Mid-American Conference

BOONE, N.C. -- The Mid-American Conference (MAC) announced today an agreement with Appalachian State University (App State) to become an affiliate member of the league for women’s field hockey, beginning with the 2017-18 academic year.
 
With the addition of App State, the conference will consist of eight field hockey programs – five from full MAC membership (Ball State, Central Michigan, Kent State, Miami, and Ohio) and three affiliate members (Longwood, Missouri State, and Appalachian State).
 
“I am pleased to welcome Appalachian State University as an affiliate member in women’s field hockey beginning with the 2017 season,” said Dr. Jon A. Steinbrecher, Commissioner of the Mid-American Conference. “Appalachian State is a wonderful institution and we look forward to its association with the Mid-American Conference.”
 
App State was previously a member of the NorPac Conference through the 2014 season, before the conference disbanded. For the 2015 season, the Mountaineers competed as an NCAA Division I Independent.
 
"We are thrilled to join the Mid-American Conference as an associate member. Joining the MAC is a great development for Appalachian State field hockey,” said Doug Gillin, Appalachian State University Director of Athletics.  “I thank Commissioner Steinbrecher and the MAC's presidents, athletics directors, senior woman administrators and field hockey coaches for the opportunity. We are excited to begin MAC competition in 2017."
 
Field Hockey was introduced to Appalachian State’s athletic department in 1968. Since then, the Mountaineers have established an all-time record of 377-432-46. In the 2015 season, under first-year head coach Meghan Dawson, App State finished 4-13.
 
"We are ecstatic to be joining the Mid-American Conference as an affiliate member in 2017. The MAC has great universities, coaches and student-athletes that we are looking forward to competing against each year,” said head coach Meghan Dawson. “It is a competitive field hockey conference that will help us continue to develop our field hockey program, both academically and athletically. I want to thank everyone associated with the MAC and here at Appalachian State that made this possible. We're looking forward to representing the MAC!"
 
The 2016 season will be the 32nd year the MAC has sponsored women’s field hockey as a championship sport. Last season, the Kent State Golden Flashes claimed the 2015 tournament title, finishing the year 11-9 to make a repeat trip to the NCAA Tournament.
 
 
MID-AMERICAN CONFERENCE
Founded in 1946, the Mid-American Conference is an NCAA Division I, 12-member conference that sponsors 23 championships and is one of ten members of the Football Bowl Subdivison (FBS). With total enrollment of nearly 300,000 students, the league represents institutions of higher learning in five (5) states - Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New York, and Ohio.

Current MAC schools that hold full membership and the year they joined are -- East Division: University of Akron (1992), Bowling Green State University (1952), University at Buffalo (1998), Kent State University (1951), Miami University (1947), Ohio University (1946). West Division: Ball State University (1973), Central Michigan University (1971), Eastern Michigan University (1971), Northern Illinois University (1975-86, rejoined in 1997), University of Toledo (1950), Western Michigan University (1947).  The conference office is based in Cleveland, Ohio.
 
MEDIA CONTACT: Heather Klatt, Media Relations Assistant, 216-566-4622, hklatt@mac-sports.com