LATHAM, N.Y. - The United East Conference and the Atlantic East Conference announced on Thursday afternoon a field hockey partnership beginning Fall 2026.
As part of the partnership, the Atlantic East’s two programs will join the six United East programs to for an eight-team league. All teams are slated to play seven conference contests throughout the Fall in a round robin format.
“We are excited to partner with our colleagues in the Atlantic East to enhance the stability of our Field Hockey sponsorship and ensure continued access for all eight programs to the NCAA Tournament. Our overlap in geography makes this a great fit for all and illustrates a collaborative way to provide a positive experience for our field hockey student-athletes,” shared United East Commissioner Stephanie Dutton.
The top six teams in the standings at the end of the regular season will earn a trip to the United East Field Hockey Championship, with the top two teams earning a First Round bye. The 2026 Championship Final will be played on Saturday, November 7 at the highest remaining seed.
“We thank the United East for the opportunity to begin a great partnership and look forward to continuing to help our student-athletes with access to championships," remarked Rebecca Mullen, Commissioner of the Atlantic East. "Our location lends itself perfectly to this partnership and we are excited for the future."
Check out all eight programs scheduled to compete in 2026:
| School |
Current Conference |
| Cedar Crest College |
United East |
| Gwynedd Mercy University |
Atlantic East |
| Immaculata University |
Atlantic East |
| Keystone College |
United East |
| Lancaster Bible College |
United East |
| Penn State Harrisburg |
United East |
| St. Mary’s College of Maryland |
United East |
| Wilson College |
United East |
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The United East boasts 14 NCAA Division III full member institutions which include: Cairn University, Cedar Crest College, Gallaudet University, Keystone College, Lancaster Bible College, Notre Dame of Maryland University, Penn College, Penn State Abington, Penn State Berks, Penn State Brandywine, Penn State Harrisburg, St. Mary's College of Maryland, University of Valley Forge, and Wilson College. For more information, please visit gounitedeast.com.