MANCHESTER – Saint Anselm College has announced that it will begin a transition to the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) in Division III, aligning the College with one of the nation’s most academically prestigious and philosophically aligned conferences.

The move will leave Southern New Hampshire University as the only Division II college in the state.

“We are confident this decision is in the best interest of the Saint Anselm student experience and the long-term future of the College,” said Saint Anselm President Joseph A. Favazza, Ph.D. in a release/statement issued by the college. “The NCAA landscape is changing rapidly, driven by Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) financial opportunities, an active transfer portal that leads to team instability, and growing uncertainty among conferences. After careful consideration, we have chosen a proactive path – one that aligns with our mission and allows Saint Anselm to maintain control of its athletic future.”

Saint Anselm will complete its final year in the Northeast 10 Conference during the 2026-27 academic year before officially beginning the transition on July 1, 2027. The College is expected to achieve full Division III membership by 2029-30, pending NCAA Division III Membership Committee approval.

Saint Anselm officials feel they are very much aligned with the philosophies of the NEWMAC and its member schools athletically, academically, and ethically.

“This move reflects the heart of Saint Anselm’s Catholic, Benedictine mission,” said Athletic Director Phil Rowe, the former AD at the now closed Daniel Webster College. “Athletics is an extension of our educational experience, and the NEWMAC offers a conference home that mirrors our priorities both in the classroom and in competition. We are deeply grateful to the Northeast 10 Conference for the longstanding partnership, rivalries, and championships that have shaped our history, and we look forward to building on that foundation as we step into this next chapter.”

Saint Anselm sponsors 23 varsity programs and is home to more than 650 student-athletes. The Hawks have demonstrated consistent competitive success, including multiple NCAA tournament appearances, a national championship in field hockey (2024), and a national semifinal appearance in men’s lacrosse (2024). That success is expected to translate seamlessly into the NEWMAC, where it will further elevate an already highly competitive league.

“What stood out most about Saint Anselm College throughout this process was how naturally their institutional values aligned with the NEWMAC’s. In a challenging higher education landscape, a strategic priority and focal point of our conference’s vision included being proactive around growth to ensure stability and sustainability for the future of our membership and programs,” said Patrick B. Summers, executive director of the NEWMAC. “Their commitment to the student-athlete experience, academic excellence, and their commitment to transitioning to Division III was evident in every conversation and communication throughout the process. The Hawks aren’t just joining a conference; they’re joining a community that shares core and founding principles.”

As part of its continued commitment to excellence, Saint Anselm is also investing in the future of its athletics facilities, including the development of the Van Hoof Athletic Complex, which will support soccer and track & field beginning in 2027.