Sport College lacrosse No. of teams 16 Most recent
champion(s) North Carolina (2) Number of teams 16 | Founded 1982 Country United States Official website NCAA.com TV partner ESPNU | |
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Instances 2014 NCAA Division I Women's Lacrosse Championship |
The annual NCAA Division I Women's Lacrosse Championship tournament has determined the top women's lacrosse team in the NCAA Division I since 1982. Separate championships are held for Division II, founded in 2001, and Division III, founded in 1985.
Contents
North Carolina is the defending champion, having defeated Maryland in the 2016 NCAA Division I Women's Lacrosse Championship final.
History
Lacrosse was one of twelve women's sports added to the NCAA championship program for the 1981-82 school year, as the NCAA engaged in battle with the AIAW for sole governance of women's collegiate sports. The AIAW continued to conduct its established championship program in the same twelve (and other) sports; however, after a year of dual women's championships, the NCAA conquered the AIAW and usurped its authority and membership.
Results
See Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women Champions for the women's lacrosse champions from 1978 to 1982. NOTE: In 1982 there were both NCAA and AIAW Division I champions.