BEVERLY, Mass. – The Conference of New England (CNE) has announced that Lesley University will join the conference as an affiliate member in men's volleyball and women's golf, beginning with the 2027-28 academic year.
The addition of the Lynx further strengthens the Conference's commitment to expanding championship opportunities while welcoming institutions that share the CNE's dedication to the Division III student-athlete experience.
"We are thrilled to join the CNE family as an affiliate member in Men's Volleyball and Women's Golf," said Lesley University Director of Athletics Dan Campagna. "The CNE's rich history, commitment to competitive excellence, and unwavering focus on the Division III student-athlete experience make it an outstanding fit for the Lynx. This partnership provides our student-athletes with exceptional competitive opportunities and immediate access to compete for conference championships while representing our institution with pride. We are grateful for the opportunity and look forward to building strong relationships throughout the conference in competition and beyond."
Lesley brings a rich history of NCAA Division III athletics and a longstanding commitment to providing meaningful opportunities for student-athletes. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the Lynx have competed across several conferences throughout their history and continue to strategically invest in programs that enhance the student-athlete experience.
The return of Lesley's men's volleyball program marks an exciting new chapter for the institution. The Lynx previously sponsored varsity men's volleyball through the 2023 season, competing in the former New England Collegiate Conference (NECC), before the program was paused. As part of its return, Lesley has elevated its commitment to the sport by creating a full-time head coaching position overseeing both the men's and women's volleyball programs, promoting Cory Linhares into the role after leading the women's program during the 2025-26 season.
Women's golf also represents a growing area of investment for Lesley Athletics as the University continues to expand championship opportunities for its student-athletes. The program's addition to the Conference of New England provides the Lynx with an immediate opportunity to compete for conference championships while contributing to the continued growth of women's golf across NCAA Division III.
"Lesley's addition reflects the Conference of New England's ongoing commitment to creating meaningful championship opportunities while partnering with institutions that share our vision for Division III athletics," said Conference of New England Commissioner Julie Beer. "The University's investment in the return of men's volleyball and continued growth of women's golf demonstrates a commitment to providing exceptional experiences for its student-athletes. We are excited to welcome the Lynx to the CNE and look forward to supporting their success both in competition and in the classroom."
Lesley will begin conference competition in both sports during the 2027-28 academic year, with its men's volleyball program returning to intercollegiate competition and its women's golf program joining the Conference's championship lineup.
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 11 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 21 intercollegiate sports.