Carlow University successfully admitted as provisional member of NCAA Division III

PITTSBURGH --- As of today, Carlow University is officially a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) as a Division III institution.

The Celtics completed a successful exploratory year during the 2022-23 season and were accepted as provisional members into the NCAA as of Sept. 1.

"Carlow University's decision to move to NCAA Division III is about more than athletics. It demonstrates that the University is thriving and growing," Carlow University President Kathy W. Humphrey said. "Our mission matches so well with NCAA Division III's philosophy statement and its emphasis on 'the overall quality of the educational experience and successful completion of all students' academic programs.'

"We believe that the move to NCAA Division III will result in an improved educational experience, certainly for our student-athletes, but also for all our students, as the Carlow community benefits most when all students are integral parts of our community. We have high hopes and expectations for the success of all our students, and when they graduate from Carlow we want them to value their Carlow experience and fully understand their alma mater was devoted to their future."

The University announced plans to shift athletic conferences in an exploratory year that began Fall 2022, and the Celtics begin competition in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) this fall.

Previously, the Celtics were members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) since 1982, and a member of the River States Conference (formerly the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) since 2012.

"What an exciting time for Carlow University Athletics, student-athletes and our campus community to start this next chapter in becoming an NCAA Division III and AMCC member," exclaimed Director of Athletics Lou Zadecky. "Carlow has always prided itself on a strong academic environment, community rich culture and finding ways to always enhance the student experience. These new partnerships will continue to support our mission and enhance those opportunities for our student-athletes. I want to thank Eric Hartung and the members of the NCAA Division III membership team; AMCC Commissioner Donna Ledwin and Associate Commissioner/Sports Information Director Nikki Slatcoff; and the Directors of Athletics of the AMCC for their continued support and guidance during this process. Special thanks to Mount Aloysius College President John McKeegan, Director of Athletics Kevin Kime and the Mount Aloysius College community for being our sponsor institution. Plus, the continued support from President Humphrey, Dr. Tim Phillips, the Carlow University Board of Directors and the entire campus community. Without their support, this opportunity would not have gotten us to this point.

"As we approach the start of competition this weekend and provisional membership in the NCAA Division III and AMCC, I want to thank Associate Director of Athletics for Sports Communications Karina Graziani, our coaches and our student-athletes for their hard work, patience in this process and continued support as we strive to be our very best in competition, in the classroom and in the community. I am extremely excited for our new chapter and can't wait for it to begin!"

The NCAA membership timetable means that Carlow will be a full conference member at the start of the 2026-27 academic year. Prior to that, the Celtics will be eligible for all AMCC privileges with the exception of participation in post-season events where the conference holds an automatic bid to the Division III tournament.

"We are thrilled to be joining the NCAA Division III and Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference. The NCAA has a history of promoting academic and athletic excellence, and we are confident our student-athletes will contribute to that legacy," Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students Tim Phillips said. "I am confident joining the division and conference will result in a heightened student-athlete experience, continued academic excellence and exemplary degree completion. Our campus community will see outstanding competitive events and greater accessibility with competitions in regional venues."

The NCAA and the AMCC agreed Carlow could maintain its dual affiliation with the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA), where the Celtics will still have the opportunity to compete in national championships across 11 varsity sports.