According to a report from WDRB, Bellarmine University is exploring the possibility of moving up to NCAA Division I in all nine varsity sports.
Lacrosse is already competing at the Division I level.
Here are details:
Now, the discussions have turned to athletics. Bellarmine isn’t talking specifics. But two sources close to the university’s athletic programs say that the school is mulling a jump to the NCAA Division I level in all nine of its varsity sports (men’s lacrosse already competes at the D-I level).
John Spugnardi, Bellarmine’s director for athletic media relations, declined to comment on the topic, but provided a university response in anticipation of questions:
“In January 2018, Bellarmine began developing a new strategic plan to shape the university’s future,” the statement reads. “In addition to a number of academic and administrative priorities, the plan calls for the university to review its athletics conference and divisional alignment. The goal of this review is to ensure the university is maximizing student opportunities for leadership and growth, alumni engagement, and the reach, visibility and impact of Bellarmine both regionally and nationally. This process is underway, with opportunities for continued input from the Bellarmine community.”
That statement makes no commitment on the part of Bellarmine. But it certainly leans a certain way. For decades, universities have used athletic programs to engage alumni and achieve reach and visibility. And a jump in level for its varsity athletics certainly would seem in keeping with that overall approach.
