A pair of big announcements came out of the Midwest today as the Mid-American Conference (MAC) announced it would start sponsoring women’s lacrosse as a championship sport in the 2020-21 academic year and MAC member Eastern Michigan University will start a varsity program the following year.

All-sport MAC members Akron, Central Michigan and Kent State will be joined by associate members Detroit Mercy and Youngstown State for the 2021 season with Eastern Michigan bringing the league up to six members.

"I am pleased our membership is adding the sport of women's lacrosse to our offering of championships.  Additionally, I want to welcome Detroit Mercy and Youngstown State as affiliate members," said MAC Commissioner, Dr. Jon A. Steinbrecher.  "This is truly a historic day as women's lacrosse has been a topic of conversation among our membership."

The new league will cause some shuffling for the existing programs. Kent State currently plays in the Atlantic Sun while Central Michigan and Detroit Mercy play in the Southern Conference. Akron, playing in its first varsity season in 2020, will play in the Atlantic Sun this year as well.

Women’s lacrosse will become the 19^th varsity sport at Eastern Michigan and the first added since the 2001-02 academic year.

"Women's lacrosse is growing at an incredible pace and we are excited to expand opportunities for Michigan high school women to participate in a Division I sport and the academic experiences that Eastern Michigan provides," said EMU Vice President/Director of Athletics Scott Wetherbee. "We are committed to providing more athletic and academic opportunities for women and we believe the sport is a strong fit for our athletic program. We are very excited about the addition and I am certain the team will contribute to our legacy of athletic success."

Youngstown State announced the formation of its new women’s lacrosse program in February.