Bellarmine To Join MAC As Affiliate Member in Field Hockey
CLEVELAND, OH – The Mid-American Conference (MAC) announced today an agreement with Bellarmine University to become an affiliate member of the league for women’s field hockey, beginning with the 2021-22 academic year.
With the addition of Bellarmine, 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 (Appalachian State, Bellarmine and Longwood). Bellarmine was one of the founding members of Division II’s Great Lakes Valley Conference in 1978, and after 42 years in the league is transitioning to NCAA Division I beginning in 2020-21.
“I am pleased to welcome Bellarmine University as an affiliate member in women’s field hockey beginning with the 2021 season,” said MAC Commissioner Dr. Jon A. Steinbrecher. “Bellarmine is a wonderful institution and we look forward to its association with the Mid-American Conference.”
Bellarmine founded its field hockey program in 1986 and has competed for 34 years as a member of NCAA Division II, including four seasons (2014-17) as members of the ECAC. The Knights have compiled an overall record of 331-278-9 and seven different student-athletes have been recognized as All-Americans.
“Bellarmine is proud to be joining the Mid-American Conference for field hockey,” said Bellarmine Director of Athletics Scott Wiegandt. “The MAC has a long history of competing at a high level with a well-respected membership both academically and athletically. We are most appreciative to the MAC for the invitation to join such an esteemed group of universities. The geographic footprint of the MAC is a great fit for Bellarmine, and we very much look forward to competing in the coming years.”
“We are thrilled to be joining the Mid-American Conference as an affiliate member in 2021,” said Bellarmine Head Coach Devanny Boisvert. “As a former MAC field hockey player (Ball State ’12), it is exciting to be joining a conference that values student-athlete success, both academically and athletically. As we transition our field hockey program to the Division I level, we are looking forward to being a part of the competitive atmosphere amongst the MAC teams along with positively representing the conference. Thanks to the MAC, school administrators and head coaches for making this happen for Bellarmine University. We look forward to being a part of this respected conference!”
The 2020 season will be the 36th year the MAC has sponsored women’s field hockey as a championship sport. Last season, the Miami RedHawks won its third-straight MAC Tournament Title with a 2-1 victory over Kent State.
