The State University of New York Athletic Conference, commonly referred to as the SUNYAC, is preparing for a significant expansion of its field hockey competition. Over the next three years the league will welcome three new programs, a move that promises to deepen the conference’s talent pool and secure its automatic qualifier for the NCAA tournament.
The first addition, Keuka College, will enter as an associate member in the fall of 2027. Two years later, Saint Francis University will follow, having completed its transition from Division I to Division III, and in 2029 Cobleskill will launch its own varsity program, raising the total number of sponsoring institutions to seven.
A Strategic Move for the Conference
Commissioner Tom DiCamillo announced the decision after the SUNYAC Presidents Council gave unanimous approval, emphasizing that the expansion aligns with the conference’s goal of maintaining high‑quality competition while supporting the student‑athlete experience.
Jonathan Accardi, Keuka’s vice president and director of athletics, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, noting that joining the SUNYAC provides a stable platform for growth. Similarly, Jim Brazill, director of athletics at Saint Francis, highlighted the benefits of increased scheduling stability and rivalry development.
The conference has also mapped out a four‑year schedule that will see four games in 2027, five in 2028 with the addition of Saint Francis, and a six‑game slate for Cobleskill in 2029. The playoff format will return to a Wednesday‑Saturday structure, culminating in a championship game that reinforces the league’s competitive identity.