With more than 5,500 women participating at the collegiate level in lacrosse either through varsity or club teams, it’s not surprising to team members that N.C. State’s club team is looking to get to the next level.

Interest in the club team has club officials planning for the team to have a varsity squad in the near future.

“They are, within the next few years, looking to add women’s lacrosse to the varsity level. It’s not very prominent in the south right now, but as it becomes more popular, they are definitely considering,” Sarah Klocke, a senior in biochemistry, said.

As of now, the women are busy practicing and competing against the likes of North Carolina, Duke and Wake Forest in the Carolina Women’s Lacrosse League.

Klocke said club sports allows students to stay in shape.

“It keeps you active. It gives you a more competitive side especially if you grew up playing sports,” Klocke said.

Two students have assumed the coaching responsibilities to organize and help educate team members.

Klocke said the club team is interested in having students come out and take a look at the squad.

“Everyone is welcome to play. We have a few girls that have never played before on our team right now. People of all different talent levels can play, and we all play the same amount of time,” she said. “If you come out and aren’t as experienced that doesn’t mean your not going to play.”

Aside from Raleigh, the team hopes it can continue to help develop the sport in the south.

The women’s lacrosse club team practices Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 5-7:30 p.m., on Club Area B of Miller Fields.

Staff Writer Preston Boyles contributed to this story