Montclair State University to Launch Realigned Athletics and Recreation Program in 2025

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 Vice President and Director of Athletics and Recreation Rob Chesney. “Whether it is new NCAA programs or enhanced club sports opportunities, we are creating a future in which all students will have a platform to develop leadership, teamwork and wellness skills to further enrich their overall campus experience.”

Changes to Bloomfield College Athletics

Four Bloomfield programs – men’s and women’s basketball, men’s soccer and softball – will continue to compete at the NCAA Division II level, with Bloomfield maintaining affiliate membership in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC).

The remaining Bloomfield sports, baseball and women’s volleyball, will transition to club status to ensure more access to all students to participate in the sports at a competitive level.

“Preserving Bloomfield College’s athletics program solidifies our commitment to honoring its rich history and unique identity,” says Montclair Vice President for Student Development and Campus Life Dawn Meza Soufleris. “We are dedicated to upholding the mission of Bloomfield College and ensuring that students continue to have access to transformative opportunities both on and off the field.

Expanding Access to Athletics Opportunities

The new model will also significantly expand opportunities for all students to participate in club sports and recreation programs to help foster a collaborative, student-centered athletic environment and cross-campus participation.

In addition to the new club programs, the University will also seek to develop additional club and recreational programs based on student need and demand.

Bloomfield’s successful ESports program will also remain a cornerstone of the Bloomfield experience, and Montclair will make additional investments into the program for future expansion to respond to growing student demand.

Student-athletes in all discontinued programs will have an opportunity to try out for existing NCAA teams or to participate in expanded club sports. The University will also review their individual situations to ensure they receive all financial aid for which they qualify.

For more information on Montclair State University Athletics, visit montclairathletics.com. For more information on Bloomfield College of Montclair State University athletics, visit bcbearsathletics.com.