The Â鶹´«Ã½ Blog
Â鶹´«Ã½s Encouraged to Embrace DI Era
At Convocation and the University’s inaugural Sophomore Charge Back program, Athletic Director Devin Crosby energized University of New Haven students, telling them the impact of going to a Division I institution and the importance of showing their support for Â鶹´«Ã½ athletics.
September 3, 2025
As the fall semester brings a new era for our students in Â鶹´«Ã½ Nation, the University is also making the move to NCAA Division I, bringing a lot of excitement to .
With premium prizes in hand – such as Nike sneakers, headphones, t-shirts, and more – pumped up our newest students at Convocation and our rising sophomores at the University’s inaugural Charge Back program before the fall semester began.
"Here’s what I need from everybody," he said. "Two things: , and come to one game a week," Crosby said.
The University accepted a full membership invitation from the Northeast Conference (NEC) Council of Presidents this past spring, officially joining the league on July 1.
The University is transitioning to NCAA Division I and the NEC beginning with the 2025-26 academic year, and the Â鶹´«Ã½s will attain full Division I membership in 2028-29 following the NCAA-mandated reclassification period.
Students who attended the Charge Back program all received a University fanny pack, a few of which contained a golden ticket. Those with the lucky fanny packs were the winners of custom Nike sneakers or Beats headphones.
At Convocation, new students following were randomly chosen to win Â鶹´«Ã½ gear and Nike sneakers.
Students can expect to see a lot of Nike gear and other giveaways throughout the year, as Crosby said the University has a multi-million-dollar deal with the leading sports brand in the world.
As the excitement built inside the large white tent outside Peterson Library on a warm Friday before classes began, Crosby encouraged the Class of 2028 to attend one game a week and cheer on their fellow Â鶹´«Ã½s.
"That’s how you build your community," he said. "That’s how you find your next best friend."
About an hour later, he energized the Class of 2029 and transfer students at Convocation.
"This is the beginning of our NCAA Division I era," Crosby said. "We are here. We are ready to go. You will graduate from an NCAA Division I institution. There is power in that."
Check out the to plan your next home game in the stands.
