AVE MARIA, Fla. --- Beginning this fall, Ave Maria University will be creating a new division within the Athletic Department called "Non-Varsity and Recreation Sports." The current non-varsity and club programs will transfer under this non-varsity athletic structure as well as intramural athletics and new recreation leagues.
 
The University will sponsor non-varsity men's and women's basketball, softball, baseball, and cheerleading as well as club rugby, ultimate frisbee and equestrian. Ave Maria will be adding club men's and women's swimming this fall and, with interest, a future club men's lacrosse team will also be added.
 
Ave Maria will also begin to offer a limited number of recreation classes on campus beginning this fall with programming expanding over the next few years.
 
"We are excited about the new division of Non-Varsity and Recreation Sports within the Athletic Department," said Director of Athletics John Lamanna. "The university offers an incredible student experience and this new addition within the Athletic Department will enhance that experience by offering more opportunity for involvement in athletic and recreation activities on campus."
 
Current men's and women's tennis coach and Coordinator of Intramural Athletics Curtis Allen will transition into the new role of Assistant Director of Athletics for Non-Varsity and Recreation Sports.
 
"I am very excited about this new transition into the position of Assistant Director of Athletics for Non-Varsity and Recreation Sports," said Allen. "The Athletic Department is growing, and I am happy to be a part of this expansion of the student recreation leagues and club sports.  We will begin to offer more opportunities for students to get involved in different areas of fitness, recreation and sports."
 
A national search for a new men's and women's tennis coach will begin immediately.