Conference Shuffle

[Kuiper]

I figured there are so many of these nowadays that I might as well start a separate thread.

Saint Elizabeth moving from United East to Atlantic East starting in 2025-2026

On Thursday morning, the Chair of the Atlantic East's Presidents' Council and Centenary University President, Dr. Dale Caldwell,  announced the addition of Saint Elizabeth University as a full-time member of the conference. Saint Elizabeth University will move to the Atlantic East in the 2025-2026 year from the United East Conference.

President Caldwell stated, "Saint Elizabeth University is an outstanding institution that embodies the academic excellence, athletic spirit, and core values we celebrate in the Atlantic East Conference. Their addition not only enhances our competitiveness but also strengthens our shared commitment to student development, regional collaboration, and mission-driven leadership. We are honored to welcome them into our family of institutions."

Founded in 1899 as the College of Saint Elizabeth it transitioned to Saint Elizabeth University on July 1, 2020.  The university is located in Morristown, New Jersey and has a population of approximately 1,141 students. 

"Joining the Atlantic East Conference marks an exciting new chapter for Saint Elizabeth University athletics," said Dr. Gary B. Crosby, President, Saint Elizabeth University.  "This strategic move positions our student-athletes for continued success on the field, in the classroom, and in life. It reflects our commitment to excellence, equity, and opportunity, and we are proud to align with a conference that shares our values and vision for the future."

Saint Elizabeth transitioned the athletic programs to NCAA level in 2009 and then transitioned to coed in the fall of  2016. The Eagles will bring 11 varsity sports to the Atlantic East Conference. The Eagles will compete in the Atlantic East for baseball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's soccer, softball, men's and women's track and field, and women's volleyball. Saint Elizabeth also sponsors men's volleyball and STUNT.

[Kuiper]

I posted this in a separate thread previously, but might as well consolidate.  It also helps show who is replacing whom, since Saint Elizabeth's move to the Atlantic East is to replace Neumann, which is moving to the Middle Atlantic Conference

On Thursday, the Middle Atlantic Conferences (MAC) Executive Committee Chair and Misericordia University President Dan Myers announced the addition of Neumann University as the 17th member of the MAC beginning in the 2026-27 academic year.

"On behalf of the presidents of the member institutions of the Middle Atlantic Conference, it is my honor to welcome Neumann University to the conference," said President Myers. "Neumann is well positioned within the MAC footprint and brings a holistic approach to developing student-athletes that fits well with the MAC values. We look forward to competing against the Knights beginning in 2026-27."

The Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) is a group of diverse colleges and universities dedicated to the NCAA Division III philosophy, emphasizing the importance of athletics in the overall growth and success of students. With a long-standing history, the MAC provides a competitive athletic environment that fosters student-athlete development, academic achievement, and the values of good sportsmanship, preparing them for success in all aspects of life.

Neumann already competes in the MAC as an affiliate member in ice hockey, one of the university's established athletic programs. The Knights won the Division III national championship in 2009, and the MAC's strong commitment to hockey supports the development of Neumann's men's and women's programs, which currently include more than 80 student-athletes across varsity and club levels.

Over the past 15 years, Neumann has upgraded its athletic facilities, with more improvements planned. Most notably, the university has partnered with Ed Snider Youth Hockey & Education to facilitate the construction of the Ed Snider Ice Arena on campus. The building will include two ice rinks, one serving as the home for the university's ice hockey teams and another designated as the official home for Snider programming in Chester and Delaware counties. The rinks will have seating for 1,000 and 300 spectators, respectively.

"The MAC includes institutions that share Neumann's academic values, size, and student-centered approach," said Dr. Chris Domes, Neumann's president. "This move ensures our student-athletes continue to compete at a high level while thriving in an environment that mirrors our mission."

The Knights will bring a slate of nine men's and 10 women's NCAA teams to the MAC, including baseball, basketball, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, volleyball and more. In the last year, the Knights have won conference titles in soccer and basketball. More than 350 varsity athletes participate in Neumann's athletic programs.

[Kuiper]

Here are some other changes that were previously reported, but start this year

Conference Changes Starting in 2025-2026
Anna Maria leaves GNAC for the MASCAC
Fontbonne (SLIAC) closes
John Carroll leaves the OAC for the NCAC
LeTourneau leaves the ASC for the SCAC
Southwestern leaves the SCAC for the SAA
Trinity (Texas) leaves the SCAC for the SAA

[Ron Boerger]

I'm just flabbergasted that a school would leave a conference with only a few month's notice (if that).  It wreaks havoc on their schedule, the schedule of their old conference opponents, and the schedule of the new conference opponents.

[Kuiper]

I'm just flabbergasted that a school would leave a conference with only a few month's notice (if that).  It wreaks havoc on their schedule, the schedule of their old conference opponents, and the schedule of the new conference opponents.

Given all the movement/closures involving these two conferences over the last few years, I'm guessing schools consider all schedules to be rough drafts.  United East already knows it will be losing Rosemont after this year and the Atlantic East already knows it will be losing Neumann after this year, so maybe everyone wanted to pull of the bandaid quickly.

[Kuiper]

Kind of a big deal move in the midwest.  Feels like the same motivation as John Carroll's move from the OAC to the NCAC

Luther College to leave American Rivers Conference after 2025-2026 for the Midwest Conference

After 103 years, Luther College has announced that it will be leaving the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) at the conclusion of the 2025-26 academic year. The Norse will be departing for membership in the Midwest Conference. Luther was a charter member of the A-R-C which dates back to 1922.

Here is Luther's statement

President Brad Chamberlain announced the Luther College Norse are changing athletic conferences, moving to the Midwest Conference for the 2026-27 academic year.
 
"Luther College is a proud Iowa college with a regional presence and a national reputation," Chamberlain said. "At Luther, athletics is about community, character, and competition. Athletics at Luther is part of our holistic approach to learning that develops mind, body, and spirit. Luther was honored to receive an invitation from the Midwest Conference, and we look forward to joining the league in 2026."

By unanimous vote of its Presidents' Council this past week, the members of the Midwest Conference (MWC) extended an invitation to join the NCAA Division III league to Luther College. Chamberlain accepted the offer on behalf of the college and its Board of Regents to begin competition in fall 2026 as the 10th core member of the MWC.

"The decision to change Luther's athletic conference affiliation was not made lightly," Chamberlain continued. "The decision followed an intentional period of discernment that involved Luther's leadership team, its Board of Regents, its athletic administrators, and its coaching staff."

President Anne Harris of Grinnell College, who is the current chair of the Midwest Conference Board Officers, extended the offer.

"Luther's interest in the Midwest Conference was met with broad-based enthusiasm by the members of the Presidents' Council, " Harris said. "Its mission and vision for its athletic programs perfectly complement that which we believe to be distinguishing characteristics of the Midwest Conference experience."

Headquartered in Grinnell, Iowa, the Midwest Conference traces its roots back to 1921 and the Midwest Collegiate Athletic Conference. The MWC's executive director is Heather Benning, and conference leadership was excited about the addition of Luther.

"While other leagues in our region are primarily state-identified, we truly are the DIII athletic conference of the Midwest," said Benning. "When the league was formed 104 years ago, the intent was to establish an interstate athletic union of like-minded institutions; what binds our schools isn't necessarily geographic proximity but rather a shared vision of the role of athletics in the undergraduate experience."

The core members of the MWC are Beloit College, Cornell College, Grinnell College, Illinois College, Knox College, Lake Forest College, Lawrence University, Monmouth College and Ripon College. St. Norbert (men's and women's swimming and diving), the University of Chicago (football) and Milwaukee School of Engineering (men's and women's swimming and diving) are affiliate members.

An important factor in the decision to join the MWC was Luther College's membership in the academic consortium of like-minded liberal arts colleges, the Associated Colleges of the Midwest (ACM).

"In the Midwest Conference, Luther finds partner institutions that share our philosophy towards athletics and that match the geographical diversity of our student body," Chamberlain said. "When we considered all of our affiliations, including athletics, we took into consideration that the Midwest Conference more closely aligns with our academic partners in the ACM, and that Luther's strengths, challenges, strategic priorities, and the geographical origins of its student body fit well with the MWC."

The ACM is a consortium of 14 colleges across five midwestern states. Eight of the nine current members of the MWC are also members of the ACM.

The MWC currently sponsors 18 conference championships in baseball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, football, men's and women's indoor track, men's and women's outdoor track, men's and women's soccer, softball, men's and women's swimming and diving, men's and women's tennis, and volleyball.

"We have deeply enjoyed and have greatly benefited from the community, collaboration, and competition afforded by Luther's membership in the American Rivers Conference and its predecessor," Chamberlain said. "We desire to remain connected to member institutions of the American Rivers Conference, and we would welcome opportunities for non-conference contests between our institutions."

[Kuiper]

Three new men's soccer programs (with New Paltz leaving and Brockport and Geneseo having left).

SUNYAC adding Alfred State, SUNY Cobleskill & SUNY Delhi for 2026-27

The State University of New York Athletic Conference will expand to a dozen full-time members with the addition of three schools in 2026-27, while welcoming four new associates in two different sports for the upcoming year.

The announcement was made on Thursday, June 5, by Commissioner Tom DiCamillo following unanimous approval by the SUNYAC Presidents Council during the conference's annual meeting on June 4 in Syracuse, N.Y.

Alfred State, SUNY Cobleskill and SUNY Delhi will join the SUNYAC as full-member institutions beginning in the fall of 2026. All three institutions are associate members in track and field with Cobleskill and Delhi participating as associates in cross country this coming fall for the first time.

Also beginning this fall, Penn State Altoona, Penn State Behrend and Pitt-Bradford will become associate members of the conference in the sports of men's and women's swimming & diving, while Elmira has been accepted as the ninth SUNYAC men's wrestling program in the league.

"The unprecedented growth by the SUNYAC over the last 21 months firmly entrenches the conference as a destination for NCAA Division III student-athletes," Alberto Cardelle, the president of SUNY Oneonta, chair of the SUNYAC Presidents Council, and a member of the NCAA Division III Presidents Council, stated. "The SUNYAC student-athlete experience combines challenging intercollegiate competition in 22 sports with an array of academic opportunities aligned with the careers of the future."

This marks the sixth round of SUNYAC expansion since October 2023 and sets the conference membership at 12 full members and 13 associates beginning with the 2026-27 campaign. The 13 associates will field 24 teams in nine different sports, and as a conference, the SUNYAC will boast 25 different member institutions.

[stlawus]

I wonder if they shift to divisions.  Otherwise a full round robin leaves very little room for non-con opportunities, and these additions while good for the stability of the conference does water it down.

[mngopher]

The Midwest conference definitely fits Luther better in terms of the academic mission of its membership. I also wonder about the long term sustainability of the ARC. Many of those schools fit the mold of institutions that are probably going to struggle with the enrollment cliff over the next couple of decades.

 There was talk a few years back of some or all of Carleton, Macalester, St. Olaf, and Gustavus leaving the MIAC for the Midwest conference. The logic would have been similar there - joining a set of institutions that are more similar in terms of academic mission as well as similar philosophies regarding athletics, particularly football.

Kind of a big deal move in the midwest.  Feels like the same motivation as John Carroll's move from the OAC to the NCAC

Luther College to leave American Rivers Conference after 2025-2026 for the Midwest Conference

After 103 years, Luther College has announced that it will be leaving the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) at the conclusion of the 2025-26 academic year. The Norse will be departing for membership in the Midwest Conference. Luther was a charter member of the A-R-C which dates back to 1922.

Here is Luther's statement

President Brad Chamberlain announced the Luther College Norse are changing athletic conferences, moving to the Midwest Conference for the 2026-27 academic year.
 
"Luther College is a proud Iowa college with a regional presence and a national reputation," Chamberlain said. "At Luther, athletics is about community, character, and competition. Athletics at Luther is part of our holistic approach to learning that develops mind, body, and spirit. Luther was honored to receive an invitation from the Midwest Conference, and we look forward to joining the league in 2026."

By unanimous vote of its Presidents' Council this past week, the members of the Midwest Conference (MWC) extended an invitation to join the NCAA Division III league to Luther College. Chamberlain accepted the offer on behalf of the college and its Board of Regents to begin competition in fall 2026 as the 10th core member of the MWC.

"The decision to change Luther's athletic conference affiliation was not made lightly," Chamberlain continued. "The decision followed an intentional period of discernment that involved Luther's leadership team, its Board of Regents, its athletic administrators, and its coaching staff."

President Anne Harris of Grinnell College, who is the current chair of the Midwest Conference Board Officers, extended the offer.

"Luther's interest in the Midwest Conference was met with broad-based enthusiasm by the members of the Presidents' Council, " Harris said. "Its mission and vision for its athletic programs perfectly complement that which we believe to be distinguishing characteristics of the Midwest Conference experience."

Headquartered in Grinnell, Iowa, the Midwest Conference traces its roots back to 1921 and the Midwest Collegiate Athletic Conference. The MWC's executive director is Heather Benning, and conference leadership was excited about the addition of Luther.

"While other leagues in our region are primarily state-identified, we truly are the DIII athletic conference of the Midwest," said Benning. "When the league was formed 104 years ago, the intent was to establish an interstate athletic union of like-minded institutions; what binds our schools isn't necessarily geographic proximity but rather a shared vision of the role of athletics in the undergraduate experience."

The core members of the MWC are Beloit College, Cornell College, Grinnell College, Illinois College, Knox College, Lake Forest College, Lawrence University, Monmouth College and Ripon College. St. Norbert (men's and women's swimming and diving), the University of Chicago (football) and Milwaukee School of Engineering (men's and women's swimming and diving) are affiliate members.

An important factor in the decision to join the MWC was Luther College's membership in the academic consortium of like-minded liberal arts colleges, the Associated Colleges of the Midwest (ACM).

"In the Midwest Conference, Luther finds partner institutions that share our philosophy towards athletics and that match the geographical diversity of our student body," Chamberlain said. "When we considered all of our affiliations, including athletics, we took into consideration that the Midwest Conference more closely aligns with our academic partners in the ACM, and that Luther's strengths, challenges, strategic priorities, and the geographical origins of its student body fit well with the MWC."

The ACM is a consortium of 14 colleges across five midwestern states. Eight of the nine current members of the MWC are also members of the ACM.

The MWC currently sponsors 18 conference championships in baseball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, football, men's and women's indoor track, men's and women's outdoor track, men's and women's soccer, softball, men's and women's swimming and diving, men's and women's tennis, and volleyball.

"We have deeply enjoyed and have greatly benefited from the community, collaboration, and competition afforded by Luther's membership in the American Rivers Conference and its predecessor," Chamberlain said. "We desire to remain connected to member institutions of the American Rivers Conference, and we would welcome opportunities for non-conference contests between our institutions."

[Kuiper]

Marywood moving from the Atlantic East Conference to the Middle Atlantic Conference in 2026-27

This reduces the Atlantic East to 6 schools I think (at least in men's soccer).  That's kind of dangerous territory.

The Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Presidents are pleased to formally announce that Marywood University will join the Middle Atlantic Conference as its 18th member institution, commencing with the 2026-27 academic year. This strategic expansion further solidifies the MAC's commitment to fostering a robust and competitive NCAA Division III landscape for student-athletes across the region.

"On behalf of the MAC Presidents, it is with great enthusiasm that we welcome Marywood University into the Middle Atlantic Conference, commencing in the 2026-27 academic year," said Dan Myers, MAC Executive Committee Chair and Misericordia University President. "This strategic expansion underscores our collective commitment to growth and competitive integrity. Marywood's presence will undoubtedly enrich our conference, fostering new rivalries and enhancing opportunities for student-athletes across the region for years to come."

The Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) stands as a premier NCAA Division III athletics conference, comprising 16 distinguished colleges and universities, all firmly committed to the holistic development and success of student-athletes. With its rich and enduring history, the MAC consistently delivers an unparalleled competitive environment that not only cultivates athletic excellence but also champions academic achievement and embodies the highest principles of sportsmanship, thus thoroughly preparing individuals for lifelong success. This commitment to growth and competitive integrity is further strengthened by the recent addition of Marywood University, joining fellow Atlantic East Conference (AEC) member Neumann University, as the conference continues to strategically expand its distinguished membership.

With these additions, the Commonwealth and Freedom will each have nine competing institutions. Neumann will compete in the MAC Commonwealth, while Marywood will compete in the MAC Freedom for field hockey, soccer, volleyball, basketball, baseball, golf, lacrosse, softball, and tennis.

[Hopkins92]

So, was there a rousing best of 5 match of Rochambeau to determine who got to avoid Messiah in all those sports. ;-)

[Kuiper]

Not a men's soccer-related move, but something that could help a men's soccer-sponsoring conference.  The Coast-to-Coast Conference announced that Alverno (Wisconsin) is joing the C2C starting in 2026-27

The Coast-To-Coast Athletic Conference (C2C) looks forward to welcoming Alverno College as its newest member institution following support from the C2C Board of Directors. Alverno will become the conference's eighth core member and begin competition during the 2026-2027 academic year.

"The C2C is excited to welcome Alverno as our newest member," said Christopher Newport University President William G. Kelly, Chair of the C2C Board of Directors. "This is another step in growing the conference's national presence, and we look forward to the contributions Alverno will bring to our vibrant and competitive athletic conference."

Based in Milwaukee, Wis., Alverno College is a four-year independent, Catholic, liberal arts college for women, and is currently a member of NCAA Division III. The Inferno will be immediately eligible to compete in all C2C championships.

"Joining the Coast-To-Coast Athletic Conference marks a milestone moment for Alverno — as it opens new doors for our student-athletes, coaches, and college community to compete, grow, and shine on a national stage. This move reflects the Alverno spirit — bold, determined, and ready to rise to new challenges while building lasting connections with other respected institutions. I am proud of our student-athletes and grateful to our athletics leadership for charting this next chapter in our journey," said Christy L. Brown, J.D., President of Alverno College.

Alverno will sponsor the following C2C sports: women's cross country, women's soccer, women's basketball, women's volleyball, women's tennis, and softball.

"It is an exciting day for Alverno Athletics as we announce our move to the Coast-To-Coast Athletic Conference beginning July 1, 2026. This move allows our student-athletes and coaches to compete in a well-respected conference with other strong and reputable institutions. I want to thank Commissioner Chris Roekle, Assistant Commissioner Melanie Robotham, and Christopher Newport University Athletic Director Kyle McMullin for their consistent support and guidance as we usher in a new chapter in Alverno Athletics," said Alverno College Director of Athletics Antonio Rivas.

The C2C will consist of eight full-time members in 2026-27: Alverno College (Wis.), University of California-Santa Cruz, Christopher Newport University (Va.), Johnson & Wales University Charlotte (N.C.), University of Mary Washington (Va.), Regent University (Va.), Salisbury University (Md.), and Warren Wilson College (N.C.).