WESTERVILLE, Ohio — The Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) Presidents Council has approved the addition of four affiliate members for women’s lacrosse beginning with the 2027 season. Franklin College, Hanover College, Spalding University and Transylvania University will join the OAC after previously competing in the Heartland Collegiate Lacrosse Conference (HCLC).

The addition builds on the OAC’s seven current women’s lacrosse programs and reflects the conference’s continued focus on providing high-quality competitive opportunities for student-athletes.

“We are excited to welcome Franklin, Hanover, Spalding, and Transylvania to the Ohio Athletic Conference,” said OAC Commissioner Bethany Dannelly. “Each institution values the Division III experience and is committed to creating meaningful opportunities for its student-athletes.  We are confident these programs will fit well alongside our current members.”

This collaboration builds on an existing football scheduling partnership between the OAC and the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference and reflects the collaborative approach shared by the two conferences.

“OAC member institutions are thoughtful and intentional when it comes to conference decisions,” said Dr. Darrell Bailey, OAC Athletics Council Chair and Director of Athletics at Capital University. “These schools are a natural fit for the conference, and we are confident they will enhance the overall women’s lacrosse experience within an already competitive group.”

From the affiliate members’ perspective, the move represents an exciting opportunity to compete within an established conference and familiar geographic footprint.

“We’re excited for our lacrosse program to join the Ohio Athletic Conference as an affiliate member for the upcoming year. Competing alongside the outstanding teams in the Ohio Athletic Conference, as well as continuing our rivalries with programs from the Heartland Collegiate Lacrosse Conference, creates a tremendous opportunity for growth and high-level competition,” said Jeff Chaney, Director of Athletics at Transylvania University.  “This move reflects our commitment to providing our student-athletes with an exceptional competitive experience while building on the strong foundation our program has established.  I would like to thank Jay and Bethany for their forward-thinking collaboration in providing continued opportunities for the student-athletes in all of our programs.”

The OAC will work with the four affiliate members on scheduling, governance, and championship administration in advance of the 2027 season.