Marywood University Set to Join the Middle Atlantic Conference in 2026: What This Means for Students and Athletes

Marywood University will join the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) starting in the 2026-27 school year. This news was shared by university and conference officials through a press release. Marywood will be joining Neumann University, which is also moving from the Atlantic East Conference to the MAC. The MAC oversees 27 sports at the NCAA Division III level.

“Joining the MAC is a pivotal moment for Marywood Athletics,” said President Lisa Lori. “It consolidates our NCAA sports, boosts our student-athlete experience, and revives regional rivalries that energize our community. We are excited about these new expectations both on and off the field.”

Marywood will compete in the MAC Freedom for various sports, including field hockey, soccer, volleyball, and basketball. Both Marywood and Neumann will help strengthen their respective conferences, with each now boasting nine institutions in the Commonwealth and Freedom divisions.

The Pacers bring a strong roster of 10 men’s and 12 women’s teams, including sports like baseball, basketball, and lacrosse. Last season, they excelled in the Atlantic East Conference, winning championships in men’s cross country, field hockey, women’s soccer, and men’s track and field.

Historically, Marywood was a member of the Colonial States Athletic Conference until 2018. They have also partnered with the Landmark Conference and Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference for golf.

In recent years, Marywood has enhanced its athletic offerings, adding resources like recovery rooms and nutrition services to support student-athletes. “Our focus on student-athlete well-being is key,” said Andrew Smith, the Director of Athletics. “Joining the MAC allows us to enhance our recruiting and broaden our competitive reach.”

The MAC currently features 16 schools across three states. Some notable members include Albright College, Arcadia University, and Messiah University.

Dan Myers, MAC Executive Committee Chair, expressed enthusiasm about Marywood’s addition, highlighting the commitment to competitive integrity and growth. This move promises to create exciting new rivalries and enhance opportunities for student-athletes in the region.

With this strategic shift, Marywood’s athletic future looks promising, and the community is eager for what lies ahead.



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