Fitchburg State University is proud to announce the expansion of its intercollegiate sports portfolio with the addition of varsity men’s lacrosse. This move brings the university’s total varsity offerings to 19 programs, further solidifying the Falcons' commitment to student-athlete growth and campus engagement.
The Board of Trustees, chaired by Michael Fiorentino Jr., unanimously approved the creation of the team on Tuesday, April 28, paving the way to begin competitive play in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC).
"The addition of men’s varsity lacrosse marks an exhilarating new chapter for Fitchburg State," said Fitchburg State President Donna Hodge. "This expansion is a direct investment in our students and the vibrant campus culture that defines the Falcon experience. By elevating our offerings to 19 varsity programs, we are not just growing our athletic department—we are creating more pathways for talented student-athletes to develop leadership skills, find their community, and pursue excellence both in the classroom and on the field. We are fully committed to supporting this program as it transitions to the NCAA level."
Recruitment of a head coach for the varsity program will begin soon.
“We are thrilled to bring varsity men’s lacrosse to Fitchburg State,” said Fitchburg State Executive Director of Athletics & Recreation Matt Burke. “Adding our 19th program isn't just about expanding our roster; it’s about fueling the energy of our campus and giving another group of elite student-athletes the chance to compete at the highest level. We’re ready to build a culture of excellence from the ground up and can’t wait to see the Falcons take the turf in the near future."
The launch of a men’s varsity lacrosse program gives aspiring student-athletes a new opportunity to compete at the NCAA level and marks a significant and continued commitment to growing athletics on campus.
Men’s collegiate lacrosse has solidified its status as a regional powerhouse, with an impressive high-school-to-NCAA advancement rate of nearly 15% fueling the sport's expansion. This growth is most prominent at the Division III level, where the high density of New England programs provides a robust competitive landscape and serves as a primary driver for student-athlete recruitment.
Fitchburg State currently supports a club lacrosse team that competes in the Continental Lacrosse Conference.
Fitchburg State added its 18th varsity sport with the recent addition of women’s ice hockey, which is set to hit the ice for the 2027–2028 season. Rebecca Brown was named the first head coach of the newly established women’s varsity ice hockey program.