LATHAM, N.Y. - Neumann University is joining the United East Conference as an associate member in the sport of men's volleyball beginning with the 2025 season.
United East Commissioner Stephanie Dutton announced the addition of Neumann University following approval by the United East President's Council meeting on May 23.
"We are excited to welcome Neumann's men's volleyball to the United East! The addition of their program will bring our men's volleyball sponsorship to nine programs in the upcoming year, allowing us to gain stability in the sport." said Commissioner Dutton. "Having another competitive program in our conference footprint will allow the United East to continue providing a high-quality championship experience to our men's volleyball student-athletes."
The Knights played under the Continental Volleyball Conference (CVC) banner from 2018 through the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season. Returning to play in the spring of 2021, Neumann exclusively played against United East members Wilson College, University of Valley Forge, and Cairn University.
Since 2022 however, Neumann men's volleyball has played as an independent with no conference membership.
"We are very excited to have our men's volleyball team join the United East Conference," says Neumann University Interim Director of Athletics & Recreation David Deal. "Our team, led by Coach Braid, has taken tremendous strides since their inception and we look forward to seeing them in action in a highly competitive conference with outstanding student-athletes."
Neumann men's volleyball has been a consistent non-conference opponent for United East schools since the program began in the 2018 season.
"We are looking forward to the opportunity and partnership of joining the United East," Neumann Head Coach
Joan Braid said. "We are excited to be a part of the growth of men's volleyball in our region alongside highly competitive teams who, in our experience, also exhibit outstanding sportsmanship."
The United East's men's volleyball sponsorship will have nine members for the 2025 season. Seven full members of the United East participate in men's volleyball: Bryn Athyn College, Cairn University, Gallaudet University, Lancaster Bible College, Saint Elizabeth University, University of Valley Forge, and Wilson College, while Pratt Institute will retain associate member for the 2025 season.
