MIDDLETOWN, Conn. – The College Athletic Advisor released its top-10 list of men's lacrosse 'Programs That Inspire', and the Wesleyan University men's lacrosse team ranked No. 3 in the country out of over 350 programs in Division II and Division III.
The Cardinals ranked third overall and second among Division III programs while placing ahead of Tufts who claimed the No. 4 spot.
According to the College Athletic Advisor, these holistic program rankings are open to all four-year U.S. collegiate level programs sponsoring lacrosse outside of NCAA Division I. Rankings are based on a subjective assessment of student experience in four areas:
- Holistic development of student-athletes in the institution
- Academic achievement and support for the academic success of student-athletes
- The overall college experience for participants within the program
- Affordability/Graduation Rates/Student Satisfaction
The rankings are meant to highlight programs that may not be widely publicized despite having achieved consistent elite status in competition and in elevating the lives of participating student-athletes. The College Athletic Advisor's list is subjective, but the organization believes these rankings "present an informed starting point for a discussion about where student-athletes can excel as "triple-threat" competitors (academics, athletics, and socially) in college and in life."
On the field, Wesleyan men's lacrosse has excelled under the guidance of head coach
John Raba. In 24 years at the helm of the program, Raba's teams have posted a 281-118 (.704) overall record while winning two NESCAC Championships, appearing in seven NCAA Tournaments, reaching four National Semifinals, and winning the 2018 NCAA Championship.
College Athletic Advisor's Top 10 'Programs That Inspire'
1. Salisbury (Division III)
2. Le Moyne College (Division II)
3. Wesleyan (Division III)
4. Tufts (Division III)
5. Denison (Division III)
6. Adelphi (Division II)
7. Cabrini (Division III)
8. University of Tampa (Division II)
9. SUNY-Cortland (Division III)
T10. Rhodes (Division III)
T10. Dickinson (Division III)
