Columbia College Launches Men's Lacrosse Program, Tabs Tom Kinney to Lead Program

The college proudly announces the addition of men's and women's lacrosse teams, set to debut in 2026, and welcomes Tom Kinney and Mallory Bahr to lead the programs

Columbia, S.C. (January 7, 2025) – In a groundbreaking expansion of its athletic programs, Columbia College is thrilled to announce the addition of men's and women's lacrosse teams, with competition set to begin in February 2026. This marks a significant milestone for Koala Athletics as the college continues to grow its legacy of excellence and opportunity in sports.

"This is an incredible moment for Koala Athletics," said Glen Crawford, Director of Athletics. "Adding men's and women's lacrosse allows us to elevate our athletics program while bringing more energy and enthusiasm to our campus. Lacrosse is a fast-growing sport with a passionate following, and we're proud to join this movement right here at Columbia College."

Columbia College has built a strong tradition of athletic achievement, with numerous teams earning regional and national recognition in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). By introducing lacrosse, the College aims to enrich the student experience, promote athletic diversity, and strengthen its sense of community pride.

"Columbia College is in a transformative era," said Dr. John Dozier, President of Columbia College. "Expanding our athletics program reflects our commitment to growth and opportunity. Students, faculty, and alumni are eager for new ways to connect and celebrate together, and lacrosse will infuse fresh spirit and momentum into our campus life. We can't wait to see the impact of these teams on our community."

To lead the men's lacrosse program, Columbia College has hired Tom Kinney:

• Tom Kinney has been named the first-ever head coach of the men's lacrosse team. 

  He will be tasked with starting and leading the inaugural program set to begin in the 2025-26 season with the spring season set to kick off in February of 2026.

  Kinney is coming to Columbia from Raleigh, NC where he was the assistant men's lacrosse coach at NCAA Div. III William Peace University specializing in offensive and special teams during the 2023-24 season. Kinney is also currently the Battalion Lacrosse Club Director and Head Coach in Fayetteville before he moves to Columbia.

  "First and foremost, I want to give all glory to God for blessing me with this opportunity. I would also like to thank AD Glen Crawford and Columbia College for the possibility to be the inaugural Men's Lacrosse Coach," commented coach Kinney. "Columbia College has tremendous potential with its academics, location, and growing momentum to build sustained success in the Appalachian Athletic Conference. I look forward to connecting with this campus and methodically building this program. Go Koalas!" 
   
  Prior to wokring at Peace, Kinney worked at fellow D3 Methodist University as an assistant coach in Fayetteville, NC, where he excelled in recruiting and coaching goalies from 2021 to 2023. 
  He has also served as a high school coach in Apex and Cary, NC coaching at Carolina National Lacrosse in 2021, Red Devil Lacrosse since 2018 and was the HS Varsity coach and Program Director at Cary Christian School from 2018-2022.
   
  Kinney graduated from Springfield College in Springfield, Mass. in 2014 with a B.S. in Athletic Training.

Columbia College is excited to welcome these two dynamic teams and their accomplished leaders to its growing athletics program. With their expertise, the college is poised to make an immediate impact in the lacrosse community and beyond.

For more information about Columbia College Athletics, please contact Troy Baranik, Sports Information Coordinator, at tbaranik@columbiasc.edu.