Men's and Women's Lacrosse Coming to Barry U for 2027
Men's and women's programs become the 22nd and 23rd varsity sports in The Shores
By: Barry Athletic Communications
MIAMI SHORES, Fla. – The Buccaneers are at it again as Barry University adds men's and women's lacrosse to its ever-expanding menu of varsity sports, President Dr. Mike Allen and Associate Vice President/ Director of Athletics and Recreation Dr. Scott Smith announced today.
The additions bring the total number of varsity programs in The Shores to 23, with 10 new programs since 2023-24. Both programs will compete in the Sunshine State Conference, "The Conference of National Championships", beginning in the spring of 2027.
"At Barry, we are committed to creating opportunities for student-athletes to grow on the field and in the classroom. The addition of men's and women's lacrosse to our expanding roster reflects our dedication to fostering excellence through athletics and providing students with the resources they need to become dynamic leaders in their communities," said Dr. Mike Allen, Barry University President
Barry becomes the tenth SSC institution to sponsor men's lacrosse and the ninth for women's. As of the spring of 2025, there are currently 79 men's and 110 women's NCAA Division II lacrosse programs. The Bucs join Tampa, Rollins, Florida Southern, Florida Tech, Lynn, Saint Leo, Palm Beach Atlantic, and Embry-Riddle in the men's conference, while Nova Southeastern will also begin play on the women's side in 2027.
Athletically, Barry has been one of the top institutions in NCAA Division II, capturing 29 national championships and crowning over 450 All-Americans in 15 sports.
In addition to their athletic accomplishments, the Buccaneers have also excelled in the classroom and the community. The Bucs have had over 750 scholar and Academic All-Americans and have captured many major academic awards, including 10 NCAA Woman of the Year finalists. Barry has had 15 Sunshine State Conference Scholar-Athletes of the Year, nine on the women's side and six on the men's. Both numbers are conference records. For the last 10 years, the Bucs have produced an Academic Success Rate of over 90%, earning the NCAA President's Award each year.
A national search will begin to hire head coaches during the 2025-26 academic year, who will then recruit student-athletes and develop each program for competition the following spring.
About Barry University Athletics
Barry University has sponsored NCAA Division II athletics for 41 years, winning 29 national championships in eight sports, crowning 453 All-Americans in 15 sports and over 750 scholar All-Americans. Barry is a proud member of the Sunshine State Conference "The Conference of National Champions" with 113 league titles since joining in 1988-89. The Buccaneers have NCAA men's teams in soccer, cross country, basketball, swimming, baseball, golf, tennis and volleyball and women's teams in soccer, cross country, volleyball, basketball, swimming, beach volleyball, golf, rowing, softball and tennis.
Courtesy of Barry Athletic Communications