WICHITA, Ks. – The USA Lacrosse Women’s Collegiate Lacrosse Associates (WCLA) national championship event is coming to Wichita in 2024. Hosted by Visit Wichita, it will be the championship’s first-ever appearance in Kansas.
USA Lacrosse has announced the championships will be played at the SCHEELS Stryker Sports Complex from May 7-10, 2024.
“We’re so pleased to be moving this special event to a new venue like the SCHEELS Stryker Sports Complex and being able to bring a fresh vibe to the WCLA National Championship,” says Kristy Nutt, director of events at USA Lacrosse. “This brand-new facility sets the stage for fierce competition and memorable experiences for all of the participating players. Additionally, the central location in Wichita ensures seamless travel for all the teams and puts the focus on the game.”
Nearly 200 non-varsity collegiate teams comprise the WCLA and compete under the USA Lacrosse umbrella. The annual Division I and Division II National Championships showcase the WCLA’s premier teams, featuring 16 Division I clubs and 16 Division II teams vying for titles.
“We are honored and thrilled USA Lacrosse has selected Wichita to be the host city for their 2024 Women’s Collegiate Lacrosse Associates National Championship,” says Josh Howell, vice president of sports development for Visit Wichita. “It’s a great opportunity for locals to take in a fast-paced, exciting sport, and we’re looking forward to showcasing one of our community’s world-class facilities, SCHEELS Stryker Sports Complex.”
The SCHEELS Stryker Sports Complex features 11 multi-sport turf fields with outdoor lighting and a 112,000-square-foot indoor facility. The venue hosts local, regional, and national events and is ideally situated for tournament competitions.
Established in 2001, the WCLA Championship has had 10 previous host sites, with prior stops in St. Louis, Minneapolis, Dallas, and Round Rock, Texas.
Last year’s championship, played in Virginia Beach, Va., concluded with Boston College winning its second straight Division I title, while the University of New Hampshire claimed its first Division II championship.
“The WCLA is an integral part of our USA Lacrosse family, and the great level of competition that we have annually witnessed at the national championship truly demonstrates the commitment of these collegiate athletes and their enthusiasm for lacrosse,” says Caitlin Kelley, senior director for sports administration at USA Lacrosse.
