College of DuPage lacrosse programs receive NJCAA Foundation grant

College of DuPage will launch its inaugural seasons of men's and women's lacrosse during the upcoming 2023-24 academic year, thanks in part to a pair of $2,000 grants from the National Junior College Athletic Association Foundation.

"Two-year collegiate sports provide student-athletes with the opportunity to further both their athletic and academic careers," said Brian Luckett, NJCAA Foundation executive director. "The NJCAA Sport Opportunity Grant affords the NJCAA Foundation a pathway to continue supporting student-athletes and the member colleges who provide them with these incredible opportunities while also promoting continued growth and development throughout the organization."

Ryan Kaiser, COD director of athletics and recreation, said the college's lacrosse programs will create additional post-secondary athletic opportunities in the area.

Currently, with more than 90 percent of DuPage County high schools supporting multiple levels of lacrosse, the college's program will allow student-athletes to continue playing their chosen sport at Illinois' largest community college.

"We are excited to add opportunities for men and women who have the ability to play the growing sport of lacrosse," he said. "This grant will help ease the financial burden of adding these sports to COD Athletics."

The addition of men's and women's lacrosse will increase the college's number of athletic teams to 21.

College of DuPage President Dr. Brian Caputo expressed his excitement for the expanded athletic option COD now offers prospective students.

"Creating opportunities for our students to be successful both in and out of the classroom is a key component to the college's mission," he said. "I thank the NJCAA Foundation for their confidence in the College and its programming."

For information, contact Ryan Kaiser at (630) 942-2895 or email kaiserr2964@cod.edu.

The mission of the NJCAA Foundation is to enhance the NJCAA national organization, student-athletes, member colleges and local communities through financial support, scholarships, program initiatives and community service.

College of DuPage is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Serving approximately 22,000 students each term, College of DuPage is the largest public community college in the state of Illinois. The College grants seven associate degrees and offers more than 170 career and technical certificates in over 50 areas of study.