{"id":226485,"date":"2025-07-15T11:06:07","date_gmt":"2025-07-15T15:06:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/?p=226485"},"modified":"2025-07-15T11:06:07","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T15:06:07","slug":"bloomfield-college-of-montclair-state-university-athletics-to-transition-to-uscaa-affiliation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/2025\/07\/15\/bloomfield-college-of-montclair-state-university-athletics-to-transition-to-uscaa-affiliation\/","title":{"rendered":"Bloomfield College of Montclair State University Athletics to Transition to USCAA Affiliation"},"content":{"rendered":"

Serving as the latest development in Montclair State University\u2019s vision for the future of athletics and recreation in higher education, Bloomfield College of Montclair State University will transition four of its intercollegiate athletics programs from NCAA Division II to the United States Collegiate Athletics Association (USCAA)<\/a> for the 2025-2026 academic year.<\/p>\n

Bloomfield\u2019s men\u2019s and women\u2019s basketball, men\u2019s soccer and softball teams will move to the USCAA, which creates national competition for small colleges of similar size to develop the minds, bodies and spirits of student-athletes.<\/p>\n

Bloomfield\u2019s USCAA sports will be scholarship eligible, continuing the institution\u2019s sports tradition as part of Montclair\u2019s reimagined athletics and recreation model designed to create more opportunities for competition at all levels.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis transition represents a significant step forward for our athletic program, allowing us to better align with our mission and values,\u201d says Deputy Director of Athletics Sheila Wooten. \u201cOur student-athletes will benefit from increased opportunities for competition and growth, and we are excited to build new rivalries and traditions within the USCAA. We believe this change will enhance the overall experience for our athletes, coaches, and fans. We look forward to this new chapter in our athletic journey.”<\/p>\n

The Bears will compete in the North American Conference for Intercollegiate Athletics (NACIA) against schools including Bryant and Stratton College<\/a> (Syracuse, Buffalo, Albany, Ohio and Rochester campuses), Berkeley College<\/a>, Five Towns College<\/a> and Villa Maria College<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Bloomfield\u2019s women\u2019s volleyball and baseball programs will be discontinued. All Bloomfield students interested in playing these sports will have the opportunity to try out for Montclair State University NCAA Division III programs or participate in club sports offerings.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis move allows us to preserve and reimagine Bloomfield\u2019s athletics legacy in a way that reflects both our commitment to student opportunity and our responsibility to sustainability,\u201d says Montclair Vice President for Student Development and Campus Life Dawn Soufleris. \u201cCompeting in the USCAA ensures that our student-athletes continue to grow, thrive, and represent Bloomfield College of Montclair State University with pride. We\u2019re excited about this next chapter and the new pathways it opens for athletic excellence and engagement.\u201d<\/p>\n

Are You A\u2026<\/h2>\n

Prospective Student \/ Parent?\u00a0<\/strong>Learn more about Bloomfield Athletics<\/a>, plan a visit to our campus<\/a>\u00a0and take the first step toward applying to become a Bloomfield Bear<\/a>.<\/p>\n