Lancaster, Pa. – On Friday morning, the Atlantic East’s committee chair and Neumann University President, Dr. Chris Domes, announced the addition of Centenary University as the 7th member of the conference beginning in the 2021-22 academic year. Centenary is moving from the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC).

“The Atlantic East is extremely excited to have Centenary join the conference,” said President Domes. “This addition gives the conference an enhanced presence in the Mid-Atlantic Region as it’s the first full member in New Jersey.”

“Through this transfer to the Atlantic East Conference, we will increase recognition of the Cyclone brand and expand our recruiting potential along the eastern seaboard,” said Centenary President, Dr. Bruce Murphy.” “We’re excited to begin this new chapter of competition, which will enhance the experience of our student-athletes.”

Centenary brings 10 varsity sports to the Atlantic East Conference in 2021-22. The Cyclones will compete in the Atlantic East in the following sports: baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s soccer, softball, and women’s volleyball. For the upcoming school year, Centenary will continue to participate in the CSAC as an affiliate member for field hockey and women’s lacrosse. Beginning in the 2022-23 school year, both sports will transition to the Atlantic East.

“We are thrilled to welcome Centenary to the conference,” said Atlantic East Conference Commissioner, Jessica Huntley. “The college’s mission and focus aligns with our conference’s values and they also provide a great geographic and competitive fit to further enhance the student-athlete experience in the Atlantic East."

“Our teams are excited about playing in the Atlantic East Conference,” said Travis Spencer, Centenary University’s Director of Athletics. “Joining a new conference only breathes opportunity into our programs and institution. It’s going to take some work, but our coaches and players will be ready for the challenge. We look forward to what this move can do to improve the Centenary audience.”

About the Atlantic East Conference 

Located in the Mid-Atlantic Region, the Atlantic East Conference is a recently formed NCAA Division III conference. The Atlantic East Conference, instated in 2018, consists of six private universities, each former members of either the Capital Athletic Conference or the Colonial States Athletic Conference. The full-time members include: Cabrini University (Pa.), Gwynedd Mercy University (Pa.), Immaculata University (Pa.), Marymount University (Va.), Marywood University (Pa.) and Neumann University (Pa.). The conference sponsors 20 sports including nine men’s sports and eleven women’s sports.