Bay Path University joins United States Collegiate Athletic Association
The University will participate in Division I Soccer, Volleyball and Softball
Longmeadow, Mass. – Bay Path University is pleased to share its membership confirmation to the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA). The University will sponsor Division I volleyball, soccer and softball teams in the 2021-22 academic year as members of the USCAA.
"This is an exciting time for Bay Path athletics and our student-athletes. Moving from the NCAA to the USCAA provides us with the opportunity to compete at both the regional and national level in new ways," says Joel Wincowski, vice president for enrollment management, marketing, and athletics. "In addition, participating at the Division I level enables us to now offer athletic scholarships, which are very attractive to student-athletes and their families when making decisions of where to study and play."
The USCAA is devoted to its members' missions. Its focus is to enhance member institutions through athletics by providing opportunities for small colleges to compete on an equal level of competition with schools of like size and athletic programs. The USCAA conducts 15 national championships, names All-Americans, recognizes scholar-athletes, and promotes USCAA member schools in various means.
"The USCAA is excited to welcome Bay Path University," says USCAA CEO Matt Simms. "Bay Path has a long-standing tradition of outstanding education and athletic programs for young women. We believe the USCAA is a better fit financially and from an opportunity standpoint for schools like Bay Path. We look forward to Bay Path competing for the Small College National Championships this season."
The University softball team, which won its first championship as part of the NECC in 2018, will continue to be coached by Steve Smith, Director of Athletics, Head Softball Coach, and 2018 NECC Softball Coach of the Year. In addition, the University is in the final stages of the hiring process for both the volleyball and soccer coaches and will share the new hire announcements in the coming weeks.
About Bay Path University
Bay Path University was founded in 1897. With locations in Longmeadow (main), East Longmeadow (Philip H. Ryan Health Science Center), and Concord (MA), Bay Path's innovative program offerings include traditional undergraduate degrees for women, The American Women's College, the first all-women, all-online accredited bachelor's degree programs in the country; and over 60 graduate programs for women and men, including doctorate degrees. Bay Path's goal is to equip students with the confidence in the fundamentals of their chosen field, the curiosity to question the ordinary, the leadership to show initiative, and the desire to make a difference.
About the USCAA
The primary goal of the USCAA is to provide members with an association that is devoted to the growth, vision, and values of their institutions. The USCAA's focus is to enhance member institutions through athletics. The association intends to achieve this goal by providing opportunities for small colleges to compete on an equal level of competition with schools of like size and athletic programs. The USCAA conducts 15 national championships, names All-Americans, recognizes scholar-athletes, and promotes USCAA member schools in various means. The USCAA believes that the integrity and credibility of the association and its members is paramount in accomplishing its goal.