General Mary vonKronenberger

New College of Florida to Join The Sun Conference in 2024-25

TAMPA, Fla. – The Sun Conference announces today the addition of New College of Florida (NCF) as a full member institution, effective on July 1, 2024.
 
The addition of NCF will bring The Sun Conference to 10 full member institutions in 2024 and marks the first conference expansion since 2017, when College of Coastal Georgia was added.
 
“We are proud to announce the addition of New College of Florida as a full member of The Sun Conference,” said David A. Armstrong, Interim Sun Conference Council of Presidents Chair, and President of St. Thomas University. “This decision was unanimous by the Presidents and Athletic Directors of The Sun after a thorough vetting process. New College impressed all of us with their knowledge of the NAIA and Sun Conference. Their preparation for the Sun Conference visit and the leadership of their institution as it pertains to having a first-rate athletic program at one of the most prominent academic colleges in the country, was very impressive. The Sun Conference is a nationally recognized member of the NAIA, and we believe the addition of New College will only enhance that reputation.”
 
Today’s action received unanimous approval from The Sun Conference Council of Presidents. The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Council of Presidents also voted to approve New College’s application for membership earlier today, which was required for New College to officially join The Sun.
 
“Today’s action signifies The Sun Conference’s continued ambition to be among the premier conferences in the NAIA,” stated Commissioner Dustin Wilke. “I commend our Presidents and Athletic Directors on their diligent and unified approach through this process, and we are excited about the tremendous value New College of Florida will add to our proud conference.”
 
Located in Sarasota, New College of Florida was founded in 1960 and is home to approximately 700 full-time students. NCF, a top-ranked public liberal arts college, is recognized nationally for its commitment to academic excellence.
 
"The Sun Conference's history of producing high-character scholar-athletes who impact our communities was a significant factor for New College applying for membership,” New College of Florida President Richard Corcoran commented. “Our goal to become the nation's top liberal arts college will be enhanced by joining the prestigious institutions in the NAIA Sun Conference."
 
Upon entry into The Sun in the 2024-25 season, the Mighty Banyans will sponsor men’s and women’s soccer, indoor volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s swimming & diving, baseball, softball, women’s lacrosse, and beach volleyball. NCF athletes will compete in full conference schedules and will be eligible for conference championships in their inaugural seasons.
 
"The Sun Conference leadership is second to none,” NCF Athletic Director Mariano Jimenez noted. “We are humbled that they selected us to join their conference, and we look forward to enhancing our scholar-athletes’ experience with exceptional institutions that truly put students first."
 
For the NAIA release, follow this link: Click Here
 
New College of Florida Website: https://www.ncf.edu/
New College of Florida Athletics Website: https://gomightybanyans.com/
 
ABOUT THE SUN CONFERENCE
Now in its 34th year, The Sun Conference, a 501c3 organization, continues to be one of the most successful intercollegiate athletic conferences in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Under the guidance of Commissioner Dustin Wilke, the league sponsors championships in 24 NAIA sports: Baseball, Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Men’s and Women’s Cross Country, Esports, Football, Flag Football, Men’s and Women’s Golf, Men’s and Women’s Indoor Track and Field, Women's Lacrosse, Men’s and Women’s Soccer, Softball, Men’s and Women’s Swimming, Men’s and Women’s Tennis, Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track and Field and Women’s Indoor Volleyball. Learn more at thesunconference.com  
 
 
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