Big News: The Mustangs Have Joined the CACC Conference!

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news: our Mustangs athletic program has officially been accepted into the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC), part of the NCAA Division II family.

This isn’t just a milestone; it’s a huge step forward for our student-athletes and the future of Monroe athletics. With approval from the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Presidents Council this week, the Mustangs become the conference’s twelfth full-time member. It’s a moment that reflects years of planning, growth, and dedication from our coaches, staff, and athletes.

A quick note: this transition applies only to the Mustangs program on the New Rochelle campus. Our Monroe Express teams in the Bronx will proudly continue competing in the National Junior College Athletic Association’s Region 15 division, where they’ve built a strong and successful tradition.

“We’re thrilled to begin this journey with a conference that has such a rich tradition,” said Luis Melendez, Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics. “This is an exciting milestone for the Monroe Mustangs and a reflection of the hard work our coaches, staff, and student-athletes have put in over the years. At the same time, we’re equally proud that our Monroe Express program in the Bronx will continue its strong tradition of excellence in the NJCAA. Both programs showcase the best of who we are -- providing student-athletes opportunities to learn, compete, and succeed at every level.”

Beginning in the 2026–2027 academic year, Mustangs teams will officially start competing in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference. This kicks off a multi-year transition toward a four-year NCAA competition model, creating even more opportunities for student-athletes to complete their bachelor’s degrees while competing at a high level.

"We are proud to welcome Monroe University to the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference. Monroe's strong focus on student-athlete success, both academically and athletically, aligns perfectly with the mission of Division II and the values we uphold across the CACC. The Presidents Council is excited for the energy, talent, and commitment Monroe’s student-athletes will bring as we continue to elevate the experience for all teams in our conference," said John L. Hopkins, Chair of the CACC Presidents Council and President and CEO of Post University.

“I join my fellow administrators throughout the CACC in welcoming Monroe to the conference and look forward to assisting the institution throughout its entire process of elevating to NCAA Division II,” CACC Commissioner Dan Mara said. “Monroe is committed to the entire student-athlete experience including athletics, academics and well-being. This was evident during the school’s application to the CACC. The institution's mission and values align perfectly with those of the CACC. We look forward to a bright future together for Monroe and the CACC.”

This move is also tied to Monroe’s broader growth -- new programs, expanded facilities, and an ongoing commitment to providing an exceptional student experience both in and out of the classroom.

“This is an exciting chapter for Monroe,” said Marc Jerome, President of Monroe University. “It means our student-athletes will now be able to grow, compete, and complete their bachelor’s degrees right here at Monroe, surrounded by the same coaches, teammates, and mentors who have supported them from day one. This continuity will strengthen their academic and athletic success, and we couldn’t be prouder of this moment for our entire community.”

Monroe now joins a vibrant lineup of Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference institutions, including the University of Bridgeport, Caldwell University, Chestnut Hill College, Dominican University New York, Felician University, Georgian Court University, Goldey-Beacom College, Holy Family University, Post University, Thomas Jefferson University, and Wilmington University.

As we look ahead, Monroe will continue investing in new staff, upgraded facilities, and academic resources to support our student-athletes every step of the way. And we extend a heartfelt thank-you to the National Junior College Athletic Association for its years of partnership and support, a foundation that helped the Mustangs reach this exciting next phase.

Here’s to the future -- and to all the incredible moments ahead for the Mustangs and Express alike. Go Monroe!