Defunct Division 1 Men's Lacrosse Programs: Teams Lost, But Not Forgotten
Can you imagine a world where schools like Michigan State, Boston College, NC State, and UConn were playing major Division 1 lacrosse? Where powerhouse conferences had even deeper competition, and the sport had an even stronger national presence? Well, that world existed. There was a time when these programs were thriving, but for various reasons—financial struggles, shifting priorities, and Title IX compliance—they were cut, altering the trajectory of the sport.
Lacrosse has been exploding in popularity, but not every program has been lucky enough to stick around. Over the years, some teams have been cut for financial reasons, Title IX compliance, or just shifting priorities within schools. If you’re not familiar, Title IX was passed in 1972 to ensure equal opportunities for men and women in college athletics. While it was a huge win for women’s sports, it unfortunately led to some tough cuts for men’s teams, including lacrosse.
It’s hard not to wonder how much bigger Division 1 lacrosse could be today if these programs had survived. The sport could have had an even broader footprint, more elite competition, and greater national exposure. But at the same time, it’s impossible to ignore the importance of Title IX. The rule was a necessary step toward gender equality in sports, opening doors for countless female athletes who deserved the same opportunities. While men’s lacrosse paid the price at some schools, the overall growth of college athletics—especially for women—has been undeniable. The challenge has always been finding a balance, and unfortunately, lacrosse often found itself on the losing end of those difficult decisions.
This list isn’t exhaustive—some programs disappeared with little fanfare—but these are some of the more notable ones that we still remember today.
Michigan State University (1970–1997)
This one still stings for lacrosse fans. Michigan State had a strong D1 program, but in 1997, the school cut it due to Title IX and funding issues. Losing a major Big Ten lacrosse program was a tough blow. With "Big Brother" Michigan recently having launched a D1 program and having early success, that has to rub some additional salt in the wound...
Boston College (1967–2002)
Boston College had a competitive men’s lacrosse program for decades before it was shut down in 2002. The main reason? Title IX. The school had to balance scholarship allocations, and unfortunately, men’s lacrosse didn’t make the cut. BC’s women’s program, however, has become a national powerhouse. One of BC’s most legendary lacrosse alums is Welles Crowther, also known as "The Man in the Red Bandana." He became a hero on 9/11, saving multiple lives before losing his own. His legacy is honored every year with the "Red Bandana Game."
North Carolina State University (1973–1982)
NC State’s men’s lacrosse team had some success in the late '70s, even making an NCAA tournament appearance. But in 1982, financial struggles and Title IX issues led to the program’s demise.
Butler University (1993–2007)
Butler tried its hand at Division 1 lacrosse in 1993, joining the Great Western Lacrosse League. The program had some promising years, but recruiting was tough, and the school struggled to justify the costs. By 2007, it was game over for Butler lacrosse.
Gannon University (1994–2014)
Gannon gave Division 1 lacrosse a shot starting in 1994, but financial struggles eventually caught up with the program. By 2014, the school decided to shift resources elsewhere, and lacrosse got the axe.
Morgan State University (1970–1981)
Morgan State is a special case. It was the first HBCU to field a Division 1 men’s lacrosse team. From 1970 to 1981, the "Ten Bears" proved they could hang with the best, despite major financial and institutional challenges. Unfortunately, the program was cut in 1981 due to funding issues, but its legacy still inspires players today.
University of Connecticut (1966–1982)
UConn had a men’s lacrosse team for 16 years before financial issues and Title IX forced the school to shut it down in 1982.
University of New Hampshire (1931–1997)
UNH had a long history with men’s lacrosse, but financial constraints and Title IX compliance brought the program to an end in 1997. While the varsity team is gone, UNH still has a competitive club team keeping the sport alive.
Radford University (1984–2001)
Radford gave Division 1 lacrosse a go in 1984, but it struggled to stay afloat financially. By 2001, the program was cut due to budget concerns and Title IX pressures.
College of William & Mary (1970–1994)
William & Mary had a men’s lacrosse program for over 20 years before it was discontinued in 1994. Financial difficulties and Title IX compliance played a role in the decision.
Bowling Green State University (1965–1979)
Bowling Green had a varsity men’s lacrosse team for 14 years before financial struggles led to its end in 1979.
Presbyterian College (2011–2014)
Presbyterian’s lacrosse program was short-lived, lasting only three years. Financial constraints and a lack of long-term sustainability led to its discontinuation in 2014.
Washington and Lee University (1951–1982)
Washington and Lee had a strong D1 program for decades before deciding to move to Division III in 1982. The school still fields a successful men’s lacrosse team at the D3 level, keeping its rich lacrosse history alive.
Furman University (2014–2020)
Furman entered the D1 lacrosse scene in 2014, but just six years later, financial struggles (exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic) forced the school to shut the program down.
The Future of College Lacrosse
Despite losing some programs over the years, lacrosse is still growing. More schools are adding teams, especially in non-traditional regions like the South and the West. Hopefully, as the sport continues to expand, more programs will be reinstated rather than eliminated.
Even though these D1 programs are no longer around, lacrosse is far from dead. Many of these schools have thriving club teams, giving student-athletes a chance to compete at a high level. Who knows? Maybe some of these schools will bring back their varsity programs one day. Until then, we’ll keep celebrating the game and remembering the teams that once were.
