Stonehill officially transitions to Division I

BY ELIZABETH EDNIE

While athletes and coaches heralded the decision by the college to compete in the Northeast Conference, it could be four years before the transition is complete.

The announcement by the College ended weeks of rumors and speculation from students and student-athletes.

President John Denning announced the Skyhawks will officially transition to compete in Division I competitions, starting this fall.

“From investing in new athletic programs to developing innovative undergraduate and graduate programs to creating state-of-the-art facilities, this transformative change supports the whole College as we continue thriving in the classroom, in competition, and in the community,” Denning said in the email.

Head coaches announced the decision to their teams on Monday before the campus-wide email was sent out because the news directly impacts student-athletes.

“This decision that we have made definitely impacts the whole campus, but it impacts certain individuals more,” Director of Athletics Dean O’Keefe said. “We had to answer their questions and concerns prior to releasing the information to the community.”

Coaches have expressed their excitement about the new change, including head football coach, Elisha Gardner.

“We are extremely excited to be making this move up in competition and to have the opportunity to represent Stonehill College at the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level. This transition is a testament to not only our student-athletes but the strength and character of our school and what we represent,” Gardner said.

Head baseball coach and Stonehill alum, Patrick Boen, said that this is the most exciting news he has been a part of since his time as a Skyhawk.

“I graduated from Stonehill in 1989, and to have the strong academics, the community, and the beautiful campus, it’s a great opportunity for Stonehill to transition to Division I. I am so excited and feel that this is great for the whole school,” Boen said.

Gardner said his team is up for the challenge and is ready to show the Stonehill community that this was the right decision.

“From a football perspective, it will be a unique challenge, but one we are excited to tackle together. Our student-athletes are excited and it will be our task to prove to everyone that this is the right move for our program and the College,” he said.

The Skyhawks will compete in the Northeast Conference (NEC) against teams such as LIU Post, Merrimack College, Sacred Heart University, Central Connecticut State University, along with others at the Division I level.

A press release was sent out Tuesday, April 5 outlining the decision the College made, and it said that Stonehill will not become a full member of the NEC until the 2026- 2027 school year due to the reclassification period, but competition against these teams will begin this coming fall.

Trisha Brown, the women’s head basketball coach, said that she was initially surprised that the College was thinking about the transition, and did not think the idea would be entertained.

“We are all excited about the new challenge now, and I think it’ll enhance our ability to succeed,” she said. “It’s a matter of attracting a different student-athlete to compete at this level.”

Cross Country coach Karen Boen said she is nostalgic to see the Division II team go because of all her team’s success but is hopeful for the next chapter.

“After the initial shock, I am excited to compete at a new level. As the news comes in, it totally reignited a fame for me,” Boen said.

Student-athletes are hopeful that this will enhance the College in different aspects.

“I think it will be great for the school in the long run and definitely allow the school to grow both its athletics and academics,” junior volleyball player Amanda Maier said.

Emily Bramanti, a senior women’s basketball player, said she is excited to play in the NEC, as she is completing a fifth year due to an extra year of eligibility thanks to COVID.

“I am excited for the opportunity to play in the NEC, I think it will be very cool to experience playing new teams and continuing to grow at this elite level with my team,” Bramanti said.

Junior women’s soccer player Kara Moore said she and her team are also excited to compete in the NEC.

“It’s not every day you get an invitation to a Division I conference,” Moore said.

The NEC commissioner, Noreen Morris, said in the press release that she is excited to welcome Stonehill to the conference.

“As we progressed through the membership evaluation process, it became abundantly clear that Stonehill will be a tremendous fit for the NEC from an academic, athletic and mission perspective.

The Skyhawks have a strong history of success and they are well-positioned to elevate to the Division I ranks and strengthen the NEC. We are extremely excited to kick off the NEC and Stonehill College partnership this fall!”

According to the NCAA handbook, “conference membership is available to duly elected athletics conferences of colleges and universities that conduct conference competition and determine a champion in one or more sports in which the Association conducts championships or for which it is responsible for providing playing rules for intercollegiate competition.”

The press release outlined the multitude of championships that Stonehill has either won or been a part of, which makes the College eligible to be a part of a Division I conference, according to the NCAA rules. “Stonehill teams have earned 118 NCAA Tournament bids over its history, also regularly sending student-athletes to compete at the NCAA Championships in Men’s and Women’s Track & field. Women’s basketball leads with 26 NCAA Tournament appearances, followed by Women’s cross country with 21 appearances at the NCAA Championships, 18 by Men’s Cross Country and 15 each by Men’s basketball and Women’s tennis,” the press release said.

“Stonehill won 129 NE10 Championships over the Conference’s 41-year history and 189 student-athletes have earned All-America honors. Over the last ten years, 51 teams have qualified for the NCAA Tournament, with Men’s basketball capturing two East Region Championships with trips to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight, reaching the National Semifinals in 2012, while the Women’s basketball program won its third regional title in 2018 to make a third trip to the Elite Eight in program history. Women’s lacrosse has won two national championships in 2003 and 2005,” the press release noted.

A live campus celebration was scheduled for Wednesday, April 6 at 3 p.m. in the Merkert Gymnasium to publicize the news, with a live stream option for alumni and anyone else who wanted to watch.

Speeches were made by incoming Student Government Association President and football player, Stephen Cobbs as well as Director of Athletics, Dean O’Keefe, President John Denning and NEC commissioner, Noreen Morris.

Aerial view of W.B. Mason Stadium at dusk

Summit photo by Abby Campbell