NJAC

[stlawus]

It's not to say they won't make your team worse, you're most likely  better off with than without. But it can create significantly unrealistic expectations.

[BigSoccerFan]

It's not to say they won't make your team worse, you're most likely  better off with than without. But it can create significantly unrealistic expectations.

What expectations?  Many played and contributed. Does this make the team better?

[Kuiper]

Montclair State going DII in soccer - sort of

I haven't seen this kind of merger before, but the changing landscape demands new ideas.  Bloomfield College, a historically black college in NJ, merged into Montclair State over the summer, while retaining a separate identity as Bloomfield College of Montclair State University.  From an athletics perspective, the problem is Bloomfield has DII sports and Montclair State has DIII.  Plus, they have a lot of duplicate teams.  So, now they have announced that they are doing both in a few sports and closing others and increasing club sports.

The interesting twist to this is Bloomfield's soccer team was 1-12-2 in DII last season.  I wonder if a Bloomfield player could shift over to Montclair State's roster in the offseason (and potentially upgrade the quality of their team).  Would it require a transfer?

Montclair State University is pursuing a bold new vision for collegiate athletics designed to strengthen its commitment to student-athlete wellbeing and expand opportunities for participation while responding to emerging trends and opportunities. 

This includes the incorporation of Bloomfield College of Montclair State University as part of a unified athletics and recreation program. Preserving the athletic traditions of New Jersey's only four-year Predominantly Black Institution was a priority in the design process.

The newly merged Athletic and Recreation Department will aim to foster a campuswide healthy lifestyle by providing comprehensive tools, programs, and activities throughout the year, ensuring all students have opportunities to engage and thrive.

Montclair will sponsor 21 intercollegiate athletics programs at the NCAA Division II and Division III level and increase recreational and club sports opportunities, offering what the University sees as a national model of a dynamic response to the changing landscape of college athletics. Subject to NCAA approval, the new approach will become effective for the fall 2025 semester.

Four Bloomfield programs – men's and women's basketball, men's soccer and softball – will continue to compete at the NCAA Division II level, with Bloomfield maintaining affiliate membership in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC).

The remaining Bloomfield sports, baseball and women's volleyball, will transition to club status to ensure more access to all students to participate in the sports at a competitive level.

"Preserving Bloomfield College's athletics program solidifies our commitment to honoring its rich history and unique identity," says Montclair Vice President for Student Development and Campus Life Dawn Meza Soufleris. "We are dedicated to upholding the mission of Bloomfield College and ensuring that students continue to have access to transformative opportunities both on and off the field.

Expanding Access to Athletics Opportunities

The new model will also significantly expand opportunities for all students to participate in club sports and recreation programs to help foster a collaborative, student-centered athletic environment and cross-campus participation.

In addition to the new club programs, the University will also seek to develop additional club and recreational programs based on student need and demand.

Bloomfield's successful ESports program will also remain a cornerstone of the Bloomfield experience, and Montclair will make additional investments into the program for future expansion to respond to growing student demand.

Student-athletes in all discontinued programs will have an opportunity to try out for existing NCAA teams or to participate in expanded club sports. The University will also review their individual situations to ensure they receive all financial aid for which they qualify.

To update the end result of the Montclair acquisition of Bloomfield college, it now appears that Bloomfield is cutting women's volleyball and baseball and moving the rest of its athletic department from DII to USCCA for 2025-2026

https://bcbearsathletics.com/news/2025/7/15/general-bloomfield-college-of-montclair-state-university-athletics-to-transition-to-uscaa-affiliation.aspx

Serving as the latest development in Montclair State University's vision for the future of athletics and recreation in higher education, Bloomfield College of Montclair State University will transition four of its intercollegiate athletics programs from NCAA Division II to the United States Collegiate Athletics Association (USCAA) for the 2025-2026 academic year.
 
Bloomfield's men's and women's basketball, men's soccer and softball teams will move to the USCAA, which creates national competition for small colleges of similar size to develop the minds, bodies and spirits of student-athletes.
 
Bloomfield's USCAA sports will be scholarship eligible, continuing the institution's sports tradition as part of Montclair's reimagined athletics and recreation model designed to create more opportunities for competition at all levels.
 
"This transition represents a significant step forward for our athletic program, allowing us to better align with our mission and values," says Deputy Director of Athletics Sheila Wooten. "Our student-athletes will benefit from increased opportunities for competition and growth, and we are excited to build new rivalries and traditions within the USCAA. We believe this change will enhance the overall experience for our athletes, coaches, and fans. We look forward to this new chapter in our athletic journey."
 
The Bears will compete in the North American Conference for Intercollegiate Athletics (NACIA) against schools including Bryant and Stratton College (Syracuse, Buffalo, Albany, Ohio and Rochester campuses), Berkeley College, Five Towns College and Villa Maria College.
 
Bloomfield's women's volleyball and baseball programs will be discontinued. All Bloomfield students interested in playing these sports will have the opportunity to try out for Montclair State University NCAA Division III programs or participate in club sports offerings.
 
"This move allows us to preserve and reimagine Bloomfield's athletics legacy in a way that reflects both our commitment to student opportunity and our responsibility to sustainability," says Montclair Vice President for Student Development and Campus Life Dawn Soufleris. "Competing in the USCAA ensures that our student-athletes continue to grow, thrive, and represent Bloomfield College of Montclair State University with pride. We're excited about this next chapter and the new pathways it opens for athletic excellence and engagement."