campus community. I’m excited that these new sports will create additional opportunities for student-athletes to compete, grow, and represent the University, while also helping us attract even more talented students to an already strong and vibrant program,” said UMass Dartmouth Chancellor Mark A. Fuller, PhD, who currently serves as the President of the Little East Conference.
Women’s flag football will begin as a club sport in 2026–27 as the University builds toward varsity competition the following year. The NCAA Division III membership voted to recognize women’s flag football as an Emerging Sport at the 2026 NCAA Convention, signaling significant national momentum for the rapidly growing sport.
UMass Dartmouth has launched a national search for a full-time coach who will lead the club team and begin recruiting the program’s first varsity roster. The team is expected to achieve varsity status in the 2027–28 season.
In addition to the new program, UMass Dartmouth will reinstate men’s lacrosse and men’s swimming as varsity sports beginning in the 2026–27 academic year, with both teams competing in the Little East Conference upon their return.
Current women’s head coach Mike Kroll has been named the men’s swimming head coach. A national search is currently underway to identify the next head coach for men’s lacrosse.
“The success of our current student-athletes has paved the way for continued investment in UMass Dartmouth Athletics,” said Dr. Lori Hendricks, Director of Athletics and Recreation at UMass Dartmouth. “We know that students are stronger scholars and more engaged community members when they participate in co-curricular activities; moreover, our athletics community contributes to the overall energy of the campus. My thanks to Chancellor Fuller and the University leadership for their support of this expansion. We are excited to continue the tradition of excellence into this new era of UMass Dartmouth Athletics.”
Individuals interested in these new athletics offerings are encouraged to visit the Corsair Athletics website.