MARLBOROUGH, Mass. – The NEWMAC is pleased to announce that Brandeis University will join the conference as an associate member in women’s lacrosse beginning with the 2026–27 academic year.

As a founding member of the original NEW 6 and NEW 8, Brandeis is no stranger to the NEWMAC. The Judges competed in the NEW 6 and NEW 8 until their departure in 1995. Their return to the conference as an associate member strengthens the conference’s foundation and the principles that allow it to evolve and thrive.

“The NEWMAC is thrilled to welcome Brandeis University back as an associate member in women’s lacrosse,” stated NEWMAC Executive Director Patrick B. Summers. “Brandeis exemplifies the academic and athletic excellence that defines the NEWMAC, and their commitment to integrity, respect, and the student-athlete experience perfectly aligns with our mission. We look forward to beginning this new chapter of competition and collaboration together.”

Brandeis announced the addition of women’s lacrosse in July, reflecting the sport’s continued growth across collegiate athletics. Brandeis Director of Athletics Jessica Chapin is excited that the women’s lacrosse program has found a home in the NEWMAC. 

“With the addition of women’s lacrosse, we are thrilled to return to the NEWMAC as an associate member. This opportunity allows our student-athletes to compete against outstanding institutions and to test themselves in one of the premier conferences in Division III athletics,” said Chapin. “The NEWMAC’s reputation for excellence, sportsmanship, and competitive balance makes it a perfect fit for Brandeis women’s lacrosse as we build the program’s foundation. We are excited to (re)join this community and look forward to the great experiences and rivalries that will come from competing in such a strong conference.” 

With the addition of Brandeis, NEWMAC women’s lacrosse will include 12 institutions, and Brandeis will be eligible for the conference championship, awards program, and NCAA postseason opportunities in its first season.

About the NEWMAC

The NEWMAC is an association of 12 selective academic institutions: Babson College, Clark University, U.S Coast Guard Academy, Emerson College, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Mount Holyoke College, Salve Regina University, Smith College, Springfield College, Wellesley College, Wheaton College, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, that are committed to providing high quality competitive athletic opportunities for student-athletes within an educational and respectful environment that embodies the NCAA Division III Philosophy. The conference also partners with eight Associate Members: Brandeis University (Women’s Lacrosse, 2026-2027), New York University (Men’s Volleyball, 2026-2027), Norwich University (Football), Simmons College (Rowing), SUNY Maritime College (Football), SUNY New Paltz (Men’s Volleyball, 2026-2027), U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Football), and Vassar College (Men’s Volleyball, 2026-2027), while sponsoring 20 sports.