LA GRANDE, Ore. — Eastern Oregon University Athletics has announced that the women's lacrosse program will be discontinued following the conclusion of the 2026 spring season.

The decision comes after six years of structural barriers, limited conference alignment, financial challenges, and a national landscape that has struggled to rebound following the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"When Eastern Oregon added Women's Lacrosse in 2020, we believed the sport would continue to grow within our conference and the NAIA," said Weissenfluh. "Unfortunately, that anticipated regional growth did not materialize, and the structural challenges surrounding scheduling, travel, and recruiting have made long-term sustainability difficult."

When added in 2020, projections across the NAIA and within the Cascade Collegiate Conference suggested strong growth potential for the sport. However, the pandemic disrupted that trajectory quickly, as conference opponents dropped their programs and institutions that had planned to add teams ultimately did not. As a result, the collegiate lacrosse landscape in the Pacific Northwest has not regained its momentum.

Currently, NAIA Women's Lacrosse sponsorship remains below 35 institutions nationally, just above the 30 programs required to maintain a national championship status. Without the anticipated regional expansion, Eastern Oregon has operated without conference opponents for the duration of the program's existence.

Playing without a conference left the program facing significant scheduling and travel challenges. Each season typically required extensive travel to compete against NCAA Division III programs and NAIA opponents located outside the region in order to meet scheduling minimums.

Recruiting also presented challenges, with lacrosse not currently sanctioned at high schools across Oregon, Idaho, or Washington – limiting the local recruiting pipeline. With the nearest established high school lacrosse programs several hours away, the sport's regional growth has been largely club-based rather than intercollegiate. As a result, the program has consistently worked to build rosters through a combination of recruited athletes and walk-on student-athletes, while struggling to maintain retention. 

Despite ongoing challenges, EOU's lacrosse program made meaningful strides over the years. The team steadily expanded its roster while continually improving the quality and competitiveness of its on-field performance. Year after year, the program demonstrated measurable progress, reflecting the unwavering dedication of its players, coaches, and supporters. As the program concludes, it leaves behind a lasting legacy of growth, teamwork, and commitment that will be remembered and celebrated by the EOU community.

"This was an incredibly difficult decision because of the dedication shown by our student-athletes and coaching staff," said Weissenfluh. "Over the past several years they have demonstrated resilience and pride while representing Eastern Oregon University." 

Head Coach Scott Shannon, who has led the program since 2023, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to guide the Mountaineers. 

"When I came to EOU in 2023, we knew there were barriers that made the sport's growth in La Grande difficult," Shannon said. "We made substantial progress toward overcoming those barriers, but along the way we encountered new challenges that made sustainability of an NAIA program untenable. I am grateful to Anji and the administration for giving me the opportunity to lead the program over the past three years. Although it is not the end any of us wanted, I believe it is the right direction for EOU at this time." 

Weissenfluh also acknowledged Shannon's leadership and commitment to the department.

"Coach Shannon has worked tirelessly to build this program under challenging circumstances," Weissenfluh said. "His commitment to his program and Eastern Oregon Athletics has been second to none. He has been committed to not only building his program, but also to the success of the entire athletic department. I would like to thank Coach Shannon for the time, commitment, and integrity he brings to our department every day. His selflessness and dedication to our student-athletes and the university has made a lasting impact far beyond the sport."

Shannon also reflected on the program's student-athletes and their impact.

"I want to thank all of the student-athletes who have been part of EOU Lacrosse over the past six years," Shannon said. "From those who were highly recruited to help establish the program, to walk-on athletes who discovered and fell in love with the game. I am proud of everything we accomplished together. I am grateful to have been part of EOU Lacrosse over the past three years and wish our student-athletes the very best moving forward."

"We are grateful to every student-athlete who helped build this program and represented the Mountaineers with pride," Weissenfluh added. "Women's lacrosse will always be part of Eastern Oregon's story."

The university will continue to sponsor women's lacrosse through the 2026 spring season, allowing current student-athletes time to plan their academic and athletic futures.

"Our priority moving forward is supporting our student-athletes," Weissenfluh said. "We are committed to assisting them as they evaluate their options, whether that means continuing their education at Eastern Oregon or pursuing opportunities to continue competing elsewhere."

The university will honor scholarship commitments if students choose to remain at EOU as long as they continue to meet the standards that all student-athletes are expected to achieve. Coach Shannon and the Athletic Department will also provide guidance for those seeking to continue their athletic careers elsewhere. Eastern remains committed to finishing the 2026 season strong, ensuring student-athletes have the best opportunities for success both on and off the field.