25-03-2025
Saint Francis leaving Division I ranks, dropping to Division III
NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. – Saint Francis University is leaving the Division I ranks and dropping to Division III as the 13th full-time member of the Presidents' Athletic Conference with competition beginning in the 2026-27 academic year.
The SFU Board of Trustees made the announcement on Tuesday.
Just last week, Saint Francis competed in the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament for the first time since 1990. The Red Flash suffered a heartbreaking 70-68 loss to Alabama State in the First Four.
Saint Francis, which previously competed as a member of the Northeast Conference, fields 22 varsity athletic teams, including nine men's and 13 women's.
According to a release from the PAC, Saint Francis will retain its current affiliation as a full-time member of the NEC until June 30, 2026, when it will begin transitioning to Division III.
The transition to Division III will take three years to complete.
The PAC comprises peer institutions that share our faith-based foundations and educational philosophy. Its geographic proximity—consisting of member schools located within a three-hour radius of Loretto—will enable us to cultivate stronger regional rivalries, enhance community engagement, and significantly reduce the travel demands placed on our students.
This transition marks a pivotal step forward—one embraced with optimism and a clear vision for the continued growth and excellence of Saint Francis University. This new chapter affirms our dedication to providing a transformational collegiate experience—on the field, in the classroom, and throughout campus life—guided always by our Catholic, Franciscan mission and values.
Father Malachi Van Tassell T.O.R, Ph.D, President of Saint Francis University
Saint Francis will not be eligible for PAC Championships or compete in Conference Championship Tournaments in basketball, soccer, volleyball, tennis, lacrosse, baseball and softball until they are approved for active Division III membership by the NCAA.
On behalf of the Presidents' Athletic Conference and our Presidents Council, it is my distinct honor to officially welcome Saint Francis University of Pennsylvania as they reclassify their athletic department to NCAA Division III and full PAC membership. The oldest Catholic-Franciscan college in the United States, Saint Francis is a tremendous fit, both geographically and culturally, as the newest PAC member. In addition, the Red Flash athletic department shares our unique vision that academic and athletic excellence are not mutually exclusive. We are excited to welcome them as the league's 13th full member and believe they will be a tremendous partner as the PAC continues to grow.
This is another key step towards our vision of the PAC continuing to build its foundation as one of the elite NCAA Division III conferences in the nation. With the addition of four new full members in the past six years, as well as recent additional varsity sport offerings, I believe the PAC has never been stronger at any point in its 70-year history.
PAC Commissioner Joe Onderko
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