Bridgewater, NJ -- Merrimack has accepted an invitation from the NEC Council of Presidents to join the Conference as an associate member in men's volleyball beginning with the 2026-27 academic year.

"NEC men's volleyball continues to build on a strong foundation, and we are excited for the addition of Merrimack," said NEC Commissioner Noreen Morris. "The Warriors have established a competitive program in a short period of time, and their return will strengthen an already competitive league. We're thrilled to continue the momentum the sport has generated across the Conference."

The addition of Merrimack brings NEC men's volleyball membership to seven programs for the 2026-27 season. The Warriors will compete alongside NEC core members FDU and LIU, as well as associate members Daemen, D'Youville, Manhattan and Maryland Eastern Shore.

"We're honored to join the NEC and grateful to the NEC Council of Presidents for welcoming Merrimack into the league," Merrimack athletic director Joe Foley said. "This is an exciting day for our men's volleyball program and our department. We're eager to build meaningful conference rivalries, compete for championships and provide our student-athletes with an outstanding experience at Merrimack College."

Merrimack launched its men's volleyball program in 2023 as an inaugural NEC men's volleyball member and qualified for the NEC Tournament in each of its first two seasons. Under the guidance of Hayden West-Mather, the Warriors have competed as an independent the past two seasons, highlighted by a 16-6 record in 2025.

Merrimack's field hockey program also holds associate membership in the NEC.
 
About The NEC
Now in its 46th season, the NEC is an NCAA Division I collegiate athletic association consisting of nine institutions of higher learning located throughout six states. Media coverage of the NEC extends to a number of the largest markets in the United States including New York (#1), Chicago (#3), Boston (#9). Hartford/New Haven (#32) and Syracuse (#88). Founded in 1981 as the basketball-only ECAC Metro Conference, the NEC has grown to sponsor 25 sports for men and women and now enjoys automatic access to 17 different NCAA Championships. NEC full member institutions include Central Connecticut, Chicago State, FDU, Le Moyne, LIU, Mercyhurst, New Haven, Stonehill and Wagner. For more information on the NEC, visit the league’s official website (www.necsports.com) and digital network (www.necfrontrow.com), or follow the league on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok, all @NECsports.