BEVERLY, Mass. — The Conference of New England (CNE) is extending its competitive spirit beyond the field of play with the introduction of the CNE ONE Challenge, a yearlong initiative for institutional Student-Athlete Advisory Committees (SAACs).
Throughout the 2026-27 academic year, participating SAAC groups will complete monthly challenges designed to engage student-athletes, strengthen campus communities and advance the shared priorities of the conference. Each challenge will feature a specific theme while giving institutions the freedom to develop creative initiatives that reflect their campuses and student-athletes.
“The CNE ONE Challenge gives our student-athletes an exciting opportunity to turn their ideas into meaningful action across our campuses,” said CNE Commissioner Julie Beer. “Through service, leadership, advocacy and collaboration, our SAAC groups will strengthen their campus communities, build upon our shared CNE identity and demonstrate what it means to come together as ONE conference.”
Monthly themes will include welcoming and community building, mental health and well-being, community service, student-athlete advocacy, leadership, professional development, sportsmanship and reflection. Featured initiatives include the conference-wide CNE Food Drive, student-athlete engagement with NCAA legislation, the CNE Leadership Summit and campus programming during NCAA Division III Week.
Institutions will earn points for completing each challenge, with additional opportunities available for broad participation, collaboration and creativity. Optional Extra Credit Challenges may also be introduced throughout the year to support conference-wide initiatives and create new opportunities for campuses to work together.
The CNE office will highlight outstanding projects and student-athlete stories throughout the year while maintaining a conference-wide leaderboard. At the conclusion of the academic year, the institution with the highest point total will be crowned the CNE ONE Challenge Champion and presented with the CNE ONE Award. The winning institution will also receive $500 toward its SAAC programming for the following academic year.
Although only one institution will claim the championship, every completed challenge will contribute to the program’s larger purpose: one conference working together to enhance the NCAA Division III student-athlete experience.
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 nine 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-level athletic competition, academic achievement and meaningful engagement within their campus communities.