The Northeast 10 Conference (NE10) is an NCAA Division II conference formed in 1981. It consists of 16 institutions located in the northeastern region of the United States and competes in 23 sports, with eight men’s teams and 15 women’s teams competing in each sport. The NE10 is one of the most successful conferences in the country, producing dozens of national championships and NCAA individual champions each decade.

History of the Northeast 10 Conference

The Northeast 10 Conference was formed in 1981 with just six institutions. It was the first college sports conference to be formed in the Northeast region and eventually grew to 16 member institutions. Throughout its history, the NE10 has seen several schools rise to national prominence, while other schools have dropped out due to financial issues or other circumstances. Over the years, the conference has become one of the most competitive and vibrant Division II college sports conferences in the country.

Member Institution Information

• American International College
• Bentley University
• College of Saint Rose
• Franklin Pierce University
• Merrimack College
• Saint Anselm College
• Southern Connecticut State University
• Stonehill College

Sports Offered

The NE10 offers a wide variety of sports. It fields teams in men’s and women’s sports, including basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, tennis, indoor and outdoor track and field, baseball, softball, and volleyball. Some of these sports have seen especially successful teams and athletes claim national championships. The conference also offers sports such as skiing.

Notable Achievements and Rivalries

Throughout the years, the Northeast 10 has produced dozens of successful teams and athletes. In 2012, Stonehill College’s men’s basketball team claimed the NCAA Division II National Championship title. Members of the Merrimack College baseball team have gone on to play professionally for both the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. Rivalries between schools have also become a big part of the NE10 experience. Merrimack vs. Stonehill and Saint Anselm vs. Southern Connecticut State are two of the prominent and longstanding rivalries that continue to provide exciting and entertaining matchups.

How the Conference Operates

The Northeast 10 Conference operates under the guidance of a President and Council of Presidents. This governing body is responsible for decisions regarding scheduling, championships, and other conference matters. The Council of Presidents can also approve or veto decisions made by the NE10 President. Each school also has a representative appointed by the President who provides input and advice on conference operations.

The conference also has championship events for each of its teams, and the teams are split into two divisions depending on their geographic location and other factors. These championships are the culmination of the regular season and offer great competition and excitement.

The Role of the Northeast 10 Conference

The Northeast 10 Conference serves a vital role in college sports, providing an elite level of competition for member schools and athletes. Its traditions and rivalries have been embraced by the local communities, while nationally it has become one of the premier Division II conferences. The conference has also done a great job of producing successful athletes, many of whom have gone on to compete at the professional level.

Future Prospects of the Northeast 10 Conference

The future of the Northeast 10 looks bright. With a strong core of institutions and athletes, the conference is well positioned to maintain its prominence and continue to produce national champions. The conference also recently announced its new television deal with ESPN, offering greater exposure to its member schools and teams. With the addition of a new member school in 2021 and other growth opportunities, the NE10 looks primed for a successful future.

With its rich traditions and impressive track record, the Northeast 10 Conference stands as one of the finest college sports conferences in the nation. With a strong core of institutions, successful teams, and well-known rivalries, the NE10 will continue to thrive in the years to come.