Providence, R.I.—Rhode Island College President Jack Warner announced today the addition of men's lacrosse as RIC's 24th intercollegiate sport. Additionally, the women's lacrosse program will also be elevated to include a full-time head coach.
 
President Warner said, "Adding men's lacrosse at the present time fits in very well with our overall strategic enrollment plan of enhancing our male enrollment, while at the same time, recognizing the importance of equitably enhancing the women's  lacrosse program.  These two initiatives are very important as we recruit from very successful interscholastic and community-based lacrosse programs in the state during a period when the Hope Scholarship program is playing a key role in supporting Rhode Islanders as they seek affordability in continuing their education.  It is also our hope that more out of state students will continue to make Rhode Island College their first choice when it comes to selecting a college with new and diverse academic programming, an enhanced campus and within a state that has some of the best natural resources the region has to offer." 
 
The implementation plan calls for a national search to take place almost immediately for a head coach and as it relates to the procurement of necessary equipment with competition scheduled to begin in 2027-28. 
 
Rhode Island College Director of Athletics Don Tencher said, "I want to thank President Warner for his support, for not only providing the resources to implement a men's lacrosse program, but also providing the resources to elevate the women's program to a position where it will be as successful as the men's new endeavor. I am also elated that we will be able to be part of a very strong lacrosse community in the Little East Conference. I want to lastly thank our athletic department staff who continually step up to make our department and college an even better place because of their dedication, commitment and hard work."