Whittier College Reinstated Women’s Lacrosse Program
The institution announced plans to revive its women's lacrosse team starting in the 2026-27 academic year.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Women’s Issues
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Whittier College has officially reinstated its women's lacrosse program following a challenging stretch for the team. The college is currently moving forward with leadership recruitment to prepare for the return to competition.
Why it matters
The reinstatement follows a difficult competitive period and signals a new commitment to the sport at the institutional level. By increasing the recruiting budget and opening a coach search, the college aims to stabilize the program for future seasons.
The program reported 16 rostered players in 2025 and 14 in 2024, down from 17 players in 2022. The college currently competes in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
The players
Whittier College
This private liberal arts institution is located in Whittier, California, and is a member of the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
The details
Whittier College is actively searching for a new head coach to lead the team, with a search for an assistant coach scheduled to begin 30 days after that hire is made. The college has also increased the recruiting budget to support the program's return.
Timeline
The team finished with an 8-8 record in 2023.
The team recorded a 0-28 mark from 2024 to 2025.
The college plans to field the team this spring.
The program returns to competition for the 2026-27 academic year.
Culture Shift
The reinstatement aligns with the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference eligibility standards to ensure institutional compliance and competitive viability. This move reflects a broader trend of colleges reinvesting in women’s athletics to maintain conference parity and student engagement.
Students and prospective athletes can expect new recruiting opportunities and a renewed focus on team development starting this spring. The increased budget may lead to expanded support services and improved resources for the incoming roster.
The takeaway
The program's return offers a fresh start for the college's athletic department and student athletes. Implementing consistent leadership and increased funding will be essential for reversing recent performance trends.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Women’s Issues.
Source note: This article includes information reported by USA Lacrosse.
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