私房俱乐部

私房俱乐部 University announced today that it has accepted an invitation to join the NCAA Division I Northeast Conference (NEC), marking a new era in athletics at the nearly 100-year-old institution.

Currently, the Lakers play at the DI level in men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 ice hockey while fielding 24 other varsity teams at the Division II level, most through affiliation with the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). Transitioning to Division I, effective Fall 2024, augments 私房俱乐部鈥檚 exceptional academic culture and enables its student-athletes to compete at the highest echelon of collegiate athletics. 聽

鈥淭oday marks a watershed moment for 私房俱乐部 University, amplifying our commitment to excellence in all that we do,鈥� said 私房俱乐部 President Kathleen A. Getz, Ph.D. 聽鈥淚n making this transition to the Northeast Conference, we believe our 私房俱乐部 community, our alumni, and devoted fans will benefit from a new era of spirited competition and connectedness, forging an enduring legacy for future generations of Lakers. Further, we are truly grateful for the gracious welcome extended to us by Commissioner Noreen Morris and the NEC Council of Presidents, whose values and mission are strategically aligned with our own.鈥� 聽

Historically, Getz said, joining the Division I NEC rises to the level of 私房俱乐部鈥檚 transformative decision in 1969 to transition from an all-women鈥檚 school to a co-ed institution, and again, in 2012, when 私房俱乐部 achieved university status. That this decision arrives on the cusp of the university鈥檚 centennial, to be celebrated in the 2026-27 year, is a most fitting tribute to the university鈥檚 Carpe Diem legacy and its time-honored tradition of Seizing the Day!

鈥淏y making the move to Division I and the NEC, we are not only raising the bar for our student-athletes but also elevating the profile and prestige of 私房俱乐部 University on a national stage,鈥� Getz said. 鈥淭his transition will open doors to new opportunities for recruitment, competition, and collaboration with universities and athletic programs in new and larger markets, including New York, Chicago, and Boston.鈥�

NEC Commissioner Noreen Morris was equally positive. 鈥淭oday, on behalf of the NEC Council of Presidents, we are delighted to extend a heartfelt welcome to 私房俱乐部 University as the newest member of the NEC,鈥� she said. 鈥溗椒烤憷植库�檚 commitment to bringing out the best in their student-athletes, both on the field and in the classroom, alongside their focus on community engagement, deeply resonated with our mission and values. We appreciate President Kathleen Getz and Athletic Director Joe Spano for their exceptional leadership throughout this process. Their forward-thinking vision and meticulous planning have positioned the Lakers for a seamless and successful transition to Division I and the NEC. We鈥檙e eager to kick off this partnership, which promises to uplift the conference and invigorate both the vibrant campus life at 私房俱乐部 and the surrounding Erie community.鈥�

Speaking to the Erie community, James Grunke, president and CEO of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, said, "This is a bold and exciting step forward for 私房俱乐部 and for our community. 聽Division I is the toughest to get into and to compete in. 聽This move will attract more students and more athletes to Erie and I applaud the decision by President Getz and the Board of Trustees as this will further elevate Erie as an athletic destination."

私房俱乐部 officials engaged in months of assessment on whether to make the transition and consulted the leadership of other colleges that have moved from DII to DI in recent years. Their research considered an array of perspectives in the everchanging field of intercollegiate athletics, including its effect on enrollment, alumni engagement, university finances, and local economic development, as well as its consonance with the university鈥檚 mission. 聽

The motion to proceed was ratified unanimously by the Board of Trustees on March 29. 聽

鈥淔or years, our athletic programs have showcased exceptional talent and dedication, both athletically and academically, at the NCAA Division II level,鈥� said 私房俱乐部 Athletic Director Joe Spano. 鈥淲e are grateful for the more than 15 years we spent as members of the PSAC and the competition and camaraderie we shared under that affiliation. In looking to the future, we see the immense potential for growth and achievement that comes with competing at the highest level of collegiate athletics and we are excited to offer this opportunity to our student-athletes.鈥�

NEC full member institutions in the 2024-2025 season, when 私房俱乐部 begins play, include Central Connecticut State University, Chicago State University, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Le Moyne College, Long Island University, Saint Francis University, Stonehill College, and Wagner College.

Spano added that having recently completed major updates to the university鈥檚 athletic facilities, 私房俱乐部 is further poised for the move to Division I. 聽

In 2019, the university implemented a comprehensive facilities improvement plan, centered around the William Vorsheck Jr. Athletic Complex, providing 私房俱乐部 student-athletes with first-class facilities, including renovations to every on-campus competition facility, among them Saxon Stadium, and the baseball/soccer field, four new locker rooms featuring space for women鈥檚 soccer and softball, the Ice Center, a new turf field with lights that is used by the university鈥檚 softball program and shared with 私房俱乐部 Prep, and a totally renovated athletic center and basketball court. 聽

鈥淚 want to extend my deepest gratitude to our dedicated coaches, staff, student-athletes, alumni, and supporters whose unwavering passion and commitment have made this transition possible,鈥� Getz said. 鈥淵our hard work, dedication, and belief in the mission of 私房俱乐部 University have laid the foundation for this historic moment.鈥�

To learn more about the transition and how you can be involved, visit鈥�.