The UNC Charlotte women's lacrosse team in action during their historic first game.
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The UNC Charlotte women’s lacrosse team made a historic debut on February 8, 2025, with a remarkable 20-2 victory over Gardner-Webb. This launch follows years of planning and commitment from university officials, including Athletic Director Mike Hill, who envisioned expanding opportunities for female athletes. With a strong roster and dedicated coaching, the team is poised for success as they build a competitive program. The inaugural game highlighted standout performances, notably by senior Kylie Gioia, and sets the stage for future achievements in collegiate athletics.
Charlotte, North Carolina, has reason to celebrate as the city’s university launches its much-anticipated women’s lacrosse program. After years of planning and dedication, the UNC Charlotte women’s lacrosse team officially hit the field for the first time on February 8, 2025, in a thrilling opener that ended in a staggering 20-2 victory over Gardner-Webb. The debut not only marks the start of a new sports chapter but also sets the stage for something truly remarkable in collegiate athletics.
The inception of this program was no easy feat. Athletic Director Mike Hill has been a key player in making this dream a reality. The journey began shortly after Hill took the helm at Charlotte, which coincided with the introduction of football to the university in 2013. His vision for the sports landscape of Charlotte included expanding opportunities for women athletes, leading to the conception of the women’s lacrosse program.
With groundwork laid over seven years, the proposal gained momentum thanks to the diligent efforts of Executive Associate Athletic Director Ragean Hill, who crafted a compelling case for the establishment of the program. After much anticipation, the university approved the program on February 11, 2020, but like many plans, this one was hit with delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, postponing the initial launch from 2023 to 2025.
Despite facing several obstacles—such as finding proper training facilities and sourcing equipment—the team made ingenious use of existing on-campus resources during its inaugural season. Looking ahead, plans are being put in place to create dedicated training spaces for the players, showing that there is a long-term vision for the program’s development.
To lead this new venture, UNC Charlotte hired Clare Short as the head coach. Short is noted as Queens University’s all-time winningest coach, bringing invaluable experience and a championship mentality to the team. It’s believed that her leadership will be essential for laying the foundation of a successful and competitive program.
Building the roster was another critical aspect of launching the team. Coach Short took the reins of recruiting, leveraging the transfer portal to strike a perfect balance of seasoned players and newcomers alike. This strategy not only infused the team with experience but also positioned it for immediate success.
The inaugural match on February 8 was nothing short of historic. Senior Kylie Gioia shone brightly, showcasing her skills by scoring four goals and providing three assists, a feat that earned her the title of AAC Attack Player of the Week. With this performance, Gioia made history by scoring the first hat trick in Charlotte women’s lacrosse program history.
Additionally, graduate student Claire Schotta displayed her prowess during the game and earned an Honorable Mention from the American Athletic Conference for her contributions, further solidifying the team’s strong start.
Looking ahead, Mike Hill is optimistic about the program’s trajectory, believing that under Coach Short’s guidance, the Charlotte women’s lacrosse team can evolve into a nationally competitive force. The rookie athletes who signed up for the program are not just players; they’re part of a historic foundation that will shape the team’s heritage and future aspirations.
With the success of this inaugural game, the excitement is building around the women’s lacrosse program. Fans and community members are encouraged to rally behind this new team as they navigate their way through the collegiate athletics landscape. It’s an exciting time for Charlotte, and the best is yet to come!
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