Passaic Today

Montclair State University is set to launch a realigned athletics and recreation program in 2025, aimed at enhancing student-athlete wellbeing and expanding participation opportunities. This initiative includes integrating Bloomfield College of Montclair State University into a unified program while preserving the athletic traditions of New Jersey’s only four-year Predominantly Black Institution.

The new Athletic and Recreation Department will promote a healthy lifestyle on campus by offering various tools, programs, and activities throughout the year. The university plans to sponsor 21 intercollegiate athletics programs at NCAA Division II and III levels, alongside increased recreational and club sports opportunities. This approach is seen as a national model for adapting to changes in college athletics, pending NCAA approval for implementation in fall 2025.

“This is a testament to our ethos of serving the public good by creating innovative solutions that will better serve students both now and in the future,” says Montclair President Jonathan Koppell. “By offering a diverse array of opportunities for students to compete in athletics, we are putting their wellbeing at the forefront. When you include maintaining Bloomfield College athletics and its place at the institution, this is a model we feel can be one other institutions will seek to replicate moving forward.”

In line with current trends, Montclair State University will transition its men’s and women’s lacrosse programs to club status while launching an NCAA Division III women’s flag football program starting fall 2025. Rob Chesney, Montclair Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics and Recreation, states: “This new model is an innovative approach to ensuring every student has as many options to participate in athletics as possible.”

Bloomfield College's men’s and women’s basketball, men’s soccer, and softball teams will continue competing at the NCAA Division II level within the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC). Meanwhile, baseball and women’s volleyball will shift to club status. Dawn Meza Soufleris, Montclair Vice President for Student Development and Campus Life remarks: “Preserving Bloomfield College’s athletics program solidifies our commitment to honoring its rich history and unique identity.”

The revised model aims to expand access across club sports and recreation programs fostering cross-campus participation. Bloomfield's ESports program remains integral with planned investments for expansion based on growing demand.

Student-athletes from discontinued programs can try out for existing NCAA teams or join expanded club sports offerings. The university pledges support through financial aid reviews tailored individually.