BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — History is on the horizon for the Gulf South Conference. Virginia State University has accepted an invitation to join the league as an affiliate member in women’s lacrosse, beginning with the 2026 season.
Located in Petersburg, Va., Virginia State will become the first historically Black college or university to compete in the Gulf South Conference. As part of its affiliation, the institution gains full access to the
GSC women’s lacrosse championship and awards. The Trojans will remain a full member of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) for all other sports, except for men’s lacrosse which joined the Peach Belt Conference.
“We are thrilled to welcome Virginia State and its women’s lacrosse program to the GSC,” said Commissioner Matt Wilson. “The addition of Virginia State is a mutually beneficial relationship that strengthens the conference and reflects our commitment to women’s lacrosse as we partner with one of the nation’s newest programs that will bring a new energy. I appreciate the work from our membership and by the Virginia State staff and administrators to get this done so quickly.”
“Virginia State University is proud to join the Gulf South Conference as an affiliate member, becoming the league’s first HBCU,” said Tiffani-Dawn B. Sykes, Associate Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics. “This partnership represents a tremendous opportunity for our women’s lacrosse student-athletes to compete for championships, earn academic and athletic recognition, and tell the Trojan story on a new stage. It also aligns directly with VSU’s strategic priorities while enhancing the overall experience of our student-athletes. We are grateful to Commissioner Matt Wilson and the GSC Board of Directors for welcoming us into a conference that has built a strong tradition of excellence.”
“Today marks a powerful step forward, not just for our athletic department, but for the women’s lacrosse program,” said Ashley Lawrence, Virginia State head women's lacrosse coach. “With us going into our third season and joining the Gulf South Conference, we are continuing to add to the history that we have already made. As an HBCU, we are proud to expand opportunities for our student-athletes and honor the diversity and excellence that define our legacy. This is more than a game, it’s part of a bigger movement, and we’re proud to lead it.”
The Trojans first season was in 2024 and since competed as an NCAA Division II independent during their first two seasons under head coach Ashley Lawrence. Virginia State was just one of four HBCU’s in the NCAA to sponsor women’s lacrosse during the 2025 season.
Virginia State’s inaugural GSC conference schedule will feature home dates against Lee and Flagler, in addition to road games at UAH, Montevallo, and Lander.
The Gulf South Conference began sponsoring women’s lacrosse in 2016. Since then, GSC programs have earned national rankings, NCAA postseason berths, and multiple All-American honors, with student-athletes also competing in the prestigious IWLCA Senior All-Star Game.
Virginia State Quick Facts
Official Name: Virginia State University
Location: Petersburg, Virginia
Founded: 1882
Enrollment: 4,876
President: Makola M. Abdullah
Athletic Director: Tiffani-Dawn Skyes
Nickname: Trojans
WLAX Head Coach: Ashley Lawrence
First WLAX Season: 2024