ASU will receive a $140,000 grant from USA Triathlon over three years to develop, implement, grow and sustain NCAA triathlon, Sun Devil Athletics said in a release on Thursday.
ASU was selected as one of eight athletic programs to receive an emerging sport grant from USA Triathlon.
"I want to thank USA Triathlon for selecting Sun Devil Athletics as a recipient of the emerging sport grant, but also, I'd like to thank again the donors that made this opportunity possible," Sun Devil Athletics director Ray Anderson said in a statement. "The donors are obviously passionate about hockey but more important, they're passionate about providing new avenues to advance our student body, and for that we are grateful."
The move will help offset Title IX implications from adding men's ice hockey, athletics spokeswoman Maggie Emmons confirmed in an email. As part of its prohibition of sex-based discrimination in education, Title IX requires schools to provide the same financial support and access to scholarships to male and female student-athletes.
The $32 million provided by donors led by Don Mullett provided money to help sponsor a women's sport along with elevating the club hockey program to NCAA status.
Anderson said at the time that women's lacrosse and women's rowing were two sports being considered. ASU President Michael Crow had told The State Press Editorial Board earlier this month that women's lacrosse was "in the lead" for that consideration.
Collegiate triathlon consists of a 750-meter swim, a 20K bike ride and a 5K run.
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