JULY 17, 2025 | composed by STEVE ULRICH

Welcome to D3 Lacrosse, devoted to NCAA Division III men’s and women’s lacrosse

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TOP STORY
1. Northwest, OAC, and ODAC Join FloCollege

“FloSports is expanding the reach of NCAA and Division III sports from coast-to-coast through a new round of media rights agreements, accelerating the growth of its FloCollege platform.

The company announced the additions of the Northwest Conference (NWC), Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC), and Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC), bringing the total number of NCAA conferences available on FloCollege this Fall to 18 across all NCAA divisions.”

» What It Means. “With the expansion, FloSports deepens its investment and representation of Division-II and Division-III athletics, becoming a leader in streaming for these divisions and the number one provider of women’s sports with more than 9,000 games during the 2025-2026 season.”

» What They’re Saying. ““These partnerships reflect FloSports’ continued emphasis on investing and promoting NCAA sports at all levels. Each conference represents a unique region and history, and we’re committed to supporting them with world-class coverage, original content, and technology that puts their athletes and member institutions in the spotlight.” - Michael Levy, FloSports, SVP of Global Rights & Acquisition

» FloCollege’s DIII Reach. Landmark, Little East, NEWMAC, NWC, OAC, ODAC, SCIAC, SCAC (no lacrosse), UAA (no lacrosse).

» Quotable. “This agreement reflects a thoughtful next step for the ODAC in how we tell the stories of our outstanding student-athletes,” said ODAC Commissioner Brad Bankston. “As technology and fan engagement habits evolve, we have a responsibility to adapt while staying true to our mission. FloSports provides a reliable and forward-looking platform that helps us deliver a consistent, quality experience for our teams and fans.”

» The Big Picture. According to the 2024 Landmark Conference 990 form, the conference received $289,710 for their media rights and distributed $242,860 to its member institutions.

» Keep Reading

ACADEMICS
2. Breaking the Mold: Michael Grace’s Rise From Division III to the PLL

by Paul Lamonaca, PLL

“Before starting his freshman fall as a member of the RIT men’s lacrosse team, Michael Grace had played field lacrosse just a handful of times. When Grace asked his coaching staff what position he would play as an incoming freshman, he was told that attack would be the best fit for him.

After struggling to make an impact with a short stick during fall ball, Grace convinced his coaches to keep him on the team for the spring as a long pole to see if there was room for growth.

Little did Grace know, that would be the best decision he would ever make as a lacrosse player.”

» Why It Matters. “By the end of Grace’s tenure at Division III RIT, he had been named a three-time All-American, competed for the Canadian National Team at the World Games and earned the USILA William C. Stiles Memorial Outstanding Defenseman Award in his senior campaign.”

» Quotable. “I never thought playing professionally was going to be an option until I got the chance for Team Canada,” Grace said. “I went into the portal for my grad year to see if I can make the jump to Division I, but at the beginning of my college career, it was never a thought that I had.”

» The Key Stat. “With an extra year of eligibility, Grace took his talents an hour east of his alma mater to Syracuse University. Playing in lacrosse’s most talented and highly viewed conference, the ACC, Grace’s talents were now on full display to the lacrosse world [and his] transition to the D-I level was seamless.”

» Why It Matters. “The Atlas selected Grace with the 22nd pick in the 2025 College Draft. “It felt good to hear my name,” Grace said. “It was a full circle moment looking back after thinking that I wouldn’t even go to college to play lacrosse and five years later, I got drafted to play pro.” Since making his PLL debut against the Maryland Whipsnakes in Philadelphia, Grace has made an immediate impact in New York’s defensive and transition game plan.

» Continue Reading

NCAA
3. DIII Women’s Committee Recap

The NCAA Division III women’s lacrosse committee held its annual meeting recently and recommended to the DIII Championships Committee that 30 conferences receive automatic qualification to the 47-team 2026 championship field.

» Review of 2025 Championship. “The committee reviewed the bracketing process, which included the protection of the top eight seeds in the tournament based on NPI ranks. Overall, the group felt this was one of the most balanced and best brackets that has been produced in a long time because of the protection initiative.”

» NCAA Power Index. “The committee discussed the first year of the NCAA Power Index (NPI) and the dials specific to women’s lacrosse. Members identified a short list of issues to track and research leading into and throughout the 2026 season. Overall, the committee was extremely happy with the results of the NPI and continues to support the process.”

» New Members. Bridgewater State’s Erica Adams was selected as chair for 2025-26. Nazareth’s Traci Lian will represent Region III on the committee, while a representative for Region VI will be named soon.

» Read More

TRANSACTIONS
4. Comings and Goings 

ALVERNIA - Michael Zadroga named head men’s coach
CENTRE - Phil Havira named head men’s coach
CORNELL COLLEGE - Robert Pousak named head men’s coach
HARTFORD - Jen Fallon named head women’s coach
MARY WASHINGTON - Sarah Dalsey named head women’s coach
UTICA - Andrea Cofrin named head women’s coach
WILKES - Jordan Drumheller named head men’s coach
WILLIAMS - Alix Barrale named interim head women’s coach
YORK - Gena Speights named assistant women’s coach

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