BRONXVILLE, N.Y.—Sarah Lawrence College will offer women's soccer as a varsity sport beginning in fall 2013, as announced by Director of Athletics and Physical Education Kristin Maile on Friday.

Women's soccer becomes the Gryphons' 15th varsity program and its seventh offering for women. Sarah Lawrence also sponsors seven varsity men's teams and a varsity coed equestrian squad.

“Women's soccer is a perfect fit for Sarah Lawrence,” observes Maile. “The sport remains extremely popular across the country and around the world. We expect many current and future Sarah Lawrence students will enhance their collegiate experience as a part of this new program.”

The announcement comes after a successful fall season as a club program, in which nearly two dozen students participated. In 2011-12, the club team saw 16 women take to the pitch.

The move from club to varsity status means that the program will have expanded practice and competition schedules, while team members will be able to utilize Sarah Lawrence sports medicine services.

Current or prospective students interested in playing women's soccer should contact Maile.