The USA Lacrosse Women’s Collegiate Lacrosse Associates (WCLA) national championship event is returning to the nation’s central region in 2024 with its first-ever appearance in Kansas.
USA Lacrosse has announced that the 2024 WCLA Division I and II National Championships will be played at the Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita, Kansas. Dates for the 2024 championship tournament are May 7-10.
The Stryker Sports Complex is a state-of-the-art facility that features 11 all-sports turf fields, each with outdoor lighting, and a 112,000 square foot indoor facility. The venue plays host to local, regional, and national events and is ideally situated for tournament competition.
“We’re so pleased to be moving this special event to a new venue like the Stryker Sports Complex and being able to bring a fresh vibe to the WCLA National Championship,” said Kristy Nutt, director of events at USA Lacrosse. “This brand-new facility sets the stage for fierce competition and memorable experiences for all of the participating players. Additionally, this central location in Wichita ensures seamless travel for all the teams and puts the focus on the game.”
Nearly 200 non-varsity collegiate teams comprise the WCLA and compete under the USA Lacrosse umbrella. The annual Division I and Division II National Championships showcase the WCLA’s premier teams, featuring 16 Division I clubs and 16 Division II teams vying for titles. Some teams qualify by claiming their league’s automatic qualifier (AQ), while other teams are selected as at-large choices.
“We are honored and thrilled USA Lacrosse has selected Wichita to be the host city for their 2024 Women’s Collegiate Lacrosse Associates National Championship,” said Josh Howell, vice president of sports development for Visit Wichita. “It’s a great opportunity for locals to take in a fast-paced, exciting sport and we’re looking forward to showcasing one of our community’s world-class facilities, SCHEELS Stryker Sports Complex, 50-plus museums and attractions, more than 1,200 restaurants and the city’s many other amenities to the athletes and those who travel to Wichita for the championship.”
Started in 2001, the WCLA Championship has had 10 previous host sites, with prior Central USA stops in St. Louis, Minneapolis, Dallas, and Round Rock, Texas.
Last year’s championship, played in Virginia Beach, concluded with Boston College winning its second straight Division I title, while New Hampshire claimed its first Division II championship.
“The WCLA is an integral part of our USA Lacrosse family, and the great level of competition that we have annually witnessed at the National Championship truly demonstrates the commitment of these collegiate athletes and their enthusiasm for lacrosse,” said Caitlin Kelley, senior director for sports administration at USA Lacrosse.
