WORCESTER, Mass. (AP) - Following the U.S. women's hockey team's gold medal performance in Nagano, Holy Cross has decided to begin sponsoring women's ice hockey as a varsity athletic program this season.
"The popularity of women's ice hockey has grown tremendously over the years," said Ann Zelesky, associate athletic director. "It's a great time to elevate the program to varsity status."
The college has not introduced a new varsity sport since 1983.
"It is pretty clear that the Women's Ice Hockey Club is ready to play at the varsity level," said Richard M. Regan Jr., athletic director.
The team will compete as an independent this season before applying to the ECAC Division III League next year.