Prior to joining the NCAA, Michigan competed as a club-varsity program at the Division I level of the Men's Collegiate Lacrosse Association (MCLA) in the Central Collegiate Lacrosse Association (CCLA), where the Wolverines secured three MCLA national championships and won 11 consecutive conference titles.

The feat was repeated in 2009 with another 20–0 season and earned their second national championship with a 12–11 victory over Chapman University at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Denver, Colorado.

In 2008, Michigan faceoff specialist Brekan Kohlitz became the first MCLA player ever selected in the Major League Lacrosse draft when he was taken in the 5th round by the Washington Bayhawks.

Michigan attackman Kyle Jackson was drafted as the 7th overall pick in the National Lacrosse League by the Rochester Knighthawks in 2016.

MCLA Division I: 2008, 2009, 2010 CCLA Regular Season: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 CCLA Tournament: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 The following is a list of Michigan's results by season as an independent club program from 1940 to 1971, and as a member of the Central Collegiate Lacrosse League from 1972 to 2011, prior to becoming an NCAA Division I program:[9] National champion Postseason invitational champion