<span>National Wrestling Coaches Association</span> <time pubdate="" datetime="1/22/2025 3:00:00 PM">1/22/2025 3:00:00 PM</time> <span>Courtesy of the MAC</span> <br>"Incorporating women's wrestling into the vibrant tapestry of MAC sponsored sports is a pivotal step in supporting gender equity across the conference while simultaneously supporting a growing NCAA emerging sport for women," said Morrison. <br>Five schools will compete in the MAC's inaugural season, including Alvernia, Arcadia, Delaware Valley, Misericordia, and York (Pa.). Delaware Valley is the MAC's longest-tenured women's wrestling program currently competing in its fifth season. Alvernia is in their third season and York is competing in their second. Presently, Misericordia is competing in its inaugural season and Arcadia will begin competition in fall 2025. The addition of women's wrestling programs at Albright and Eastern will push the MAC to seven schools in the 2026–27 season. The first MAC Women's Wrestling Championships will be held at Delaware Valley University in 2026. <br>"I am proud to be associated with the MAC initiative of sponsoring Women's Wrestling as a conference sport," said Delaware Valley Director of Athletics David Duda. "Delaware Valley's rich tradition in Men's Wrestling made it natural to implement a women's program four years ago. The outstanding leadership at the Conference level, along with the creative vision of other conference peer institutions has led to this exciting step of conference sponsorship. It speaks volumes about the commitment at both the institutional and conference level. We look forward to hosting the inaugural conference championship next winter, as we collectively and collaboratively help to continue to grow the sport of women's wrestling."<br>The MAC has had early success in women's wrestling with three national qualifiers in the sport. Delaware Valley's Bridgette Schoultz and Erin Murray have been qualifiers at the National Collegiate Women's Wrestling Championships (NCWWC) while York's Maura White qualified for nationals in the team's debut season. <br>Women's Wrestling was selected for the NCAA Emerging Sports for Women program back in 2020. Just last week, Divisions I, II and III all voted to advance women's wrestling from the NCAA Emerging Sports for Women program to a national collegiate championship. Female Athletes from Divisions I, II, and III will all compete against one another. Women's wrestling will be the 91st NCAA championship sport. The inaugural National Collegiate Women's Wrestling Championship will be held in 2026.<br>As NCAA President Charlie Baker recently stated, "We are thrilled that women's wrestling will be an NCAA sport, making it the 91st championship that we host. We extend a big thank you to everyone who supported this effort and the athletes, coaches, and fans for their passion for a fast-growing and exciting sport that brings even more opportunities for women to participate in athletics."<br><u><strong>Word Around the MAC</strong></u><br>"We are very excited to sponsor women's wrestling at Misericordia University. Women's wrestling is one of the fastest-growing sports at both the collegiate and high school levels and it is, therefore, a wonderful opportunity not just for these tremendous athletes to continue competing, but also for colleges and universities to add another exciting aspect to their student life offerings" says President of Misericordia University, Dr. Daniel Myers. "We are doubly pleased that the MAC will sponsor the sport, which will not only enhance competition and improve scheduling but will also allow for post-season championships, further enhancing the student-athlete experience for women wrestlers." - Dr. Daniel Myers, President of Misericordia University <br>"Women's Wrestling presents a unique opportunity to promote growth, empowerment, and athletic excellence. By sponsoring this sport, Eastern University can expand opportunities for female athletes and foster inclusivity within the Middle Atlantic Conference. We hope the conference's commitment to women's wrestling can inspire the next generation of athletes and strengthen the foundation of this dynamic sport."- Eric McNelly, Eastern Director of Athletics.<br>"Albright College is thrilled to launch both Women's and Men's wrestling teams. We recognize Women's Wrestling as a rapidly growing sport, making this the perfect time for Albright to get involved, especially with the MAC now offering its support. As we continue to prioritize student interests in co-curricular activities, Women's Wrestling has emerged as a top focus." - Dr. Debra Townsley, President of Albright College.<br>"The Middle Atlantic Conference's decision to sponsor women's wrestling is a landmark step forward in collegiate athletics. At Eastern, we believe in the transformative power of sports to shape lives and communities. Supporting women's wrestling not only fosters inclusivity and excellence across the conference but also aligns with Eastern's and the MAC's commitment to providing equitable opportunities for all athletes. We are thrilled to be part of this historic moment and eagerly anticipate the opportunities it will bring for our student-athletes."- Dr. Ronald Matthews, President of Eastern University.<br> <br> <strong>ABOUT THE MIDDLE ATLANTIC CONFERENCE</strong><br> Located in Newtown, Pa., the Middle Atlantic Conference is an NCAA Division III conference comprised of the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC), Middle Atlantic Conference Commonwealth (MAC Commonwealth), and Middle Atlantic Conference Freedom (MAC Freedom).<br> <br> Its 16 member institutions, located across three states, are: Albright College (Reading, Pa.), Alvernia University (Reading, Pa.), Arcadia University (Glenside, Pa.), Delaware Valley University (Doylestown, Pa.), DeSales University (Center Valley, Pa.), Eastern University (St. Davids, Pa.), Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus (Madison, N.J.), Hood College (Frederick, Md.), King's College (Wilkes-Barre, Pa.), Lebanon Valley College (Annville, Pa.), Messiah University (Mechanicsburg, Pa.), Misericordia University (Dallas, Pa.), Stevens Institute of Technology (Hoboken, N.J.), Stevenson University (Owings Mills, Md.), Widener University (Chester, Pa.), and York College of Pennsylvania (York, Pa.).<br> <br> The MAC currently sponsors 27 intercollegiate sports that compete in the NCAA Division III. More than 7,000 student-athletes participate in baseball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, field hockey, football, men's and women's golf, men's and women's ice hockey, men's and women's indoor track & field, men's and women's lacrosse, men's and women's outdoor track & field, softball, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's swimming, men's and women's tennis, men's and women's volleyball and wrestling.<br> <br> <br><time pubdate="" datetime="04.29.24">04.29.24</time><br><time pubdate="" datetime="01.21.25">01.21.25</time><br><time pubdate="" datetime="01.21.25">01.21.25</time><br><time pubdate="" datetime="01.17.25">01.17.25</time><br><time pubdate="" datetime="01.16.25">01.16.25</time><br>Thanks for visiting <a class="bajqemjx4-modal__text-host"></a>!<br>The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy.<br>We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here.<br>Thank you for your support!<br><br><a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMixgFBVV95cUxQTDF4RnJnS2l3QkdRZHpTdVVmZ0JYNXdEZUdpOVg2Vy1DVjFiRnA0dTgxRUhfWC12Y0IwaXVLcmtESnFnbFFHTVc2N05uZV9mbDdtUnNNWkphVkwxWTlOVU9uX1RTMW1zSUVJcDU4eGpUX0EyMWRWUllQRXVneDdvQTRxbUhKazIxNG5tSGw5VnlYZVNkZkhRWlJnOTJITFBIejE3Y1phOGVLM3RkZTdobUtwQUd6ZDNDd3NEMU03dndrVXdLaWc?oc=5">source</a>
