ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. - The Bard College Department of Athletics and Recreation announced Tuesday that women's squash has been elevated to varsity status, beginning in the 2017-18 season.

It brings the total number of varsity sports sponsorships at Bard to 19.

"This is a great step forward to Bard women's squash," said head coach Craig Thorpe-Clark. "At a time when many college squash programs are moving backward from varsity to club status, the athletic department and Bard as a whole has shown complete support."

The squad played 11 matches as a club team last winter; this winter, they'll become the fourth women's squash team in the Liberty League, which means there will be a conference tournament. Vassar College, St. Lawrence University and William Smith College are the other three Liberty League institutions which sponsor varsity women's squash.

"The time is right, and we have the right coach in place to make this happen," said Bard Athletic Director Kris Hall. "The nucleus of players returning have shown a commitment to hard work; their overall improvement and dedication will be the foundation of the new program."

Thorpe-Clark was named the Liberty League Men's Squash Coach of the Year in March.

"It's important to the players who have dedicated themselves to being true student-athletes at Bard," he said. "They are delighted to be recognized as varsity student-athletes. It makes a difference."

The 2017-18 schedule is to be announced.