Ursuline College is continuing the expansion of its men's athletics program with the addition of men's basketball, which will begin competition during the 2027-28 academic year.
The new program will become the sixth men's athletic offering at Ursuline, joining indoor and outdoor track and field, cross country, golf and bowling. The Arrows' men's teams compete at the NCAA Division II level.
Men's bowling, also announced as a new addition to the athletics program, will begin its inaugural season in winter 2027-28, making the 2027-28 academic year a milestone year for the continued growth of men's athletics at Ursuline.
"Men's basketball is an exciting next step for Ursuline Athletics," said Athletic Director Cindy McKnight. "Basketball has a tremendous ability to bring people together, and we look forward to building a program that reflects the character, ambition and community spirit we value at Ursuline. We're excited to welcome a new group of student-athletes to campus and give them an opportunity to compete, grow and become part of the Arrow family."
Ursuline will begin a national search for its inaugural head men's basketball coach. The coach will lead the development of the program, establish its recruiting foundation and prepare the team for its first season of NCAA Division II competition.
"We have been intentional about the growth of men's athletics at Ursuline, and each new program adds another opportunity for students to find their place here," McKnight said. "Adding basketball allows us to reach prospective student-athletes who are looking for a college experience where they can pursue their academic goals while competing at the collegiate level. We're looking forward to finding the right leader to establish the culture and foundation of this program from day one."
The addition of men's basketball comes as Ursuline continues to expand opportunities for male student-athletes. Men were first admitted to Ursuline College in 1969 and currently account for approximately 10 percent of the College's undergraduate enrollment and 13 percent of student-athletes.
"The impact of athletics is far-reaching. It energizes a campus and fosters student-athletes' growth as individuals and members of a community - characteristics that stay with them long after they graduate," said President Walter Iwanenko, Ph.D. "These benefits drive our commitment to growing athletics at Ursuline, and we are excited for men's basketball to join Ursuline Arrows' legacy of success."
Ursuline's women's basketball program has a long-standing history within the athletics department, providing the College with decades of experience in the sport and establishing basketball as an important part of the Arrows' athletic identity.
"Basketball has already been an important part of the Ursuline Athletics story, and we're excited to create a new chapter with men's basketball," McKnight said. "This is an opportunity to build something from the ground up while drawing on the knowledge and traditions that already exist within our department."
The search for the inaugural head men's basketball coach is underway, with recruitment of prospective student-athletes to begin following the hiring of the coach.
The Arrows will take the court for the first time during the 2027-28 season, joining men's bowling as the newest additions to Ursuline's growing lineup of athletic opportunities.
