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North Atlantic Conference
North Atlantic Conference
North Atlantic Conference
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North Atlantic Conference
FormerlyNorth Atlantic Women's Conference
AssociationNCAA
Founded1996
CommissionerMarcella Zalot (since 2016)
Sports fielded
  • 16
    • men's: 8
    • women's: 8
DivisionDivision III
No. of teams10 (8 in 2026)
HeadquartersWaterville, Maine
RegionNortheastern United States
Official websitenacathletics.com
Locations
Location of teams in {{{title}}}

The North Atlantic Conference (NAC) is an intercollegiate athletic conference which competes in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III. Member schools are primarily small liberal arts colleges in the New England states of Maine, Massachusetts and Vermont, as well as the Mid-Atlantic state of New York.

The conference was founded in 1996 when six colleges agreed to form the North Atlantic Women's Conference. It changed to its current name in the fall of 1999. It currently sponsors a total of 17 men's and women's sports played by teams of the 13 institutions therein.

The 17 different sports that are played in the NAC range from the fall season, throughout the winter, and to the spring season. These sports are played among both men's and women's teams.

In the fall season, there are six sports played. Among these are, men's and women's cross country, field hockey, men's golf, men's and women's soccer, women's tennis, and women's volleyball.

In the winter season there are two sports played, which are men's and women's basketball along with men's and women's swimming and diving.

In the spring time there are four sports both for men's and women's teams. The NAC has men's and women's lacrosse, baseball, softball, men's tennis, and men's and women's outdoor track & field.[1]

History

[edit]
North Atlantic Conference
Map
About OpenStreetMaps
Maps: terms of use
100km
62miles
Maine Maritime
Lesley
MCLA
SUNY Cobleskill
SUNY Delhi
Maine–Presque Isle
VSU–Lyndon
Thomas
Maine–Farmington
Husson
VSU–Johnson
Location of NAC members: full member departing member associate member

Recent events

[edit]

[2]

On June 9, 2016, Colby–Sawyer announced that it would leave the NAC following the 2017–18 school year to join the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC).[3]

On May 4, 2017, Castleton announced that it would leave the NAC following the 2017–18 school year to join the Little East Conference (LEC).[4]

On June 13, 2017, Green Mountain announced that it would leave the NAC (and the NCAA) following the 2017–18 school year to join the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA),[5] which it would spend one season as an NAIA member before closing in 2019.

On July 31, 2017, New England College announced that it would leave the NAC following the 2017–18 school year to join the New England Collegiate Conference (NECC).[6]

The NAC announced the additions of the Maine–Presque Isle and the State University of New York at Canton (SUNY Canton) as full members beginning in the fall of 2018. Both schools had been members of the American Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA).[7]

On November 30, 2018, the NAC announced that the State University of New York at Delhi (SUNY Delhi), already an associate member in six sports (men's golf, men's lacrosse, men's and women's tennis, and men's and women's track & field), would become a full member of the conference effective in the fall of 2019. At that time, five additional Delhi sports—men's and women's cross country, men's golf, men's and women's soccer, and women's volleyball—began NAC play. Three more sports—men's and women's basketball, plus softball—remained in the ACAA as its associate member until starting NAC play in 2020–21.[8]

On August 20, 2019, the NAC announced that three schools—Cazenovia College, the State University of New York at Cobleskill (SUNY Cobleskill) and the State University of New York Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly)—would become full members in July 2020.[9][10]

On March 1, 2022, the NAC announced that SUNY Morrisville (formerly Morrisville State)—alongside Lesley—would join as full members in the 2023–24 season.

On January 9, 2023, the NAC announced that they would welcome Eastern Nazarene College as a full member, also starting in the 2023–24 season.

On October 5, 2023, SUNY Canton and SUNY Morrisville accepted to join to the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC).[11] A month later, on November 21, 2023, SUNY Poly followed suit to join the Empire 8.[12]

Eastern Nazarene announced that it would be permanently closing following the 2023–24 academic year.

On June 24, 2024, Anna Maria College had accepted to join the NAC as an associate member for men's lacrosse, beginning in the 2026 spring season of the 2025–26 academic year.[13]

On June 5, 2025, SUNY Cobleskill and SUNY Delhi had accepted to join the SUNYAC, thus leaving the NAC at 8 full members (all within New England).[14]

Chronological timeline

[edit]
  • 1996 – The North Atlantic Conference (NAC) was founded as the North Atlantic Women's Conference (NAWC). Charter members included Bay Path College (now Bay Path University), Lasell College (now Lasell University), Lesley College (now Lesley University), the Maine Maritime Academy, the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy (now the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences) and Wheelock College, beginning the 1996–97 academic year.
  • 1999:
    • Mass Pharmacy left the NAWC after the 1998–99 academic year.
    • The NAWC was rebranded as the North Atlantic Conference, while adding men's sports in there, beginning the 1999–2000 academic year.
    • Becker College, Elms College and Mount Ida College joined the NAC in the 1999–2000 academic year.
  • 2000 – Simmons College (now Simmons University) and Western New England College (now Western New England University) joined the NAC as associate members for field hockey in the 2000 fall season (2000–01 academic year).
  • 2001:
  • 2003 – Husson, UMaine–Farmington and Thomas upgraded their NAC memberships for all sports in the 2003–04 academic year.
  • 2004 – Three institutions joined the NAC as associate members, all effective in the 2005 spring season (2004–05 academic year):
  • 2007:
    • Two institutions left the NAC as associate members, both effective after the 2006–07 academic year:
      • Saint Joseph's (Me.) for baseball
      • and Western New England for field hockey
    • Lasell and Mount Ida left the NAC to join the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) after the 2006–07 academic year; while both remained in the conference as associate members (Lasell for field hockey, and Mount Ida for men's lacrosse).
  • 2008:
    • Bay Path, Becker, Elms, Lesley and Wheelock left the NAC to form part of the then-newly created New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) after the 2007–08 academic year.
    • Daniel Webster left the NAC as an associate member for men's lacrosse after the 2008 spring season (2007–08 academic year).
    • Green Mountain College and Lyndon State College (later Northern Vermont University at Lyndon and now Vermont State University at Lyndon) joined the NAC in the 2008–09 academic year.
    • Saint Joseph's (Me.) rejoined the NAC as an associate member (this time for field hockey and men's lacrosse) in the 2008–09 academic year.
  • 2009 – Rivier University joined the NAC as an associate member for field hockey in the 2009 fall season (2009–10 academic year).
  • 2010 – Emerson, Mount Ida and Saint Joseph's (Me.) left the NAC as associate members for men's lacrosse after the 2010 spring season (2009–10 academic year).
  • 2011:
  • 2012 – The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) joined the NAC as an associate member for men's golf, men's lacrosse and men's & women's tennis in the 2013 spring season (2012–13 academic year).
  • 2014 – Lasell, Rivier, Saint Joseph's (Me.) and Simmons left the NAC as associate members for field hockey after the 2013 fall season (2013–14 academic year).
  • 2017:
  • 2018:
    • Four institutions left the NAC to join their future respective primary home conferences, all effective after the 2017–18 academic year:
    • The State University of New York at Canton (SUNY Canton) joined the NAC (with UMaine–Presque Isle (or UMPI) upgrading for all sports) in the 2018–19 academic year.
    • Two institutions joined the NAC as associate members, both effective in the 2018–19 academic year.
      • former full member Lesley rejoining for women's tennis
      • and SUNY Delhi to add men's golf, men's lacrosse, and men's and women's tennis into its NAC associate membership
  • 2019 – SUNY Delhi upgraded its NAC membership for all sports in the 2019–20 academic year; although its men's and women's basketball and softball teams would later join for 2020–21.
  • 2020:
  • 2022:
    • The MCLA left the NAC as an associate member for men's and women's tennis after the 2022 spring season (2021–22 academic year). The last time those two sports competed were in the 2019–20 and 2020–21 school years respectively. They were later discontinued due to athletic budget cuts at the end of 2021–22.
  • 2023:
  • 2024 – Four institutions left the NAC to join their future respective primary home conferences, all effective after the 2023–24 academic year:
  • 2025 – Anna Maria College joined the NAC as an associate member for men's lacrosse in the 2026 spring season (2025–26 academic year).
  • 2026 – SUNY Cobleskill and SUNY Delhi will leave the NAC to join the SUNYAC, beginning in the 2026–27 academic year.

Member schools

[edit]

Current members

[edit]

The NAC currently has ten full members, all but three are public schools.

Institution Location Founded Affiliation Enrollment Nickname Joined[a] Colors
Husson University Bangor, Maine 1898 Nonsectarian 3,476 Eagles 2003    
Lesley University[b] Cambridge, Massachusetts 1909 Nonsectarian 6,593 Lynx 1996;
2023[c] 		     
University of Maine at Farmington Farmington, Maine 1863 Public[d] 1,861 Beavers 2003    
University of Maine at Presque Isle Presque Isle, Maine 1903 Public[d] 1,469 Owls 2018    
Maine Maritime Academy Castine, Maine 1941 Public 941 Mariners 1996    
State University of New York at Cobleskill
(SUNY Cobleskill) 		Cobleskill, New York 1911 Public[e] 2,087 Fighting
Tigers 		2020    
State University of New York at Delhi
(SUNY Delhi) 		Delhi, New York 1913 Public[e] 3,088 Broncos 2019[f]      
Thomas College Waterville, Maine 1894 Nonsectarian 1,949 Terriers 2003    
Vermont State University–Johnson[g] Johnson, Vermont 1881 Public[h] 1,803 Badgers 2001      
Vermont State University–Lyndon[g] Lyndon, Vermont 1911 Public[h] 1,519 Hornets 2008    
Notes
  1. ^ Represents the calendar year when fall sports competition begins.
  2. ^ This institution is a former women's college, which has eventually turned into a co-educational college (Lesley since 2005–06).
  3. ^ Lesley initially left the NAC after the 2007–08 school year, but later rejoined before the 2023–24 school year.
  4. ^ a b Part of the University of Maine System.
  5. ^ a b Part of the State University of New York System.
  6. ^ Before becoming a full member in the 2019–20 school year, SUNY Delhi had been an associate member in six sports. Men's and women's track joined in 2017–18, while men's golf, men's lacrosse, and men's and women's tennis joined in 2018–19. Men's and women's basketball and softball would later join in 2020–21, a year after becoming a full member of the NAC.[15]
  7. ^ a b The former Johnson State and Lyndon State Colleges were merged into Northern Vermont University effective July 1, 2018. Both former institutions remain separate campuses, with their own athletic programs. The schools were subsequently merged with Castleton University and Vermont Technical College to become Vermont State University on July 1, 2023.
  8. ^ a b Part of the Vermont State Colleges System.

Associate members

[edit]

The NAC currently has seven associate members, all but two are private schools:

Institution Location Founded Affiliation Enrollment Nickname Joined[a] Colors NAC
sport(s) 		Primary
conference
Alfred University Alfred, New York 1836 Nonsectarian 2,189 Saxons 2024     Men's tennis[b] Empire 8 (E8)
Houghton University Houghton, New York 1883 Wesleyan 927 Highlanders 2024     Men's tennis[b] Empire 8 (E8)
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
(MCLA) 		North Adams, Massachusetts 1894 Public 1,202 Trailblazers 2012     Men's lacrosse Mass. State (MASCAC)
Nazareth University Pittsford, New York 1924 Nonsectarian 2,791 Golden Flyers 2024     Men's tennis[b] Empire 8 (E8)
Norwich University Northfield, Vermont 1819 Private
(SMC) 		2,300 Cadets 2024     Men's tennis[b] Great Northeast (GNAC)
St. John Fisher University Rochester, New York 1948 Catholic
(Basilians) 		3,610 Cardinals 2024     Men's tennis[b] Empire 8 (E8)
State University of New York at Oswego Oswego, New York 1861 Public[c] 7,636 Lakers 2024     Men's tennis[b] S.U. New York (SUNYAC)
Notes
  1. ^ Represents the calendar year when fall sports competition begins.
  2. ^ a b c d e f The NAC entered into a partnership with the Empire 8 Athletic Conference (Empire 8) by which the two leagues would operate as a single conference in men's tennis, with championships immediately conducted for that sport; thus the Empire 8 sponsoring that tournament championship, beginning the 2024–25 school year.
  3. ^ Part of the State University of New York System.

Former members

[edit]

The NAC has sixteen former full members, all but one were private schools:

Institution Location Founded Affiliation Enrollment Nickname Joined[a] Left[b] Current
conference
Bay Path College[c][d] Longmeadow, Massachusetts 1897 Nonsectarian 1,400 Wildcats 1996 2008 USCAA Independent
Becker College Worcester, Massachusetts 1784 Nonsectarian N/A Hawks 1999 2008 Closed in 2021
Cazenovia College Cazenovia, New York 1913 Nonsectarian 800 Wildcats 2020 2023 Closed in 2023
Colby–Sawyer College New London, New Hampshire 1837 Nonsectarian 1,415 Chargers 2011 2018 Great Northeast (GNAC)
Eastern Nazarene College Quincy, Massachusetts 1900 Nazarene 772 Lions 2023 2024 Closed in 2024
Elms College[e] Chicopee, Massachusetts 1928 Catholic
(S.S.J.) 		1,118 Blazers 1999 2008 Great Northeast (GNAC)
Green Mountain College Poultney, Vermont 1834 United
Methodist 		N/A Eagles 2008 2018 Closed in 2019
Lasell College[e][f][g] Newton, Massachusetts 1851 Nonsectarian 1,800 Lasers 1996 2007 Great Northeast (GNAC)
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Boston, Massachusetts 1823 Nonsectarian 6,010 Cardinals 1996 1999 N/A[h]
Mount Ida College[i] Newton, Massachusetts 1899 Nonsectarian N/A Mustangs 1999 2007 Closed in 2018
New England College Henniker, New Hampshire 1946 Nonsectarian 2,000 Pilgrims 2011 2018 Great Northeast (GNAC)
State University of New York at Canton
(SUNY Canton) 		Canton, New York 1906 Public[j] 3,122 Roos 2018 2024 S.U. New York (SUNYAC)
State University of New York at Morrisville
(SUNY Morrisville) 		Morrisville, New York 1908 Public[j] 2,486 Mustangs 2023 2024 S.U. New York (SUNYAC)
State University of New York Polytechnic Institute
(SUNY Poly) 		Marcy, New York 1913 Public[j] 3,061 Wildcats 2020 2024 Empire 8 (E8)
Vermont State University–Castleton[k][l] Castleton, Vermont 1787 Public[m] 2,130 Spartans 2001 2018 Little East (LEC)
Wheelock College Boston, Massachusetts 1888 Nonsectarian 1,237 Wildcats 1996 2008 N/A[n]
Notes
  1. ^ Represents the calendar year when fall sports competition begins.
  2. ^ Represents the calendar year when spring sports competition ends.
  3. ^ This institution is a women's college, therefore it does not compete in men's sports.
  4. ^ Currently known as Bay Path University since 2014.
  5. ^ a b This institution is a former women's college, it has since become a co-educational college (Elms since 1998–99, Lesley since 1997–98, Lesley since 2005–06).
  6. ^ Lasell competed as an associate member of the NAC for field hockey from the 2007 to 2013 fall seasons (2007–08 to 2013–14 school years).
  7. ^ Currently known as Lasell University since 2019.
  8. ^ Mass Pharmacy discontinued its athletics program after the 1998–99 school year.
  9. ^ Mount Ida competed as an associate member of the NAC for men's lacrosse from the 2008 to 2010 spring seasons (2007–08 to 2009–10 school years).
  10. ^ a b c Part of the State University of New York System.
  11. ^ Castleton University merged with Northern Vermont University and Vermont Technical College to become Vermont State University on July 1, 2023.
  12. ^ Castleton competed as an associate member of the NAC for men's golf from the 2019 to 2020 spring seasons (2018–19 to 2019–20 school years).
  13. ^ Part of the Vermont State Colleges System.
  14. ^ Wheelock was merged into Boston University after the school closed in 2018.

Former associate members

[edit]

The NAC had twelve former associate members, all but three were private schools. This list includes only associate members that have completely departed the NAC. Current full members that had previously housed select sports in the NAC, such as SUNY Delhi, are not included.

Institution Location Founded Affiliation Enrollment Nickname Joined[a] Left[b] NAC
sport(s) 		Primary
conference
Daniel Webster College Nashua, New Hampshire 1965 For-profit 1,200 Eagles 2004 2008 Men's lacrosse Closed in 2017
Emerson College Boston, Massachusetts 1880 Nonsectarian 4,113 Lions 2004 2010 Men's lacrosse New England (NEWMAC)
Lasell College[c][d] Newton, Massachusetts 1851 Private 1,800 Lasers 2007 2014 Field hockey Great Northeast (GNAC)
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
(MCLA) 		North Adams, Massachusetts 1894 Public 1,202 Trailblazers 2012 2020 Men's golf Mass. State (MASCAC)
2012 2022 Men's tennis[e]
2012 2022 Women's tennis[e]
Mount Ida College[f] Newton, Massachusetts 1899 Nonsectarian 1,300 Mustangs 2007 2010 Men's lacrosse Closed in 2018
Rivier University Nashua, New Hampshire 1933 Catholic
(S.P.M.) 		2,300 Raiders 2009 2014 Field hockey Great Northeast (GNAC)
Salem State University Salem, Massachusetts 1854 Public 7,242 Vikings 2011 2020 Men's golf Mass. State (MASCAC)
Simmons College[g] Boston, Massachusetts 1899 Nonsectarian 4,933 Sharks 2000 2014 Field hockey Great Northeast (GNAC)
Saint Joseph's College of Maine Standish, Maine 1912 Catholic
(R.S.M.) 		1,000 Monks 2004 2007 Baseball Great Northeast (GNAC)
2008 2014 Field hockey
2008 2010 Men's lacrosse
Vermont State University–Castleton[h][i] Castleton, Vermont 1787 Public[j] 2,130 Spartans 2018 2020 Men's golf Little East (LEC)
Wells College Aurora, New York 1868 Nonsectarian 480 Express 2023 2024 Field hockey Closed in 2024
Western New England University Springfield, Massachusetts 1919 Nonsectarian 3,657 Golden Bears 2001 2007 Field hockey C. New England (CNE)
Notes
  1. ^ Represents the calendar year when fall sports competition begins.
  2. ^ Represents the calendar year when spring sports competition ends.
  3. ^ Lasell was a full member of the NAC from 1996–97 to 2006–07.
  4. ^ Currently known as Lasell University since 2019.
  5. ^ a b The MLCA men's and women's tennis teams last competed in the 2019–20 and 2020–21 school years respectively. They were later discontinued due to athletic budget cuts at the end of the 2021–22 school year.
  6. ^ Mount Ida was a full member of the NAC from 1999–2000 to 2006–07.
  7. ^ Currently known as Simmons University since 2018.
  8. ^ Castleton University merged with Northern Vermont University and Vermont Technical College to become Vermont State University on July 1, 2023.
  9. ^ Castleton was a full member of the NAC from 2001–02 to 2017–18.
  10. ^ Part of the Vermont State Colleges System.

Membership timeline

[edit]
State University of New York Athletic ConferenceState University of New York at MorrisvilleEastern Nazarene CollegeEmpire 8SUNY Polytechnic InstituteState University of New York Athletic ConferenceState University of New York at CobleskillCazenovia CollegeState University of New York Athletic ConferenceState University of New York at DelhiState University of New York Athletic ConferenceState University of New York at CantonUniversity of Maine at Presque IsleGreat Northeast Athletic ConferenceNew England Collegiate ConferenceNew England CollegeGreat Northeast Athletic ConferenceColby–Sawyer CollegeVermont State UniversityNorthern Vermont UniversityNAIA independent schoolsGreen Mountain CollegeThomas CollegeUniversity of Maine–FarmingtonHusson UniversityVermont State UniversityNorthern Vermont UniversityLittle East ConferenceCastleton UniversityGreat Northeast Athletic ConferenceMount Ida CollegeGreat Northeast Athletic ConferenceNew England Collegiate ConferenceElms CollegeNew England Collegiate ConferenceBecker CollegeNew England Collegiate ConferenceWheelock CollegeMassachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health SciencesMaine Maritime AcademyNew England Collegiate ConferenceLesley UniversityGreat Northeast Athletic ConferenceLasell UniversityUnited States Collegiate Athletic AssociationNew England Collegiate ConferenceBay Path College

 Full member (all sports)   Full member (non-football)   Associate member (football)   Associate member (sport) 

Sports

[edit]
A divisional format is used for baseball, basketball (M / W), softball, and volleyball (W).
East
  • Husson
  • Maine–Farmington
  • Maine–Presque Isle
  • Maine Maritime
  • Thomas
West
  • Lesley
  • SUNY Cobleskill
  • SUNY Delhi
  • Vermont State–Johnson
  • Vermont State–Lyndon
Conference sports
Sport Men's Women's
Baseball
Green tickY
Basketball
Green tickY
Green tickY
Cross country
Green tickY
Green tickY
Golf
Green tickY
Lacrosse
Green tickY
Green tickY
Soccer
Green tickY
Green tickY
Softball
Green tickY
Tennis
Green tickY
Track & field (outdoor)
Green tickY
Green tickY
Volleyball
Green tickY

Men's sports

[edit]
School Baseball Basketball Cross
country 		Golf Lacrosse Soccer Track & field
(outdoor) 		Total NAC
sports
Husson Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY 7
Johnson State Red XN Green tickY Red XN Green tickY Red XN Green tickY Green tickY 4
Lesley Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Red XN Green tickY Green tickY 6
Lyndon State Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Red XN Red XN Green tickY Red XN 4
Maine–Farmington Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Red XN Green tickY Green tickY 6
Maine Maritime Red XN Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Red XN 5
Maine–Presque Isle Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Red XN Green tickY Green tickY 6
SUNY Cobleskill Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY 7
SUNY Delhi Red XN Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY 6
Thomas Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Red XN Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY 6
Totals 7 10 9 8 5+2 10 8 57+2
Associate members
Anna Maria Green tickY 1
MCLA Green tickY 1

Men's varsity sports not sponsored by the NAC

[edit]
School Alpine
skiing 		Equestrian Football Nordic
skiing 		Rugby Sailing Snowboard Swimming
& diving 		Tennis Volleyball Wrestling
Husson CNE LEC
Johnson State E8 NEVC
Lesley E8
Lyndon State E8
Maine–Farmington USCSA USCSA USCSA
Maine Maritime CNE Green tickY LEC NEWA
SUNY Cobleskill IHSA
SUNY Delhi LEC E8
Thomas NCR E8

Women's sports

[edit]
School Basketball Cross
country 		Lacrosse Soccer Softball Tennis Track & field
(outdoor) 		Volleyball Total NAC
sports
Husson Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY 8
Johnson State Green tickY Red XN Red XN Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY 6
Lesley Green tickY Green tickY Red XN Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY 7
Lyndon State Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Red XN Green tickY 7
Maine–Farmington Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Red XN Green tickY Red XN 6
Maine Maritime Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Red XN Red XN Red XN Green tickY 5
Maine–Presque Isle Green tickY Green tickY Red XN Green tickY Green tickY Red XN Green tickY Green tickY 6
SUNY Cobleskill Green tickY Green tickY Red XN Green tickY Green tickY Red XN Green tickY Green tickY 6
SUNY Delhi Green tickY Green tickY Red XN Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY 7
Thomas Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY 8
Totals 10 9 5 10 9 6 8 9 66

Women's varsity sports not sponsored by the NAC

[edit]
School Alpine
skiing 		Equestrian Field
hockey 		Golf Nordic
skiing 		Rugby Sailing Snowboard Swimming
& diving 		Wrestling
Husson CMCFHC NWGC LEC
Maine–Farmington USCSA CMCFHC USCSA USCSA
Maine Maritime Green tickY LEC IND
SUNY Cobleskill IHSA NWGC
SUNY Delhi LEC
Thomas CMCFHC NIRA

Championships

[edit]
See also: North Atlantic Conference Men's Basketball Championship

The NAC holds championships in the following sports:

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

North Atlantic Conference

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The North Atlantic Conference (NAC) is an intercollegiate athletic conference that competes in the () Division III, consisting of ten member institutions located primarily in the states of , , New York, and . Founded in 1997 as the North Atlantic Women's Conference (NAWC) by six institutions—Bay Path University, , , , , and Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences—to provide postseason opportunities for , the conference rebranded as the NAC in 1999 and expanded to include men's athletics, growing to eight full members at that time. Over the subsequent decades, the NAC underwent several expansions and realignments, achieving non-voting status in 2002, appointing its first full-time commissioner Julie Muller in 2005, and reaching a peak of 14 full members by fall 2023 through additions such as Colby-Sawyer College and in 2011, SUNY Canton and the University of Maine at Presque Isle in 2018, and , SUNY Cobleskill, and in 2020. Recent transitions, including the merger of former and into campuses and withdrawals by schools like SUNY Canton, SUNY Morrisville, and SUNY Polytechnic by spring 2024, with SUNY Cobleskill and SUNY Delhi set to depart for the SUNYAC after the 2025-26 , have stabilized membership at ten full institutions as of November 2025: , , , , , University of Maine at Presque Isle, SUNY Cobleskill, SUNY Delhi, Johnson, and Lyndon. The conference sponsors a wide array of sports across fall, winter, and spring seasons, including men's and women's cross country, , men's , men's and women's soccer, , and in the fall; men's and women's , men's and women's indoor , and men's and women's in the winter; and , men's and , , men's and women's outdoor , and men's in the spring, with some affiliate memberships for additional programs like men's . The NAC emphasizes student-athlete academic success and community engagement, hosting annual championships and awards such as the Man of the Year and academic honors, while fostering competitive play among its primarily small liberal arts and public institutions.

Overview

Founding and mission

The North Atlantic Conference was established in the spring of 1997 as the North Atlantic Women's Conference (NAWC), formed by six charter women's athletic programs from small institutions seeking greater regional affiliation and postseason opportunities within NCAA Division III. These founding members—Bay Path College, Lasell College, Lesley College, Maine Maritime Academy, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and Wheelock College—aimed to foster competitive environments for female student-athletes in a geographically cohesive area spanning New England. The conference's initial focus centered on sponsoring women's sports to address the needs of these programs, which previously competed as independents or in less regionally aligned affiliations. In 1999, the organization transitioned to full co-educational status and adopted its current name, the North Atlantic Conference (NAC), coinciding with the addition of men's sports programs and the expansion of membership. This renaming marked a pivotal evolution from a women-only league to a mixed-gender entity, enabling broader championships for both sexes starting in the fall of that year. The change reflected growing institutional demands for inclusive athletic structures while maintaining the conference's commitment to regional competition among small colleges. The NAC's mission emphasizes promoting competitive athletics, academic integrity, and the holistic development of student-athletes in the philosophy, with a particular focus on educational and leadership opportunities for participants from institutions in the Northeast. From its inception, the conference has prioritized providing postseason tournament access and fostering sportsmanship, evolving to sponsor a range of disciplines while upholding values of equity and community. Core initial offerings included women's soccer and cross country in fall 1997, basketball in winter 1997-98, and in spring 1998, laying the groundwork for expanded programming.

Headquarters and administration

The headquarters of the North Atlantic Conference (NAC) are located at 44 Main Street, Suite 206, in 04901. This central location facilitates coordination among member institutions primarily in the . The conference is administered by Marcella Zalot, who was appointed in June 2016 and serves as the second permanent commissioner in NAC history. Zalot oversees key responsibilities including policy enforcement, championship event coordination, compliance with NCAA regulations, and strategic planning for conference operations. Governance of the NAC follows a collaborative model typical of conferences, with ultimate authority vested in the Presidents' Council, comprising the presidents of all full member institutions and acting as the . This council sets strategic direction and approves major decisions. Supporting this are standing committees, such as the Athletic Administrators' Executive Committee, which addresses administrative and financial matters, and sport-specific committees that manage oversight of competitions, eligibility certification, and rule interpretations. The NAC's annual operating budget is derived from membership dues paid by institutions, corporate sponsorships, and distributions from NCAA grants for championships and strategic initiatives. In 2024, reached approximately $525,000, with expenses at $405,000, reflecting efficient management to support conference activities while aligning with NCAA Division III's emphasis on fiscal responsibility and student-athlete welfare.

History

Formation and early development

In fall 1996, six charter member institutions—Bay Path College (now Bay Path University), (now ), Lasell College, , , and Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences—began exploring the formation of the North Atlantic Women's Conference (NAWC), which was formally established in spring 1997. This formation aimed to provide competitive postseason opportunities for women student-athletes at small, regional institutions in , focusing on equitable access to championships without the need for independent affiliations. The conference quickly launched its inaugural season in 1996–97, sponsoring women's soccer, cross country, , and , with the first official championships held in 1997 for soccer and , followed by the initial in spring 1998 hosted at Lasell College. These events marked the NAWC's commitment to fostering regional rivalries and skill development among its members, setting the stage for structured intercollegiate competition in a division often overlooked for women's programs. By 1999, the conference underwent a significant expansion and rebranding to the North Atlantic Conference, incorporating men's sports such as and soccer to facilitate a full co-educational transition and broaden participation across genders. This shift was accompanied by the addition of three new members—Becker College, Elms College, and —increasing the total to nine institutions and enabling balanced competition in multiple disciplines. Throughout its early years, the NAC grappled with challenges stemming from limited financial resources and the wide geographic dispersion of members across , which complicated travel and logistics for events. These issues were mitigated through innovative approaches like hosting regional tournaments at central venues and prioritizing collaborative strategic planning among institutions to sustain growth and operational efficiency.

Expansion and restructuring

The North Atlantic Conference underwent several phases of expansion and restructuring between 2001 and 2022, driven by the need to maintain competitive balance and adapt to institutional shifts in New England higher education. In fall 2001, Castleton State College and joined as full members, increasing the total to 11. This was followed in fall 2002 by the transition of three associate members—, Husson College, and the —to full membership, bringing the conference to 14 full members and strengthening its presence in and . In fall 2006, the conference saw initial realignments as and Lasell College transitioned from full membership to associate status in men's and , respectively, effective fall 2007, while discontinued its associate membership in . These changes reflected efforts to stabilize sponsorship in niche sports amid broader membership flux. To counter these departures and grow its footprint, the conference approved the addition of and as full members in spring 2007, with competition beginning in fall 2008; simultaneously, rejoined as an associate in and men's . This marked the start of a deliberate expansion strategy, bringing fresh institutions into the fold and enhancing regional representation in northern . By spring 2010, further growth occurred with the acceptance of Colby-Sawyer College and as full members, effective fall 2011, elevating the total to 11 full members and solidifying the NAC's presence across , , and . A significant realignment came in fall 2017, when four full members—, Colby-Sawyer College, , and —withdrew to join the Great Northeast Athletic Conference, reducing the NAC to seven full members and prompting urgent recruitment. In response, the conference swiftly added the University of Maine at Presque Isle and SUNY Canton as full members effective July 1, 2018, restoring stability and extending geographic reach into and northern . followed as an associate member in six sports starting in 2018–19, transitioning to full membership in fall 2019 and adding depth in , soccer, and . The period from 2019 to 2020 represented a peak in expansion, with , SUNY Cobleskill, and accepted as full members in August 2019, beginning competition in fall 2020 and increasing the total to 12 full members. This influx diversified the conference's academic and athletic profile, incorporating more SUNY system schools and emphasizing non-revenue sports. As part of this restructuring, the NAC added men's and women's and diving sponsorship in fall 2020, expanding postseason opportunities while aligning with member institutions' growing investments in . In March 2021, Becker College announced its permanent closure at the end of the 2020–21 due to financial difficulties exacerbated by the , reducing the number of full members by one. Institutional mergers in Vermont during this era introduced additional challenges to membership continuity. In late 2020, the Vermont State Colleges system announced plans to consolidate (encompassing the NAC's campus) with other institutions into , effective July 1, 2023; this restructuring affected athletic programs at the Lyndon campus, which had been a full NAC member since 2008, requiring the conference to monitor potential impacts on competition schedules and eligibility through 2022.

Recent changes and future outlook

In 2023, the North Atlantic Conference (NAC) expanded its full membership by adding Eastern Nazarene College and SUNY Morrisville, effective for the 2023-24 , alongside the previously announced addition of . This brought the conference's full membership to 13 institutions temporarily, reflecting ongoing efforts to stabilize and grow its footprint in athletics. However, Eastern Nazarene's tenure was short-lived, as the institution announced its permanent closure in June 2024 due to escalating financial pressures, effectively ending its participation in NAC competitions by the close of the 2023-24 season. Similarly, announced its permanent closure in December 2022, effective after the spring 2023 semester, due to financial challenges, further affecting membership. Further transitions occurred in 2024, including the withdrawal of SUNY Canton, SUNY Morrisville, and SUNY Poly as full members after the spring semester, prompted by institutional realignments and conference strategy adjustments. To bolster its men's tennis offerings, the NAC welcomed as an associate member for the sport starting in the 2024-25 season, enhancing competitive depth. Complementing this, six NAC institutions—SUNY Delhi, , , , Johnson, and Lyndon—joined the Conference as affiliate members for men's tennis in 2024-25, creating a collaborative framework that expanded scheduling and postseason opportunities while maintaining NAC ties. Looking ahead, the NAC announced in June 2025 that SUNY Cobleskill and SUNY Delhi would depart as full members to join the effective July 1, 2026, following their final season of competition in the NAC during 2025-26. This realignment will reduce the NAC's full membership to eight institutions, prompting a renewed focus on core regional partnerships and sport-specific growth. In parallel, will join as an associate member in men's lacrosse beginning the 2025-26 season, with eligibility for the 2026 NAC championship and an automatic qualifier to the tournament. These developments underscore the conference's adaptive approach to membership sustainability amid broader Division III shifts.

Membership

Current full members

The North Atlantic Conference (NAC) consists of ten full member institutions as of November 2025, all situated in the with a focus on small, public and private colleges emphasizing practical and . These members participate in all conference-sponsored sports and contribute to the NAC's regional identity through diverse academic strengths, from maritime and agricultural programs to urban and business-oriented curricula. Two institutions, SUNY Cobleskill and SUNY , are scheduled to depart at the end of the 2025–26 academic year to join the Athletic Conference (SUNYAC).
InstitutionLocationFoundedNicknameColorsApproximate Enrollment (Fall 2025)Brief Profile
Husson UniversityBangor, ME1898EaglesGreen, white, gold3,400A private university known for its health sciences, business, and pharmacy programs, Husson excels in NAC athletics, particularly in baseball and softball, where its teams have secured multiple conference titles.
Lesley UniversityCambridge, MA1909LynxGreen, white3,100This private institution emphasizes urban-focused education in counseling, expressive therapies, and teacher preparation, serving a diverse student body in the heart of Cambridge with strong community outreach initiatives. Rejoined NAC as full member in 2023.
University of Maine at FarmingtonFarmington, ME1864BeaversMaroon, gold, gray2,100A public liberal arts college within the University of Maine System, it prioritizes teacher education and environmental studies, fostering hands-on learning in a rural setting that supports NAC outdoor sports.
University of Maine at Presque IslePresque Isle, ME1903OwlsBlue, gold1,800As a public commuter-focused campus in the University of Maine System, it highlights rural education in business, education, and allied health, with innovative online programs driving recent enrollment growth. Joined as full member in 2018.
Maine Maritime AcademyCastine, ME1941MarinersBlue, gold950A public specialized college offering maritime engineering, vessel operations, and international business degrees, it stands out for its rigorous sea-training regimen and contributions to NAC sailing and crew sports. Founding member since 1997.
SUNY CobleskillCobleskill, NY1911Fighting TigersBlack, orange, white1,800Part of the SUNY system, this public college specializes in agriculture, culinary arts, and natural resources, providing practical, hands-on training; it will transition out of the NAC after the 2025–26 year. Joined as full member in 2020.
SUNY DelhiDelhi, NY1913BroncosGreen, white, gold3,200A SUNY technology college focused on veterinary science, engineering, and hospitality management, it emphasizes career-ready programs with strong industry partnerships; departure from the NAC is set for post-2025–26. Joined as full member in 2019.
Thomas CollegeWaterville, ME1894TerriersBlack, red1,800This private business-oriented college offers degrees in cybersecurity, accounting, and sports management, with a commitment to entrepreneurial education and recent growth in student-athlete success across NAC competitions. Joined as full member in 2003.
Vermont State University JohnsonJohnson, VT1828 (original institution)BadgersGreen, blue, white1,200Formed post-2023 merger into Vermont State University, the Johnson campus retains a legacy in liberal arts, education, and fine arts, supporting creative and wellness-focused contributions to NAC arts-integrated athletics. Original institution joined in 2001.
Vermont State University LyndonLyndonville, VT1911 (original institution)HornetsForest green, white, gold1,100The Lyndon campus of Vermont State University, post-merger, excels in environmental science, business, and human services, enhancing the NAC with programs that promote sustainability and regional economic development. Original institution joined in 2008.

Associate members

As of November 2025, the North Atlantic Conference maintains affiliations with associate members across several sports to enhance competition in programs with limited full-member sponsorship. These include institutions primarily affiliated with other conferences that participate in select NAC sports, such as men's tennis, men's volleyball, men's lacrosse, , and .

Men's tennis and volleyball associates

The following seven institutions serve as associates in men's tennis (six schools) or men's volleyball (one school), added primarily in 2024 to bolster these sports:
InstitutionLocationSport AffiliationPrimary Conference
Alfred, NYMen's
Houghton, NYMen's
(MCLA)North Adams, MAMen's MASCAC
Pittsford, NYMen's
Norwich UniversityNorthfield, VTMen's Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Rochester, NYMen's
SUNY OswegoOswego, NYMen's volleyballSUNYAC
These associate memberships were established in 2024 to enhance participation and championship opportunities in men's and . By joining as associates, these schools gain access to NAC scheduling, facilities, and postseason tournaments without full membership obligations.

Other sport associates

Additional associates participate in other sports:
InstitutionLocationSport AffiliationPrimary ConferenceJoin Year
Paxton, MAMen's Great Northeast Athletic Conference2025-26
Newton, MAGreat Northeast Athletic Conference2007
Boston, MAGreat Northeast Athletic Conference2025-26
These arrangements allow the NAC to maintain robust competition in targeted sports while respecting the institutions' primary conference alignments.

Former members

The North Atlantic Conference (NAC) has experienced significant membership turnover since its founding in , with 17 institutions having served as full members before departing for various reasons, including institutional closures, conference realignments, and strategic withdrawals. These departures have often been driven by broader trends in athletics, such as regional consolidations and the challenges faced by smaller colleges. The following table catalogs the former full members, their tenures in the NAC, and primary reasons for departure:
InstitutionTenureReason for Departure
Bay Path University1997–2007Withdrew to join the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC).
Becker College1999–2007Withdrew amid institutional restructuring; college later closed in 2021.
Elms College1999–2007Withdrew to pursue independent affiliation and later joined NEWMAC.
Lesley University (initial)1997–2007Withdrew to join the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC); rejoined NAC as full member in 2023.
Wheelock College1997–2007Withdrew following merger with Boston University; athletics program discontinued.
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences1997–2007Withdrew to focus on other affiliations; later joined NEWMAC.
Lasell University1997–2006Withdrew to join GNAC; later became associate member in NAC for field hockey (2007–present).
Mount Ida College1999–2006Withdrew to join GNAC; institution closed in 2019.
Castleton University2001–2017Realigned to Little East Conference for geographic proximity. Now VTSU Castleton, primarily in Little East.
Colby–Sawyer College2011–2017Rejoined GNAC for regional alignment.
Green Mountain College2008–2017Withdrew amid declining enrollment; institution closed in 2019.
New England College2011–2017Realigned to New England Collegiate Conference (NECC).
Cazenovia College2020–2023Institution closed at end of 2022–23 academic year.
Eastern Nazarene College2023–2024Institution initiated closure process in 2024, ceasing operations by end of year.
SUNY Canton2018–2024Realigned to SUNY Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) for regional SUNY system integration.
SUNY Morrisville2023–2024Realigned to SUNYAC for regional SUNY system integration.
SUNY Polytechnic Institute2020–2024Realigned to Empire 8 Conference for enhanced competition and geography.
Several departures reflect patterns of institutional challenges and realignments, particularly among smaller private colleges facing closures (e.g., Cazenovia, Eastern Nazarene, ) and SUNY institutions seeking consolidation within the state system. In recent years, four SUNY schools—Canton, Morrisville, Polytechnic, and the forthcoming departures of Cobleskill and to SUNYAC in 2026–27—have shifted to more regionally focused conferences to reduce travel and align with state priorities. These changes have notably reduced the NAC's full membership from a peak of 14 in 2023–24 to 10 by the 2025–26 , prompting ongoing efforts to stabilize and potentially expand the conference footprint.

Membership timeline

The (NAC) has undergone numerous membership changes since its in 1997, reflecting shifts in institutional priorities, closures, and regional alignments in athletics. These evolutions have seen the conference grow from a small consortium of institutions to a more stable entity focused on core sports sponsorship, with full membership fluctuating between 6 and 14 institutions over nearly three decades. The following table chronicles key membership transitions from 1997 to 2026, highlighting joining and departing institutions (distinguishing full from associate status where applicable) and the resulting net change in full membership. Data is drawn from official conference announcements and records.
YearJoining Institutions (full/associate)Departing InstitutionsNet Change (full members)
1997Bay Path University, , , , , Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (full)None+6
1999Becker College, Elms College, (full)None+3 (total 9)
2001Castleton State College, (full); , Husson College, (associates)None+2 (total 11 full)
2003, Husson College, (full)None+3 (total 14 full)
2006None, (full)-2 (total 12 full)
2007NoneBay Path University, Becker College, Elms College, , , Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (full)-6 (total 6 full)
2008, (full)None+2 (total 8 full)
2011Colby-Sawyer College, (full)None+2 (total 10 full)
2018SUNY Canton, University of Maine at Presque Isle (full)None+2 (total 12 full)
2019 (full)None+1 (total 13 full)
2020, SUNY Cobleskill, (full)None+3 (total 14 full, peak adjusted)
2023Eastern Nazarene College, , SUNY Morrisville (full) (closure)+2 (total 14 full)
2024, , , , , (men's tennis associates); SUNY Oswego (men's volleyball associate)SUNY Canton, SUNY Morrisville, (full); Eastern Nazarene College (closure)-4 (total 10 full)
2025 (men's lacrosse associate); (women's tennis associate)None0 (total 10 full)
2026NoneSUNY Cobleskill, (full)-2 (total 8 full)
Following the 2026 departures, the NAC is projected to stabilize at 8 full members, emphasizing geographic cohesion in and while selectively adding associates to bolster non-core sports like and . This trend prioritizes sustainable competition over rapid expansion, aligning with broader Division III shifts toward regional focus.

Sports

The North Atlantic Conference (NAC) sponsors 18 varsity sports—nine for men and nine for women—providing competitive opportunities for student-athletes at its full member institutions, all of which compete at the level. Full members are required to field teams in at least seven of the sponsored sports to maintain conference eligibility and participate in championships. Tournaments and championships are typically hosted at regional venues to minimize travel, such as the men's and women's basketball semifinals and finals often held in , at .

Men's Sponsored Sports

The NAC supports the following men's varsity sports, with varying levels of participation among the conference's 10 full members as of 2025. These programs emphasize balanced competition, with regular-season schedules followed by postseason tournaments to determine conference champions and automatic NCAA qualifiers. is an associate member for .
SportNumber of TeamsNotes on Format
Baseball6Spring season with a double-elimination tournament hosted by the top seed or a neutral site.
Basketball10Winter season divided into East and West divisions for scheduling, culminating in a four-team tournament per division.
Cross Country8Fall season with conference championships held at a rotating regional course.
Golf6Spring season featuring a stroke-play championship at a Northeast course.
Lacrosse8Spring season with a single-elimination tournament. Anna Maria College is an associate member.
Soccer9Fall season using a divisional format, with playoffs for top teams.
Swimming5Winter season with dual meets leading to a conference championship meet.
Tennis4Spring season with a tournament format.
Track & Field8Indoor (winter) and outdoor (spring) seasons, with championships at regional facilities.

Women's Sponsored Sports

Women's programs in the NAC mirror the men's in structure, promoting gender equity with equivalent sponsorship and championship opportunities. Participation numbers reflect the conference's emphasis on accessibility, though some sports like field hockey and swimming have fewer teams due to institutional offerings.
SportNumber of TeamsNotes on Format
Basketball10Winter season with divisional play and a postseason tournament similar to the men's.
Cross Country8Fall season aligned with the men's, sharing championship events where possible.
Field Hockey5Fall season with a round-robin schedule and single-elimination playoffs.
Lacrosse6Spring season featuring conference-wide scheduling and a tournament.
Soccer9Fall season with divisional competition and postseason qualifiers.
Softball8Spring season with a double-elimination tournament.
Swimming5Winter season coordinated with the men's for combined championships.
Tennis5Fall season with a tournament.
Volleyball8Fall season with a tournament hosted by the top team.
These sponsored sports form the core of NAC athletics, fostering regional rivalries and development opportunities, while some member schools offer additional varsity sports outside conference auspices.

Non-sponsored varsity sports

In addition to the conference's sponsored varsity sports, several North Atlantic Conference (NAC) member institutions field varsity teams in other disciplines, competing through external conferences or as independents due to insufficient membership-wide participation to meet sponsorship thresholds. These non-sponsored programs enable broader athletic offerings while aligning with guidelines. Among men's sports, football stands out as a prominent example, with teams at and competing in the Conference of (CNE), a single-sport affiliation focused on D-III football. Husson's Eagles and Maine Maritime's Mariners play a full CNE schedule alongside non-conference games, providing regional competition without NAC involvement. Wrestling is offered at , where the Mariners operate as an NCAA D-III independent, participating in invitationals like the Duals and regional events. This program elevated from club to varsity status in 2023 to expand opportunities for student-athletes. For women's sports, at exemplifies independent competition, with the varsity crew racing in regional regattas and non-conference events on the and beyond. The program, coached since 2023, emphasizes skill development and team growth in a absent from NAC sponsorship. Overall, these non-sponsored varsity offerings represent a notable portion of NAC institutions' athletic portfolios, fostering diverse participation while members prioritize core conference sports like soccer and basketball.

Championships

Conference tournament formats

The North Atlantic Conference (NAC) employs a variety of postseason formats tailored to each sponsored , generally emphasizing divisional alignments between East and West divisions to determine qualification and seeding. Most tournaments follow a single-elimination structure for team sports, with the number of participating teams ranging from 4 to 8 based on divisional standings, while individual or all-team events like cross country and track & field include all eligible competitors. These formats ensure competitive balance and culminate in conference champions who earn automatic qualification to the Championships in 15 sports. Seeding for NAC tournaments is determined primarily by regular-season divisional records, with the top performers from each division advancing to the postseason. In case of ties, criteria include head-to-head results as the first , followed by additional factors such as differential or wins against common opponents where applicable to the sport (e.g., in soccer). This system promotes fairness across the conference's geographically dispersed membership. For example, men's and tournaments feature an 8-team field (top 4 from each division) in a single-elimination with quarterfinals, semifinals, and a championship game, typically spanning one weekend in late February to early March. Similarly, soccer tournaments involve 6-7 teams (top 4 East and top 2-3 West) progressing through quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals over two weeks in the fall. Hosting arrangements rotate between East and West divisions or are assigned to the highest remaining seed to minimize travel and leverage campus facilities, with neutral sites used occasionally for larger events. and deviate from pure single-elimination by incorporating double-elimination brackets for their 4-6 team fields, held over three days in May; for instance, the 2025 hosted by the top West seed includes consolation games to determine a clear . Non-team sports like men's utilize stroke-play formats with all teams competing over 36 holes, while track & field championships gather all participants for multi-event scoring at a rotating venue, such as the 2025 outdoor meet at Colby College's Alfond Track. These structures align with principles, focusing on student-athlete experience and regional accessibility.

Notable conference champions

The North Atlantic Conference has seen several programs dominate their respective sports through multiple championship titles since its founding in 1997. Husson University's team stands out as one of the most successful, securing 10 NAC tournament championships between 2009 and 2025, including back-to-back wins in 2024 and 2025. The University of Maine at Farmington's program has been equally dominant, claiming 12 conference titles over the years, highlighting consistent excellence in a competitive division. NAC teams have occasionally translated conference success into national prominence in NCAA Division III tournaments. For instance, Thomas College's softball team won the 2017 NAC championship and advanced to the NCAA regional round. Similarly, SUNY Delhi's men's basketball team captured the 2023 NAC title in its early years of full Division III membership. These appearances underscore the growing depth of talent within the conference, enabling select squads to compete at the national level. The conference recognizes individual excellence through an annual all-conference awards system, which honors top performers across based on statistical achievements, nominations, and contributions. A notable example is Johnson's Eli Wilson, who in 2024 set a school record in the at 6 feet 8.75 inches (2.05 m) at the SNHU Invitational, earning NAC weekly honors and ranking sixth nationally, which would have qualified for indoor nationals. Following membership expansions in 2017-2019—which added institutions like SUNY Canton and at Presque Isle in 2018, and SUNY Delhi in 2019—the NAC has experienced rising competitiveness in and . The addition of men's and women's and diving as sponsored sports in 2020, with the inaugural championship in 2021-22, has fostered deeper rosters and more balanced competition, as evidenced by multiple schools vying for titles in subsequent seasons. programs have similarly benefited, with expanded rosters leading to tighter tournament races and increased all-conference selections post-2015.

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  78. https://nwcaonline.com/news/2023/3/25/ncaa-division-3-men-maine-maritime-academy-to-elevate-club-wrestling-to-varsity-status-compete-in-both-mens-and-womens-wrestling
  79. https://lesleyathletics.com/sports/wcrew/coaches/mcgravey_kate
  80. https://nacathletics.com/sports/allconference
  81. https://nacathletics.com/sports/2024/7/9/championships_0709241054.aspx
  82. https://www.ncaa.com/news/soccer-men/article/2025-11-10/ncaa-division-iii-mens-soccer-committee-selects-2025-championship-field
  83. https://hussoneagles.com/news/2025/11/3/womens-volleyball-nac-womens-volleyball-tournament-seedings-unveiled.aspx
  84. https://nacathletics.com/news/2025/2/16/husson-secures-1-seed-in-nac-mens-basketball-east-division.aspx
  85. https://www.wabi.tv/2025/03/01/eagles-win-back-to-back-nac-titles/
  86. https://athletics.thomas.edu/news/2017/5/6/5_6_2017_2100.aspx
  87. https://delhibroncos.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/releases/20230225r8kssz
  88. https://nacathletics.com/news/2025/4/1/mens-track-and-field-first-2024-nac-track-field-weekly-honors-announced.aspx
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