Arizona Launches MCLA D2 Program

by Wildcat Press

TUCSON, AZ - The University of Arizona, which has had a division 1 men's lacrosse program since the 1960's, is bringing a second team to campus beginning in 2023-2024. The Wildcats will now sponsor two teams; competing at both the MCLA DI and MCLA DII levels.

Arizona's DII team will compete in the same conference as UofA's DI team, the Southwestern Lacrosse Conference (SLC). The Wildcats will begin play during the 2024 season also joining newcomer Westcliff University an associate member, bringing the conference total to 14 teams. Other programs competing in the SLC DII include:

  • Arizona Christian University
  • Biola University
  • Cal State Fullerton
  • Claremont Colleges
  • Loyola Marymount University
  • Northern Arizona University
  • Cal State San Marcos
  • Long Beach State
  • Point Loma Nazarene
  • University of San Diego
  • UC Irvine
  • UC San Diego

"There has been an explosion of talented student-athletes interested in representing the University of Arizona on the lacrosse field. Rather than turning these athletes away, we felt that now is the time to provide even more opportunities for players to compete," explained Arizona head coach Matt Blamey. "The level of support and resources that the University provides to our program are among the top in the MCLA. We are very fortunate. High school athletes are taking notice." 

"One of the most difficult decisions each year occurs on the last day of tryouts in the fall," Blamey continued. "We have to tell young men that we cannot offer them a roster spot. Our new DII program will not only allow more players to wear the Wildcat uniform, but it will allow them to compete for both conference and national titles. We can't wait to welcome everyone to campus in August."

Arizona's DII team will operate in conjunction with the DI team under the University of Arizona Men's Lacrosse program umbrella. Tryout information and coaching staff will be announced in July. Any student-athlete with interest in joining either the D1 or D2 program should complete the Arizona Men's Lacrosse recruit survey using the link below.