MIDDLETOWN, Pa. — Penn State Harrisburg has announced it will add men's lacrosse as its newest varsity athletic program, with a search for a full-time head coach to begin this spring. In conjunction with the addition of men's lacrosse, women's flag football will also transition to varsity status.
With the incorporation of men's lacrosse and the advancement of women's flag football, Penn State Harrisburg will sponsor 19 intercollegiate varsity sports. Men's lacrosse will compete at the NCAA Division III level as a member of the United East Conference beginning in the spring of 2027.
"We've had consistent interest in men's lacrosse in recent years from students and we're thrilled to turn that excitement into reality," said Rahsaan Carlton, Penn State Harrisburg director of athletics. "The overwhelming response from our current students regarding women's flag football made it clear that we need to initiate this as a varsity sport offering sooner than later. With support from the NFL, Olympic Games and schools across the country, it is a burgeoning sport whose popularity continues to grow. We are incredibly excited to add these programs as future varsity offerings."
Penn State Harrisburg's Admissions Office has seen a growing interest in men's lacrosse among prospective students, prompting the college to expand its athletic offerings.
"Our staff regularly receive inquiries from prospective students who seek to continue playing men's lacrosse as part of their collegiate experience," said Rob Coffman, director of enrollment management. "It is exciting to see that our students will now have this opportunity, as the addition of men's lacrosse not only enhances our athletic offerings but also strengthens our commitment to providing a well-rounded college experience. We look forward to welcoming student-athletes who are eager to compete at the collegiate level while benefiting from the academic and community experience at Penn State Harrisburg."
The men's lacrosse program will practice and contest its home games at the college's multipurpose turf facility on campus. The complex is set to undergo final renovations this spring to complete the addition of permanent bleachers, public restrooms, a press box, team storage and a concession stand. The renovations are funded by the Penn State Harrisburg student facility fee.
A national search for a full-time head coach will begin later this spring. Once hired, the program's head coach will begin to recruit the first class of men's lacrosse student-athletes.
The women's flag football program, which began as a club-level sport, is set to officially become a varsity offering in the spring of 2026. The team will also practice and contest its home games at the college's multipurpose turf facility.
