BEVERLY, Mass. – The Conference of New England (CNE) is excited to announce that, beginning with the 2025-26 athletic season, women’s golf will be officially added as a championship sport. This expansion follows the announcement that core member Roger Williams University will be introducing women’s golf, bringing the total number of participating teams to the six required for an automatic qualifying bid to the NCAA Championship.
 
“We are thrilled to welcome women’s golf as the 21st sport in our conference,” said CNE Commissioner Patrick Colbert. “This addition is a major milestone for the CNE, reflecting our commitment to broadening our athletic offerings and fostering competitive excellence. By adding women’s golf, we not only enhance our sport portfolio but also strengthen our dedication to creating an environment where student-athletes can thrive and grow both on and off the course.”
 
Currently, five institutions — Gordon College, Nichols College, Suffolk University, the University of Hartford, and the University of New England — sponsor women’s golf. The inclusion of this sport aligns with the CNE's mission to support the holistic development of student-athletes and to promote a culture of inclusivity and excellence within the conference.
 
The league will now host a conference championship for the sport in 2025-26 to determine an automatic qualifier for the NCAA Division III Championship. More details will follow.
 
ABOUT THE CONFERENCE OF NEW ENGLAND
Originally founded in 1984 as the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC), and reconstituted as the Conference of New England (CNE) in 2024, the CNE is an NCAA Division III athletic conference composed of 10 full member and five associate member institutions throughout the New England region. Its membership aims to provide student-athletes with a positive experience in their pursuit of excellence through high academic standards, quality competition and a meaningful student life. The Conference administers championships in 20 intercollegiate sports.