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NEW ORLEANS — Expansion of intercollegiate athletics continues at ��Ƭ��Ƶ, which Tuesday announced the return of baseball and the launch of softball for the 2020-21 academic year.

Jason Horn, XULA assistant vice president for student affairs / director of athletics & recreation, said the university will conduct a national search for head coaches of both sports.

"��Ƭ��Ƶ is excited to add more competition opportunities for current and aspiring ��Ƭ��Ƶ students," Horn said. "As I have traveled to some non-athletic-specific recruiting events, I have noted that many students want to continue their athletic careers. As a result, sports figures prominently in those college choices.

"Our goal for all our new teams will be the same as our already established programs — to pursue the highest levels of success in competition and in the classroom."

XULA will have the only active intercollegiate softball program in New Orleans.

The Gold Rush competed in baseball through 1960, when XULA discontinued intercollegiate athletics for seven years.

XULA will compete for regional and national honors in the NAIA, which will have 190 baseball teams and 202 softball teams in 2019-20. Previously announced for 2019-20 were the return of  and a new ������Dz�������.

XULA is a longtime member of the NAIA and the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference. XULA will sponsor 13 intercollegiate teams in 2020-21.