GLENSIDE, PA — Arcadia University is expanding its athletics footprint again, announcing new men’s and women’s fencing programs set to launch in fall 2027. The move positions the university among a small but growing group of NCAA institutions investing in the sport at a time when some colleges are scaling back athletic offerings.
With the addition of fencing, Arcadia will sponsor 30 varsity teams beginning in the 2027–28 academic year. The expansion follows the university’s 2025 debut of men’s and women’s wrestling, both of which attracted strong early rosters and reinforced Arcadia’s strategy of broad-based athletic growth.
According to USA Fencing, Arcadia will become the 13th Division III men’s fencing program and the 17th Division III women’s program nationwide. Within Pennsylvania, Arcadia will be only the fourth men’s program and fifth women’s program — underscoring the rarity of the sport in the region.
Associate Vice President of Athletics Brian Granata said athletics remain central to Arcadia’s campus culture, noting the university has more than doubled its student-athlete population since 2011. He said fencing aligns with Arcadia’s long-term plans to expand opportunities and attract students seeking diverse competitive experiences.
USA Fencing praised the announcement. Brad Suchorski, the organization’s director of membership, service and growth, said Arcadia’s investment comes at a time when roster spots in collegiate athletics are tightening. He called the new programs a win for access and community, underscoring the sport’s need for additional collegiate pathways.
Arcadia plans to begin a national search for its inaugural head coach this winter, with hopes of naming a hire by April 2026. The university’s ongoing construction and renovation work across its athletic facilities — including upgrades to the Kuch Center, Jean Lenox West Field, the Multipurpose Center and Hatfield Ice Arena — reflects its continued commitment to supporting a growing roster of varsity sports.
Arcadia’s nearly 600 student-athletes currently maintain a cumulative GPA of roughly 3.3, a benchmark the university cites as evidence that its expansion strategy supports both athletic and academic performance.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.