USA Triathlon (USAT) has announced that the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona, will become the 12th NCAA Division I program to offer women’s triathlon at the varsity level. A member of the Pac-12 Conference, the University of Arizona will begin competing in autumn/fall 2023.
The commitment by the University of Arizona continues the momentum women’s collegiate triathlon has gathered toward becoming an NCAA Championship sport.
USAT notes that, with more than 40 schools now offering women’s collegiate triathlon, the NCAA Emerging Sport for Women has met the 10-year window to demonstrate sustainability and success at the NCAA varsity level. Now, women’s triathlon has a few more steps to take on its way to being fully managed by the NCAA as a championship event, including committee, council, divisional and budget approvals.
University of Arizona Athletics Director Dave Heeke said “After a thorough evaluation of our 21-sport model, we are excited to add women’s triathlon as our newest program as we continue to fulfil our Wildcat Way mission of developing academic, athletic and life champions.”
He continued “Triathlon is a growing NCAA sport that has tremendous popularity locally in southern Arizona and nationally throughout the country. Additionally, our community is a marquee training ground for triathlon, which makes this an ideal addition to our department.
“This announcement comes as we celebrate the milestone anniversary of Title IX, and I look forward to watching Arizona Women’s Triathlon grow as another point of pride for the University of Arizona.”
Rocky Harris, USA Triathlon CEO, said “The addition of women’s triathlon at the University of Arizona represents a major milestone in the women’s collegiate triathlon movement.
“The state of Arizona is a world-renowned triathlon haven. With access to a variety of trails and roads that offer high-quality, year-round training, the school is sure to attract top student-athletes. USA Triathlon is thrilled to see increased competitive opportunities for student-athletes at the DI level — more opportunities will help drive collegiate triathlon competition to the highest level.”
The University of Arizona is the second school to offer women’s collegiate triathlon in Arizona, joining fellow DI and Pac-12 Conference rival Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona.
Women’s triathlon is an autumn/fall sport, and the varsity season includes two national qualifiers followed by the Women’s Collegiate Triathlon National Championships held in November. The draft-legal races are sprint-distance, featuring a 750m open-water swim, draft-legal 20km bike and 5km run.
