Massachusetts Maritime will add women’s lacrosse as a varsity sport for the 2012 season after fielding a club team beginning this fall.

The academy currently sponsors eight varsity sports for women, in addition to nine sports for men.

“This is an exciting day for the future of women’s athletics at Massachusetts Maritime,” said Bob Corradi, the academy’s director of athletics. “It provides another tremendous growth and competitive opportunity in one of the fastest growing sports in the country, and it further reflects the great commitment that Massachusetts Maritime and Admiral (Richard) Gurnon (the academy’s president) have made to athletics at the academy.”

Corradi said the team will seek a conference affiliation. Five other Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference members currently sponsoring the sport compete in the eight-member New England Women’s Lacrosse Alliance.

Rory Deegan, who currently assists with men’s lacrosse at the academy, was named head women’s coach.