MARLBOROUGH, Mass. — The NEWMAC is proud to announce the addition of men's volleyball to its roster of championship sports, beginning with the 2026–2027 academic year. With this addition, the conference will now sponsor 21 varsity sports.
"The addition of men's volleyball to the NEWMAC marks an exciting milestone in our continued commitment to broadening athletic opportunities for student-athletes," said NEWMAC Executive Director Patrick B. Summers. "We are thrilled to welcome three esteemed institutions as associate members, enhancing the competitiveness and prestige of our newest championship sport. This achievement was made possible through the spirit of collaboration, and we are especially grateful to Empire 8 and UVC Commissioner Chuck Mitrano for his instrumental role in supporting a smooth and inclusive realignment process. His partnership ensured all institutions found a competitive home and maintained access to NCAA championship opportunities."
Four NEWMAC institutions currently sponsor varsity men's volleyball — Emerson College, MIT, Springfield College, and Wheaton College.
Springfield College brings a storied tradition to the NEWMAC, having captured five NCAA Division III National Championships since 2012 and reaching nine national title matches, including most recently in 2025. The Pride currently competes as an independent.
MIT currently competes in the United Volleyball Conference (UVC), while Emerson will transition from the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC). Wheaton College will debut its men's volleyball program in 2025–2026.
Joining as associate members will be New York University (NYU), SUNY New Paltz, and Vassar College, expanding the NEWMAC's men's volleyball membership to seven institutions.
NYU, located in Manhattan, N.Y., is coming off an impressive 2025 campaign. The Violets held the No. 1 national ranking for much of the season, secured their second consecutive UVC title, and posted a 26-1 record, advancing to the NCAA Elite Eight.
SUNY New Paltz, based in New Paltz, N.Y., is a three-time UVC champion and two-time NCAA National Champion (2016, 2019).
Vassar College, located in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., reached the NCAA title match in 2024 and earned an at-large berth in 2025, finishing the season ranked No. 9 nationally.
"Today's announcement expands the opportunities for NEWMAC members to showcase their outstanding teams and athletes," expresses Chair of the NEWMAC Membership Committee and Clark University President, David Fithian. "I'm excited to welcome our new associate members and look forward to our expanded 2026-27 lineup."
The UVC leadership is changing at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 season, and Patrick B. Summers will assume the role of Commissioner of the historic single-sport conference. This collaboration will enable the seven member institutions to access an automatic qualifier to the NCAA Division III Men's Volleyball Championship in the spring of 2027.
The NEWMAC is currently finalizing scheduling and championship structures, with conference play set to begin in 2026–2027.
About the NEWMAC
The NEWMAC is an association of 12 selective academic institutions: Babson College, Clark University, U.S Coast Guard Academy, Emerson College, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Mount Holyoke College, Salve Regina University, Smith College, Springfield College, Wellesley College, Wheaton College, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, that are committed to providing high quality competitive athletic opportunities for student-athletes within an educational and respectful environment that embodies the NCAA Division III Philosophy. The conference also partners with four Associate Members: Norwich University (Football), Simmons College (Rowing), SUNY Maritime College (Football), and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Football), while sponsoring 20 sports.
