University of New England Athletics

The University of New England is a Division III member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), joining completely for the 1999-2000 academic year. UNE currently sponsors 21 varsity sports; 13 on the women's side, in basketball, cross country, field hockey, golf, ice hockey, lacrosse, rugby, softball, soccer, swimming, tennis, track & field [outdoor], and volleyball, and 8 men's programs, in basketball, cross country, football, golf, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, and tennis.

Tennis for both women and men will begin in 2025-26. Eight other varsity sports have been added since joining the NCAA: women's golf (2024-25), women's track & field (2020-21), football (2018-19), women's rugby (2016-17), women's ice hockey (2012-13), men's ice hockey (2009-10), women's swimming (2004-05), and field hockey (2003-04).

Athletics Department Mission Statement:
The University of New England is committed to academic excellence with the purpose of preparing its students for meaningful and rewarding careers, lifelong learning, and enlightened lives. The University's intercollegiate athletics program promotes optimal physical, emotional, and personal development in its student-athletes, supplements the classroom experience, and provides balance to academic life. Participation in a variety of athletics opportunities, with the best possible facilities, coaching personnel, and competitive opportunities, supports the mission of the University and is key to fulfilling its ideals. Athletics provides the student-athlete with the benefit to develop skills and techniques through team building, practice and competitions. The pursuit of excellence can be realized through NCAA Division III competition and adherence to the Division III philosophy, with a focus on Conference of New England, Little East Conference, and National Intercollegiate Rugby Association play.

The intercollegiate athletics program is integral to the institution and encourages a desire for excellence, respect for colleagues, fair play, teamwork, leadership, perseverance, and integrity, enhancing the overall quality of the educational experience. Through participation in the University's athletics program, students will augment academic productivity, improve the quality of campus life by providing an exciting shared social activity for the campus community, and create an image and identity that fosters support for and pride in the University by the University and external communities.

Since 1999-2000, UNE has competed in the Conference of New England (CNE) -- renamed from the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) in August 2024 -- which administers all but two of the Nor'easter varsity sports [not women's rugby and women's swimming]. It's membership includes:

For the varsity sport of women's swimming, the Nor'easters are members of the Little East Conference (LEC), since 2022-23.