GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – National Women's Lacrosse League commissioner John McCarthy has announced Tuesday that Davenport University will be the host of the NWLL National Championship for the 2016, 2017 and 2018 seasons.
 
The 2015 season will be the final year of a three-year contract with Lindenwood – Belleville to be the host to the NWLL National Championship before it transitions to the W.A. Lettinga Campus.
 
"On behalf of the National Women's Lacrosse League, we are pleased to announce that Davenport University will serve as the host of the NWLL National Championships in 2016-2018," McCarthy said in a statement. "I am very impressed with their facilities, and even more impressed with the people that serve in the Davenport Athletic Administration."
 
This 2015 National Championship will take place on April 23-25th. The quarterfinals will be played Thursday, semifinals on Friday, and the National Championship Saturday afternoon. The Four Points in Fairview Heights, Ill. will once again serve as the official hotel of the event and the site for the awards banquet on Wednesday night.
 
"I would like to personally thank Athletic Director Scott Spinner and the Athletic Department Staff at Lindenwood-Belleville," mentioned McCarthy. "They have done an excellent job of hosting the NWLL National Championship, as they've demonstrated that they truly care about the student-athletes and about our championship.  It's been a genuine pleasure to work with Scott and his staff."
 
McCarthy touched on the transition of the National Championship to Davenport University in 2016.
 
"We are all determined to create a wonderful experience for the student-athletes, coaches and schools that compete in the NWLL National Championship," McCarthy said.  "It's clear that the administration at Davenport cares about student-athletes, and it's obvious that they have experience in running championships. As such, I'm very confident that we will - collectively - create a special experience for all involved."
 
The league is currently gearing up for its fifth season. The NWLL was originally founded in 2010 by Matt Green of Shorter University and started with only six teams. After the addition of five teams to the league this season, the league has grown to 21 teams.
 
"Women's lacrosse has enjoyed strong growth over the years and we are excited to bring the NWLL's National Championship to Davenport University and Grand Rapids, Mich.," Ronda Varnesdeel, Davenport Associate Director of Athletics/Senior Women Administrator said in a statement. "We look forward to teaming up with the NWLL to provide a memorable experience for those student-athletes involved."
 
For more news on the 2015 season and National Championship visit nwll.net.
 
The Panthers open the 2015 regular-season Feb. 25 at newbie Ave Maria (Fla.). Prior to that, Davenport takes on Grand Valley State Feb. 7, Florida Southern Feb. 21 and Saint Leo Feb. 23 in exhibition play.
 
Women's Lacrosse Contact: David Gerhart | 616-554-5045 | dgerhart@davenport.edu
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