MILWAUKEE – On Tuesday, Alverno College Director of Athletics Katari Key announced the addition of Track & Field as the addition to the department's seven sport offerings, with the program beginning at varsity status during the 2022-23 academic year.
 
"Track & Field is a sport that has a rich history for women in our country and diversity," said Key. "The sport continues to grow and gives women the opportunity to participate in athletics. The addition of track & field shows Alverno College and the community is commited to women's athletics and diversity, equity, and inclusion. I am excited to be able to see what the addition of track will do for the Alverno community."

The team will focus on competing for the during the spring outdoor season during the 2022-23 academic year, while targeting 2023-24 for the addition of the winter indoor season. Alverno intends to compete as full-time members in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference beginning with the 2023 NACC Championships hosted by St. Norbert College at Donald J. Schneider Stadium in De Pere, Wisconsin in early May.

"Track & Field is a very accessible sport and adding it to our athletics opportunities at Alverno College demonstrates our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion," noted Interim Dean of Student Development & Success, and Athletics Direct Report, Heidi Anderson-Isaacson. "The opportunity to offer both track & field in addition to our existing cross country program expands the opportunities for students to come to Alverno as a multi-sport athlete which will only strengthen both programs."

The addition of track and field at Alverno expands the College's portfolio of NCAA Division III sports teams to eight, and is the first sport to be added since golf prior to the 2013-14 academic year.
 
Athletics at Alverno College began in 2000 with basketball and volleyball, while cross country, soccer and softball were added the following year. Tennis was added to the department's portfolio as its sixth sport in 2009-10.
 
A nationwide search is already ongoing, with a coaching hire expected later this spring semester. The head coach of the track & field program will also be tasked with leading the Inferno cross country team in the fall months.