Florida Tech men's lacrosse has qualified for the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history, the NCAA announced on May 7, 2026. The Panthers, who finished the season with a 12-4 overall record (6-1 in the Sunshine State Conference), will host a regional game as the third seed in the South Region. The team's 12 wins this season tied a program record, including eight victories over ranked teams or those receiving votes in the USILA Coaches Poll.
The Panthers will face the sixth-seeded Lenoir-Rhyne Bears on Sunday, May 10, at Rick Stottler Field in Melbourne. The game is scheduled for 1:00 p.m., marking the first time Florida Tech will host an NCAA Tournament match. The team's success this season was driven by six players named to the 2026 All-Sunshine State Conference teams: Jax Francisco, Steve Ulrichs, Thomas Strong, Brooks van Esselstyn, Joe Covele, and another unnamed player.
Florida Tech's head coach, who was not named in the announcement, has led the program to its first NCAA Tournament appearance. The Panthers' 6-1 conference record secured them a top seed in the regional bracket. The team's performance this season included notable wins against ranked opponents, a factor in their selection.
The game against Lenoir-Rhyne will be the first NCAA Tournament match held at Rick Stottler Field, which has been the team's home since the program's inception. The venue, located on the Florida Tech campus in Melbourne, is expected to draw fans from across the region. The Panthers' run to the tournament came despite challenges, including a 4-12 record in the program's first 24 seasons.
The NCAA Tournament appearance is a milestone for the program, which has grown significantly since its founding. The team's success this season has already set records, and the regional game in May is expected to be a highlight for the community and fans.