Barry University is making history by adding men’s and women’s lacrosse to its athletics program, with both teams set to compete in the spring of 2027. This exciting expansion will bring the number of varsity sports at Barry to 23, the highest in school history, and place the Buccaneers in the Sunshine State Conference alongside other competitive NCAA Division II programs.

For Barry, this launch is about more than just adding another sport. It’s about creating new pathways for students to access higher education. Athletics has long been a gateway for student-athletes to pursue a college degree, often providing opportunities to those who may not have otherwise considered university. With lacrosse growing rapidly in popularity across the country, especially in Florida, this addition opens the door for even more young athletes to connect their passion for the game with a strong academic foundation.

The introduction of lacrosse also reinforces Barry’s commitment to academic and athletic excellence. The Buccaneers have already earned a reputation as champions, with nearly 30 national titles and hundreds of All-Americans, but the success extends far beyond the field. Barry student-athletes consistently achieve in the classroom, with impressive GPA averages every academic year. By adding lacrosse, Barry is expanding the opportunities for students to compete, succeed academically, and develop as leaders.

The university will begin the search for head coaches during the 2025–26 academic year, paving the way for recruitment and team development ahead of the 2027 season. As University President, Dr. Mike Allen has emphasized, this initiative is about creating opportunities for student-athletes to thrive both on the field and in the classroom.

When the first faceoff happens in 2027, it will mark the start of an exciting new chapter in Barry’s athletic story, one that continues to blend academic achievement with athletic opportunity, while opening more doors for students to pursue higher education through sport.