Point Park University Officially Approved for Provisional Membership in NCAA Division II Thursday, July 11, 2024
“It was always clear to me that making the move to the NCAA was critical for the growth and future of Point Park.”
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has announced that Point Park University has officially been accepted into the Division II membership process. The Pioneers will compete in the Mountain East Conference (MEC) beginning this fall.
Point Park will begin the reclassification process in pursuit of full NCAA Division II membership no later than the 2027-28 academic year. The NCAA membership process includes opportunities for education, assessment and growth as Point Park begins implementing the Division II philosophy, its strategic positioning platform and best practices.
"It was always clear to me that making the move to the NCAA was critical for the growth and future of Point Park," said President Chris W. Brussalis. "I am excited for our student-athletes, who will have the opportunity to excel against stronger competition and see travel time reduced by 65 percent. But I also believe this will provide opportunities for us to increase our presence in Downtown Pittsburgh."
The MEC is one of the most competitive at the Division II level and will have 11 members with the addition of Point Park. The Pioneers will participate in 15 of the MEC's 23 sponsored sports this fall. Over the next two years, Point Park Athletics also will add men's and women's wrestling and men's and women's lacrosse.
"We are thrilled that Point Park University has been accepted into the NCAA Division II membership process, and we look forward to the Pioneers competing as a member of the Mountain East Conference beginning this fall," said Reid Amos, commissioner. "Throughout our league’s membership process and Point Park’s application process with the NCAA, it has become clear that Point Park strongly aligns with the values, goals, and collective mission of the Mountain East Conference and its member institutions. We are excited to expand our footprint into the Pittsburgh market, and I anticipate that Point Park will become a highly competitive MEC member. Today is a great day as we officially welcome Point Park to the Mountain East."
In making the move, Point Park is leaving the NAIA — its athletic home since 1967 — and the River States Conference, which it joined in 2012. The Pioneers had tremendous success there, winning the RSC Commissioner’s All-Sports Cup six times, including the last three seasons. In its final season of play in the RSC, Point Park won the NAIA Marathon National Championship.
"This is an incredibly exciting day for Pioneer Athletics and the entire Point Park University community,"said Scott Swain, vice president of athletics. "Our coaches, athletic staff, student-athletes and athletic alumni are ready for this huge step forward. To join NCAA Division II and the Mountain East Conference is the proper next step for our institution after the great athletic success we have had. The future is very bright for Point Park Athletics and we plan to embrace those successes with our entire Pioneer family."