James Madison will join the MAC as a field hockey member in 2024

CLEVELAND, Ohio The Mid-American Conference (MAC) today announced an agreement with James Madison University to become a member of the women’s field hockey league beginning in the 2024-25 academic year.

With the addition of James Madison, the conference consists of nine field hockey programs, including five MAC full members (Ball State, Central Michigan, Kent State, Miami and Ohio) and four associate members (Appalachian State, Bellarmine, James Madison and Longwood). ).

“I am pleased to welcome James Madison University as a member for women’s field hockey beginning in the 2024 season,” said MAC Commissioner Dr. Jon A. Steinbrecher. “JMU has a rich field hockey tradition and will strengthen the league. I look forward to their entry and the development of new rivalries in this sport.”

James Madison established its field hockey program in 1973. The Dukes have compiled an overall record of 584-405-36 (.587), won four conference championships and made nine total NCAA appearances, including a national championship in 1994. A total of 26 student-athletes have been recognized as All – into American.

“I’m excited about the head coach Christy Morgan and our student-athletes that JMU field hockey has found a home in the MAC as a member of a partner conference,” JMU Director of Athletics Jeff Bourne said. “When looking for a conference opportunity for our program, it was important that we identify the right fit. We think we’ve found that in the MAC, where JMU joins a reputable group of institutions, including our All-Time conference mate, Appalachian State. I want to thank Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher and the MAC institutions for welcoming JMU, and we look forward to graduating in 2024.”

“We are so excited to be accepted into the MAC! It’s a conference with great coaches and great programs,” added the JMU head coach. Christy Morgan. “We are so happy to have a home that respects field hockey and the student-athlete and look forward to a great relationship. Thank you to the MAC and Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher for supporting JMU field hockey and creating a great experience. To our student-athletes I would also like to sincerely thank Jeff Bourne and Stephen Laporta for working so hard for this. This shows a great commitment to field hockey at JMU. JMU field hockey will represent the league honestly and with honor!”

James Madison finished 10-7 in 2022 competing as an independent institution after 21 years as a member of the Colonial Athletic Association. The Dukes will compete again as an independent program in 2023 before joining the MAC in 2024. The full 2023 schedule is expected in the near future.

The 2023 season will be the 39th year that the MAC has sponsored women’s field hockey as a championship sport. Last season, the Miami RedHawks won their fifth consecutive MAC Tournament title with a 3-1 victory over Appalachian State. The RedHawks defeated Rider 7-1 in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament before eventually falling to NCAA runner-up Northwestern in a 2-1 overtime shootout.