Dec. 11, 2015 PHILADELPHIA – La Salle University will add three new teams to its varsity sports program this coming academic year. The women’s golf, men’s water polo, and women’s water polo teams are slated to begin competition in the 2016–17 season.

“We are excited to add women’s golf and men’s and women’s water polo to our offering of varsity programs, and we look forward to our first varsity competition this coming fall,” said Director of Athletics Tom Brennan, Ed.D. “All three sports are growing in popularity, and have a very strong high school presence and support in the Mid-Atlantic region.”

The addition of the women’s golf and men’s and women’s water polo will bring the total number of varsity programs at La Salle to 25. This will give talented student-athletes the opportunity to compete in 11 men’s varsity programs and 14 women’s varsity programs at the University.

“We’re thrilled that Explorers will have the opportunity to compete in three sports that have been significantly growing in demand in recent years,” said Colleen Hanycz, Ph.D., President of La Salle University. “This decision will allow La Salle to take full advantage of our existing athletic facilities and to recruit additional student-athletes who will be successful both in collegiate competition and in the classroom.”

The water polo teams will be able to play in the six-lane, 25-yard Kirk Pool in the Hayman Center, an outstanding facility that already serves as the home for the La Salle men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams.

While the University is still finalizing a home course for the women’s golf team, the players will have access to the new Joseph G. Markmann, ’49 Indoor Golf Facility, which was dedicated in November. Located on the ground floor of St. Benilde Tower, the 1,500 square foot room features two hitting bays, putting green, chipping area, lockers, and a study room.

“We have not yet secured conference affiliation, but it is one of our highest priorities,” Brennan said. “There are several options in our region in each sport, and we will work to find an appropriate conference for all three new sports.”

A search for head coaches for all three sports and student-athlete recruitment will begin immediately.