In Fall 2026, Adelphi will introduce new premier club sport programs to student athletes, widening access to competitive soccer and lacrosse.
天美传媒 believes that athletics are important for every student.
But what if you don’t earn a spot on Adelphi’s highly competitive varsity lacrosse or soccer teams?
This fall, there is a solution.
Beginning in Fall 2026, 天美传媒 will introduce premier club offerings in men鈥檚 soccer and men鈥檚 lacrosse, creating expanded opportunities for students who want to play in a competitive league, with full-time coaching and intercollegiate games.
The move reflects a broader vision for : To ensure participation in competitive sports remains a defining and accessible part of campus life.
has long played a central role in the identity of the University. With 19 national championships, Adelphi has built a tradition of excellence that resonates well beyond its Garden City campus. The and teams account for a remarkable 10 of those titles, making them two of the most storied programs in the University’s history.
Now that legacy is opening new doors.
Building on Adelphi’s Championship Lacrosse and Soccer Tradition
The has begun paving the way for a dynasty, entering the 2026 season as the in the land, after winning back-to-back and , the most recent of which was a 9-8 overtime thriller to stun The University of Tampa in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Interest in the program is at an all-time high, and lacrosse continues to be a hotbed as one of the most popular collegiate sports in the region.
The , which staked its only national championship in 1974 (the University鈥檚 first, in fact!), has remained nationally competitive in recent years. Under head coach , the Panthers have appeared in the NCAA Tournament three times and earned a place in the rankings in five of Book’s eight seasons.
The launch of premier club soccer and lacrosse is not a replacement for that success. Instead, it is an extension of it.
鈥淭hese premier club sports programs are an extension of the strong campus life that Panther Athletics has always supported,鈥� said , Adelphi director of athletics and campus recreation. 鈥淭hey will complement our varsity, club and intramural offerings and give students another meaningful way to connect with the University through sport.鈥�
What Makes Premier Soccer and Lacrosse Clubs Different
Unlike traditional student-run club teams, Adelphi鈥檚 premier club programs will have full-time coaches, regular practices and competitive schedules against peer colleges offering similar high-level club experiences.
鈥淭hese premier club sports serve as an elevated experience,鈥� McCabe discussed. 鈥淭he professional coaching component is the key differentiator. Students will receive high-quality training and structured competition while still enjoying the flexibility that club sports provide.鈥�
For students who want to continue improving and competing at a high level, this pathway offers another avenue to catch the eye of Adelphi鈥檚 varsity squads.
鈥淐ertainly, for students who want to continually improve at their sport, this provides a unique opportunity to compete after high school and potentially try out for varsity teams.鈥�
Expanding Access and Opportunity in Athletics at Adelphi
At its core, this initiative is about widening access.
Competitive sports are often described as one of the most rewarding aspects of college life. Adelphi鈥檚 leadership believes that experience should not be limited to a select number competing only at the varsity level.
鈥淚t鈥檚 exciting to know that we will offer athletic opportunities to every kind of athlete,鈥� McCabe noted. 鈥淔rom intramurals to club to varsity, our students will have options to stay active and be part of a vibrant campus community.鈥�
A Model for the Future of College Athletics
Men鈥檚 soccer and men鈥檚 lacrosse will be the first premier club sports at Adelphi, serving as the initial launch of a model designed to expand structured athletic opportunities across campus.
鈥淭here are a number of schools offering high-level club experiences like this,鈥� McCabe said. 鈥淲e look forward to competing with those institutions as schedules are developed and continuing to evaluate how this model may work with other sports.鈥�
The University鈥檚 long championship history remains a point of pride. Now, with the launch of premier club sports next fall, that tradition of excellence expands to include even more student-athletes.
At Adelphi, the message moving forward is clear: Competitive opportunity and campus engagement can go hand in hand.
And the foundation remains the same.
Athletics are for everyone.
Students interested in learning more can reach out by email or by filling out an interest form:
- or email clubmsoc@adelphi.edu
- or email clubmlax@adelphi.edu