DEARBORN, Mich. – The University of Michigan-Dearborn Department of Athletics & Recreation is proud to announce for the third consecutive year, the addition of new varsity athletic programs at UM-Dearborn.
Beginning in the 2019-20 academic year, UM-Dearborn will sponsor men's and women's golf, it was announced by the University on Monday.
"The history and tradition of men's and women's golf through the conference and national level will bring tremendous opportunity and value to UM-Dearborn," UM-Dearborn Director of Athletics & Recreation Matt Beaudry said. "We firmly believe participation in sport provides student-athletes an opportunity to achieve valuable lessons for life upon graduation while supporting the educational community and the University's mission."
The addition of men's and women's golf follows the growth of the department with women's soccer and baseball concluding their first year of competition in 2017-18, while the department announced last year the start of men's and women's bowling, along with women's ice hockey for the 2018-19 academic year.
The men's and women's golf programs will compete in the NAIA at the national level and in the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference.
Starting in 2019-20, UM-Dearborn will sponsor 14 NAIA varsity teams, along with two varsity club programs (men's and women's ice hockey). Prior to the addition of softball in 2007-08, UM-Dearborn sponsored three varsity and one varsity club programs.
"We are excited and look forward to these new sports helping us continue the momentum and success at UM-Dearborn," Beaudry added.
A national search will begin immediately to identify a head coach to lead both programs.