The College of Saint Elizabeth (CSE), Morristown, N.J., Athletics Department has been accepted, as an institution, into the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC), the largest athletic conference in the United States.

The College joins the ECAC in its mission to initiate, stimulate and improve intercollegiate athletics programs for student-athletes and to promote and develop educational leadership, athletics excellence and athletics participation.

According to CSE Director of Athletics and Head Softball Coach Lisa Root, membership into the Conference elevates the College’s standing amongst its Division III peers.

“Gaining membership in the ECAC can benefit the College’s Athletic Department by furthering the development of existing sponsored sports including women’s tennis, volleyball, soccer, basketball, swimming, softball and cross country (2008), as well as increase the coaching staff’s ability to recruit student-athletes,” she explains.  “In addition, being a member of the ECAC allows CSE athletes and coaches to become part of the ECAC awards system, which publicizes the achievements of its member institution’s student-athletes through weekly and post-season awards.”   

Furthermore, membership in the ECAC provides greater opportunity for post-season play through the Conference’s administered 90 championships in 37 sports.

“We have already had numerous institutions contacting us in regards to scheduling, based upon the fact that we are now members of the ECAC,” observes Ms. Root. “The College is looking forward to our first year in the ECAC, with hopes of many more successful seasons to come.”

Since its inception 70 years ago, the Conference has grown significantly from 58 charter members, to its current membership of 321 institutions.  Member institutions represent NCAA Divisions I, II and III, while ranging in location from Maine to Georgia.   For more information about ECAC, visit www.ecac.com.