More Background Information

First, please do not put down other team’s for this discontinuation. While financial stewardship remains a priority, it is difficult to reconcile the elimination of an established program with the simultaneous introduction of a new intercollegiate women’s flag football team and the consideration of adding an esports team. This inconsistency raises significant concerns about resource allocation and whether the lacrosse program was ever given equitable consideration. We support adding another women’s program, and women’s sports in general, but firmly believe that it should not be at the cost of another women’s team. Additionally, the women’s lacrosse team, specifically, has been forced to operate without the institutional backing since it started. The lacrosse program launched during the COVID-19 Pandemic and under ineffective leadership across multiple areas of the institution. Their first full season of play was in Spring 2022. The roster challenges stated, while true, align with general trends of higher education and CLU’s larger issues with retention. The roster challenges are also in tandem with how start up programs begin. Further, in Spring 2024, the Regals Lacrosse team went without a home field for their entire season, while alternative facilities were made available to other teams even though they were in off-season. There was one “home” game for the Regals that season. This reflects a broader pattern in which the program has been expected to succeed despite administrative neglect, rather than being supported to thrive. With recent coaching changes, the team has already begun to demonstrate clear improvement, a stronger culture, increased competitiveness, and overall growth, with nine recruits who had already put in a deposit to attend and play. Discontinuing the program at this time is both premature and counterproductive. Further, the abrupt nature of this announcement, combined with the head coach receiving less than 24 hours’ notice, suggests a lack of transparency and respect for those most directly impacted. Such actions call into question whether this decision was made in good faith or with any meaningful consideration of alternative options. Importantly, lacrosse is not an emerging or niche sport. It is well established and continues to expand presence in collegiate athletics across the United States and national athletics. This growth is reflected by the inclusion of lacrosse in the 2028 Summer Olympics and the recent launch of the Women’s Lacrosse League in 2025, signaling increased national and international investment in the sport. Institutions nationwide continue to support and expand lacrosse programs as a means of recruitment, retention, and competitive distinction. In this context, eliminating lacrosse places the university behind its peer institutions and is misaligned with broader trends in national athletics. We call on the administration to reconsider this decision and to engage transparently with the community stakeholders who have supported, and continue to support, this program. This decision has already eroded trust among alumni and supporters, many of whom are now reevaluating their ongoing engagement and support with the university and university administration. At a minimum, we request that the university publicly: - Provide a clear and detailed explanation of the decision-making process and timeline - Disclose the financial analysis used to justify the program’s elimination, taking into account the $7k raised during Cares Day 2026 - Engage with alumni and stakeholders to explore viable alternatives, including further fundraising or restructuring option. We expect a transparent response and engagement on a path forward. We remain committed to California Lutheran University's mission and stand ready to work collaboratively toward a solution that preserves and prioritizes opportunities for current and future student-athletes.