Most lacrosse fans know the NCAA. Fewer know the MCLA — and that gap leaves thousands of players and families without a clear picture of what their options are after high school. The Men's Collegiate Lacrosse Association is large, competitive, and growing. Here's how it works.

The Basics

The Men's Collegiate Lacrosse Association (MCLA) is a national governing body for non-NCAA men's college lacrosse programs. It oversees more than 200 teams in ten conferences across the United States and Canada. These are club programs — not varsity NCAA programs — but the MCLA provides a full competitive structure including eligibility rules, All-American honors, and a national championship tournament.

Think of it as the answer to a specific problem: schools that don't have the budget, interest, or competitive infrastructure to sponsor a varsity NCAA program can still field a team that competes seriously. For players at those schools who want to keep playing competitive lacrosse, the MCLA is the vehicle.

MCLA vs. NCAA: Key Differences

• No athletic scholarships: MCLA programs cannot offer athletic aid. The sport is funded through student fees, alumni donations, and program fundraising. Coaches at MCLA programs often aren't paid at all, or receive very modest stipends.
• Student-run operations: Many MCLA teams are heavily student-led. Players handle scheduling, equipment, travel logistics, and fundraising alongside competing. This builds organizational skills but also requires significant player commitment beyond just lacrosse.
• Full gear and competition: Despite the club structure, MCLA teams wear matching helmets, uniforms, and gear. The game is played under standard lacrosse rules. The national championship is a real tournament with real stakes.
• Eligibility rules: You get four years of MCLA eligibility. You must be enrolled full-time (typically 12+ credit hours). The MCLA recognizes only the spring season for eligibility purposes, so fall play doesn't count against you.

MCLA Division I vs. Division II

The MCLA has its own two-division structure within club lacrosse. MCLA Division I features the strongest club programs — schools like BYU, Notre Dame, Colorado, and South Carolina field MCLA programs because they don't have NCAA varsity lacrosse. MCLA Division II is for programs with less competitive depth or newer programs still building their rosters.

Who Plays MCLA?

MCLA players come from a variety of backgrounds. Some are high school players who attended a school without an NCAA program. Some are players who didn't make a D1 or D2 roster and chose a school for academic reasons. Some are walk-ons at schools where NCAA lacrosse doesn't exist. The competition level varies significantly — a top MCLA D1 program competes at a level comparable to NCAA D2 or even low-major D1 in terms of player talent.

Can MCLA Players Go Pro?

MCLA players are eligible for the PLL and NLL drafts. It's rare for MCLA players to get drafted, but it has happened. The more common path is that MCLA players continue competing in amateur leagues after graduation or pursue the sport recreationally.

Is MCLA Worth It?

If you love lacrosse and your school doesn't have an NCAA program, absolutely. The MCLA keeps you competing, keeps you connected to teammates, and gives you a reason to stay fit and engaged during your college years. The level of fun and competitive satisfaction is real. What you lose compared to NCAA is the scholarship money and the institutional support — but for the right player at the right school, those tradeoffs are worth it.