Full NCAA Division I Membership Marks a Major Milestone for Stonehill
President John Denning, C.S.C., offers his thoughts on the College's approval for full member status in the Northeast Conference.
Dear Members of the Stonehill Community,
As we enjoy the energy and enthusiasm from our first-year students this week during Orientation, I am pleased to share additional good news as we look ahead to an exciting fall semester—the NCAA Division I Board of Directors has approved Stonehill College for full membership, making 22 of the 23 varsity sports programs eligible for NCAA DI postseason competition starting this fall.
Attaining Division I membership is not only a win for Stonehill student-athletes and our varsity sports programs, it positively reflects on the overall quality of our institution and carries with it a prominence among peer schools and families exploring their future college choices. Stonehill successfully fulfilled all additional requirements of the accelerated reclassification process. The College’s successful reclassification reflects not only our athletic readiness but also a continued commitment to academic excellence, as demonstrated by the College’s strong Academic Progress Rate (APR) and overall student-athlete performance in the classroom.
The NCAA conducted a thorough review, and we were pleased to meet or exceed their expectations for a DI school. This will increase the level of competition for our eligible sports teams and energize Skyhawk fans on campus and among our alumni across the country. In addition to being eligible to compete for championships in Division I, Stonehill will now be able to receive revenue generated from the Association.
This milestone follows our significant institutional investment in athletics as we have publicly shared the plans for the Tom & Kathleen Bogan Arena, the future home for ice hockey and basketball.
Our Athletics colleagues will be announcing the news on our full NCAA Division I status later today and sharing through our social media channels. This process has been a team effort in every sense, and I am grateful for the diligent efforts and dedication among not only the Athletic Department and the Steering Committee, but also the many students, faculty and staff who have played a role along the way in bringing this endeavor over the finish line.
Wishing you refreshing and relaxing summer days. Go Hill!
Yours in Holy Cross,
(Rev.) John Denning, C.S.C.
President