Montclair State University is pursuing a bold new vision for collegiate athletics designed to strengthen its commitment to student-athlete wellbeing and expand opportunities for participation while responding to emerging trends and opportunities.
This includes the incorporation of Bloomfield College of Montclair State University as part of a unified athletics and recreation program. Preserving the athletic traditions of New Jersey’s only four-year Predominantly Black Institution was a priority in the design process.
The newly merged Athletic and Recreation Department will aim to foster a campuswide healthy lifestyle by providing comprehensive tools, programs, and activities throughout the year, ensuring all students have opportunities to engage and thrive.
Montclair will sponsor 21 intercollegiate athletics programs at the NCAA Division II and Division III level and increase recreational and club sports opportunities, offering what the University sees as a national model of a dynamic response to the changing landscape of college athletics. Subject to NCAA approval, the new approach will become effective for the fall 2025 semester.
“This is a testament to our ethos of serving the public good by creating innovative solutions that will better serve students both now and in the future,” says Montclair President Jonathan Koppell. “By offering a diverse array of opportunities for students to compete in athletics, we are putting their wellbeing at the forefront. When you include maintaining Bloomfield College athletics and its place at the institution, this is a model we feel can be one other institutions will seek to replicate moving forward.”
Changes to Montclair State University Athletics
With a look to the future and in response to growing trends in college sports, the University will transition its men’s and women’s lacrosse programs to club status.
Montclair will also launch an NCAA Division III women’s flag football program that will begin competition for the fall 2025 semester.
One of the fastest-growing sports in college athletics, the program will be a new opportunity for female student-athletes to participate in sports at the collegiate level.
“This new model is an innovative approach to ensuring every student has as many options to participate in athletics as possible,” says Montclair Associate…
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