The University of Rhode Island will discontinue women's gymnastics at the completion of the 2008 season and replace it with women's lacrosse.

The lacrosse team is expected to begin competition in the 2009-10 season. As part of the reorganization, three assistant coaches in women's sports will be made full-time positions.

The school announced the change now so gymnasts can transfer next semester and be more likely to get financial aid. All current scholarship commitments, including those to student-athletes who have signed a National Letter of Intent, will be honored.

With the addition of lacrosse, Rhode Island will participate in every sport sponsored by its conference, the Atlantic 10.

The university will begin a search for a lacrosse coach this summer.