New Div I league - Div III league - Scholarships
 
I believe there will be a Div I Midwest Women's league soon.  With
Minnesota already leading the way, and Mankato State going varsity this
season, it appears other schools (Bemidji State, Minnesota-Duluth,
Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, St Cloud, Wisconsin) may join the
fray.  Duluth just signed former TCW coach Shannon Miller.  How about a
Big Ten Women's Div I league!  There is a possiblity of two Midwest Div I
leagues within a few years.
 
As soon as this coming season a new Division III conference, the MIAC
(Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) could be starting.
Varsity sides from Augsburg, Gustavus, St Benedict, St Mary's, St
Catherine and maybe St Thomas could make up this new league.
 
That should fit in well with the plans to have a Div III national
tournament within the next two years.  Similar to the US Nationals for
Div I teams, we could see sides from the ECAC Alliance, MIAC and perhaps
the MCWHA (clubs) in this new championship.
 
Meanwhile, it is great to have a number of schools leading the way to the
NC$$ limit of 18 athletic scholarships in the next 1-3 years.  UNH and
Northeastern currently have 16 full rides available.  St Lawrence has 5-8
and PC has a couple of scholarships.
 
Maine and Niagara join the ECAC League in 1998-99 season.  The Black Bears
of Maine will start with 4 scholarships and over the next four years will
reach 18 full rides.  The Purple Eagles will start with 6 scholarships.
 
The Ivies and other varsity women's programs continue to offer some very
attractive financial aid packages.  There is money to help pay for a
college education.  It can be based on academics, need or other reasons.
It is a matter of talking to coaches and college officials and digging out
what's available at the schools.
 
The ECAC Alliance, Div III which allows no athletic scholarships, will be
adding the following schools in 1998-99: Bates, Sacred Heart, Southern
Maine, Trinity and Union.  That brings the Alliance to a total of 16 teams
(mostly varsity), in four divisions and an 18 game league schedule.
 
Minnesota and Mankato State are two independent Div I varsities. Minnesota
have several scholarships this coming year and eventually 18 players will
be on full rides.
 
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