History and Impact of the MCLA and WCLA: Growing College Lacrosse Across the Nation
The Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association (MCLA) and the Women’s Collegiate Lacrosse Associates (WCLA) serve as the governing bodies for collegiate club lacrosse in the United States, offering a structured platform for schools that don’t participate in NCAA lacrosse programs. Both organizations were created to foster the sport in regions where NCAA teams are scarce, giving students the opportunity to play lacrosse competitively while balancing academic commitments. Let’s dive deeper into each organization’s history, structure, and significance.
Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association (MCLA)
Origins and Formation
The MCLA was established in 1997, but its roots date back to the late 1970s and early 1980s when various regional collegiate lacrosse leagues began forming in areas without significant NCAA presence. These leagues included the Western Collegiate Lacrosse League (WCLL) and the Rocky Mountain Intercollegiate Lacrosse League (RMILL). Prior to the MCLA’s creation, there was no unified governing body for collegiate club lacrosse, which led to disorganized competitions and limited exposure for student-athletes in regions where lacrosse had not yet flourished.
In the 1990s, as lacrosse expanded beyond its traditional strongholds in the Northeast, more universities in underrepresented regions began fielding club teams. The MCLA was born out of a need to provide these club teams with a national governing body that could organize structured competitions, regulate standards, and promote the sport across the country.
Structure and Conferences
Today, the MCLA has grown to include over 200 teams across the United States and Canada, divided into two divisions: Division I and Division II. These teams are organized into 10 conferences, such as:
• Western Collegiate Lacrosse League (WCLL)
• Southeastern Lacrosse Conference (SELC)
• Rocky Mountain Lacrosse Conference (RMLC)
• Southwestern Lacrosse Conference (SLC)
Each team in the MCLA is typically student-run, with varying levels of funding and support from their respective institutions. Many MCLA teams operate autonomously, without direct involvement from their schools’ athletic departments, though some receive financial or logistical support. Despite this variance, competition in the MCLA is fierce, with many players skilled enough to compete at NCAA levels.
Notable Teams and Growth
The MCLA has been instrumental in growing lacrosse in non-traditional areas. For example, programs such as Brigham Young University (BYU), University of Colorado, and University of Michigan (before it transitioned to NCAA) have historically dominated MCLA competition. These schools helped legitimize the league and contributed to its rapid expansion in regions where lacrosse was less prevalent.
The MCLA has provided a platform for growth, especially on the West Coast, the Rocky Mountain region, and the Midwest. Many of the teams in these areas play in areas that historically lacked NCAA lacrosse programs, allowing students from these regions to experience competitive lacrosse and contribute to the sport’s national expansion.
MCLA National Championship and Competition
The MCLA holds an annual National Championship tournament, where the top teams from across the country in Division I and Division II compete for their respective titles. This tournament is considered the highlight of the MCLA season and draws fans, scouts, and lacrosse enthusiasts from around the country.
The championship structure mimics that of the NCAA, with teams competing in regular-season games, conference championships, and then advancing to the national tournament. The national tournament is a prestigious event, attracting teams from the league’s various conferences to determine the best in the country.
Impact and Role Today
The MCLA plays a pivotal role in promoting lacrosse across the United States, particularly in areas where NCAA lacrosse is not prevalent. Many MCLA alumni have gone on to play professional lacrosse in the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) or Major League Lacrosse (MLL), demonstrating that the MCLA serves as a legitimate pathway to higher levels of the sport.
More than just a competitive outlet, the MCLA emphasizes leadership and academic success, fostering well-rounded student-athletes who succeed on and off the field.
Women’s Collegiate Lacrosse Associates (WCLA)
History and Origins
The Women’s Collegiate Lacrosse Associates (WCLA) serves as the female counterpart to the MCLA. It was created to govern and promote women’s collegiate club lacrosse teams, providing similar structure and competition for schools without NCAA women’s lacrosse programs.
Like the MCLA, the WCLA was formed out of necessity, as many colleges wanted to offer women the opportunity to play competitive lacrosse without the full-time commitment of NCAA athletics. This gave female student-athletes the chance to continue playing lacrosse at a high level, even if their school did not sponsor a varsity lacrosse program.
Structure and Organization
The WCLA oversees more than 200 teams across two divisions, much like the MCLA. The league is divided into various regions and conferences, providing a competitive environment for student-athletes across the country. Teams are student-run and responsible for their own funding, game management, and organizational duties.
WCLA teams range from large universities to smaller colleges, many of which also field NCAA teams. This allows for a broader range of participation, as student-athletes who may not want the commitment of NCAA varsity athletics can still compete in a structured environment.
National Championship and Competitions
The WCLA holds an annual National Championship, which is the pinnacle of its competitive season. The top teams from Division I and Division II battle it out for national titles, with the tournament drawing teams from all over the country. This event is regarded as a major milestone for the WCLA, highlighting the best women’s club lacrosse teams in the nation.
The competition throughout the regular season is intense, with regional tournaments serving as a pathway to the national championship. The structure allows players to experience the excitement and intensity of high-level lacrosse without the constraints of NCAA regulations.
Impact on Women’s Lacrosse
The WCLA has been instrumental in growing women’s lacrosse, particularly in regions where NCAA programs are few or non-existent. It provides a critical outlet for female athletes who are passionate about lacrosse but may not have the opportunity to play at the varsity level.
While WCLA teams do not have the same level of institutional support as NCAA programs, the league is a crucial player in fostering the sport at the club level. It provides a more flexible approach to competition, allowing athletes to balance academics, work, and other aspects of college life while still playing lacrosse.
Comparison: MCLA vs. WCLA vs. NCAA
While both the MCLA and WCLA serve as alternatives to NCAA lacrosse, there are key differences between these organizations and NCAA programs:
• Commitment: NCAA programs require a significant time commitment from student-athletes, while MCLA and WCLA teams often offer more flexibility, allowing players to focus on academics and other interests.
• Funding: NCAA teams are usually funded by the school’s athletic department, while MCLA and WCLA teams are student-run and responsible for their own fundraising.
• Opportunities: Both the MCLA and WCLA offer high-level competition for students whose schools don’t sponsor NCAA lacrosse programs, providing broader access to the sport in underrepresented regions.
Significance of MCLA and WCLA Today
Together, the MCLA and WCLA play pivotal roles in expanding the reach of lacrosse across the U.S. and Canada. They foster the development of lacrosse in regions where the sport was once largely unknown, ensuring that both men and women have the opportunity to continue playing the game they love in college, even without NCAA sponsorship.
For many, the MCLA and WCLA offer a chance to continue their lacrosse careers, balancing academic life with athletic passion. The organizations have helped raise the visibility of club lacrosse, providing a pathway to post-collegiate lacrosse opportunities while expanding the sport’s footprint nationwide.
