PAXTON – Anna Maria College announced on Thursday that it accepted accepted an invitation to become a core member of the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC). Anna Maria is the first private college ever invited to the conference for core member status.
The Anna Maria Amcats will compete in 11 varsity sports in the MSCAC. The men’s hockey team will begin competing in the conference in fall 2024. The remaining programs will begin in the conference in fall 2025.
“This is the first time since 1974 the MASCAC has added a core member institution and is a momentous moment for our core member institutions and student-athletes,” MASCAC Commissioner Angela Bauman said. “The MASCAC is a 54-year-old conference and adding Anna Maria College is geographically consistent with our core members, helps to increase sport sponsorship and secures the future of the MASCAC in our great state of Massachusetts.”
The MASCAC is the oldest Division III men’s and women’s playing conferences in the country.
The other competing core member institutions in the conference are;
- Bridgewater State University;
- Fitchburg State University;
- Framingham State University;
- Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA);
- Massachusetts Maritime Academy;
- Salem State University;
- Westfield State University; and
- Worcester State University.
This new relationship builds upon the tradition of competitive excellence we aspire for our athletes and fans alike. We look forward to bringing our talents to the conference, beginning in 2024 with hockey,” said Anna Maria College President Mary Lou Retelle. “The MASCAC’s geographical footprint, rich history, and regional membership make this a great opportunity for all of Anna Maria College’s athletic programs.”
