BIDDEFORD, Maine -- University of New England Director of Athletics Heather Davis, in conjunction with Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Commissioner Joe Walsh, announced on Tuesday (Aug. 24) that the Nor'easter women's swimming program will become an associate member of the multi-sport league beginning with the 2021-22 season.

"It was fantastic news when we learned that the Great Northeast Athletic Conference had accepted our application to become an associate member in women's swimming," shared Davis. "I am thrilled about the opportunities this will present for our student-athletes and coaches."

UNE joins as the 10th institution to compete for the annual GNAC title, alongside Albertus Magnus College, Colby-Sawyer College, Elms College, Norwich University, Regis College, Roger Williams University, University of Saint Joseph (Conn.), Saint Joseph's College (Maine), and reigning champion from 2019-20, Simmons University. The three-day GNAC Championship will start on February 4, 2022.

"The GNAC teams represent solid competition, good academics, and great sportsmanship," added UNE head coach Rick Hayes. "We have competed against all of them either in dual meets or the NEISDA Championships, and I have great respect for the coaches, programs, and schools. I am excited to see us take on this new challenge."

Complete release from GNAC

Women's swimming will continue its membership with the New England Intercollegiate Swimming & Diving Association (NEISDA), which sponsors a larger, regional championship each February.