{
  "id": 14743264,
  "title": "SMU to launch first men's Division I lacrosse program in Texas, first season in 2028",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/smu-to-launch-first-mens-division-i-lacrosse-program-in-texas-first",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-15T16:52:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/smu-launch-first-mens-division-165259254.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The University of SMU (SMU) announced on Thursday, October 15, that it will establish the first Division I men's lacrosse program in the state of Texas. The program is set to commence competition in 2028, making it the sixth lacrosse program within the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). SMU Athletic Director Damon Evans expressed pride in SMU being the pioneering Division I institution to introduce men's lacrosse to Texas, a sport experiencing significant growth throughout the state. He further stated that SMU expects to compete and achieve success immediately with this new program.\n\nThe Mustangs will face a sport that has traditionally been dominated by the Northeast region, positioning themselves to challenge the established order. ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips extolled SMU's bold investment in and steadfast dedication to expanding opportunities for student-athletes. The addition of men's lacrosse is a significant milestone for SMU's athletics program and campus community.\n\nSMU President Jay Hartzell, Damon Evans, and the entire Mustang leadership team are commended for their substantial investment in and commitment to providing enhanced opportunities for student-athletes. ACC Commissioner Phillips further noted the ACC's reputation as the premier men's lacrosse conference and expressed anticipation of welcoming SMU to their ranks. The growth of the lacrosse scene in Texas served as a primary driver for the development of this program.",
  "summary": "The SMU Mustangs are launching the first Division I men's lacrosse program in Texas in 2028, to compete in the ACC.",
  "key_points": [
    "SMU will launch first men's Division I lacrosse program in Texas.",
    "Program set to begin competition in 2028.",
    "SMU to compete immediately in new sport."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}