TAMPA, Fla. – The University of Tampa athletic department has announced the addition of a men’s lacrosse program, which will begin competition in the spring of 2012. The team will compete at the NCAA Division II level, increasing UT’s number of varsity sports to 18.

“We are excited to announce the addition of an exciting sport,” says athletic director Larry Marfise. “Lacrosse will bring additional enthusiasm to UT Athletics and the University. This is a sport that continues to grow in popularity and I look forward to making this a part of our rich tradition.”

The Spartans will compete at Pepin Stadium, an on-campus facility that also houses its men’s and women’s soccer teams. There are currently 37 schools in NCAA Division II competing in men’s lacrosse.

Tampa joins fellow Sunshine State Conference schools Florida Southern College, Saint Leo University, and Rollins College along with Florida Tech, which also begins competition in 2012.

This marks the second new sport for The University of Tampa during the 2010-11 season, with men’s lacrosse joining women’s golf as the newest Spartan program.