The Banner-Herald reported over the weekend that the University might consider adding another sport for women. There’s “no timetable” to add an additional sport, and discussions are at a very preliminary stage.

Georgia’s strong financial position already puts it at the forefront of Title IX compliance. Recent investments at the South Milledge complex and also at the Coliseum practice facility greatly benefit women’s sports. Over half (52%) of Georgia’s student-athletes are female despite the enormous counter-weight of an 85-scholarship football squad.

So why add another sport for women? Even with females making up 52% of student-athletes, women make up 58% of the student body. Adding another sport would bring those two numbers even closer in line which is one of the primary tests of Title IX compliance. Georgia last added a varsity sport, equestrian, in 2001.

Though Georgia officials have no specific sport in mind, the Banner-Herald identifies a few likely candidates. Rowing, lacrosse, fencing, and even beach volleyball are all possible. Rowing might be at the top of the list – youth rowing clubs are strong in Atlanta, and Georgia already has a pretty successful rowing club of their own. There is no varsity rowing program in the state of Georgia, and two SEC schools already compete at that level.