PITTSBURG — For the first time in more than three decades, the Pittsburg State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics will expand its women's sports offerings. PSU officials announced today (Aug. 16) in a press conference at the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts the launch of a Gorillas women's soccer program.
Pitt State will begin the process of creating a first-ever women's soccer program on campus with the Gorillas set to field a team for the 2024 season. The school will look to hire a coach following the 2023 season and plans are in the works to build an on-campus soccer stadium and facilities at the Gene Bicknell Sports Complex, which also serves as home to the Pitt State baseball and softball programs.
"We are excited to enhance our intercollegiate sports offerings at Pittsburg State University with the addition of women's soccer," PSU Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Jim Johnson said. "It's been nearly three decades since the department has experienced growth; and the time is right for this expansion. I think there is heightened excitement in knowing the Gorillas will compete in one of the premier NCAA Division II women's soccer conferences in the MIAA."
Pitt State will become the 13th member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association to field a women's soccer program. The sport takes place in the Fall and features an 18-game regular season schedule. The top eight MIAA schools advance to the MIAA Postseason Tournament with the champion earning an automatic berth to the NCAA Division II National Championships.
With the addition of women's soccer, Pitt State will offer seven women's sports – basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, volleyball and indoor & outdoor track & field – and six men's sports – baseball, basketball, cross country, football and indoor & outdoor track & field).
Pitt State last added a sport in 1991 when the school revived its baseball program. The last women's sport addition came in 1986 when the Gorillas first fielded a women's cross country team.
