Link to Complete Empire 8 Announcement

The Empire 8 Conference is pleased to announce the addition of SUNY Brockport and SUNY Geneseo, anticipated for the 2024-25 academic year. With the addition of Brockport and Geneseo, the E8 will be comprised of 11 members, all located in New York State. The conference currently sponsors 23 NCAA Division III sports.

"I extend a warm welcome from the Empire 8 Athletic Conference to SUNY Brockport and SUNY Geneseo," said Nazareth University President Dr. Beth Paul, who serves as the Chair of the Empire 8 President's Council. "As our newest core members, Brockport and Geneseo reflect the deep commitment of the Empire 8 to maximizing the strengths of the student-athlete experience. Together, the Empire 8 conference exemplifies the best of NCAA Division III athletics, with a most impressive record of athletic, academic and leadership success. The future is bright for Empire 8 student athletes!"

Located in Brockport, NY, SUNY Brockport is an inclusive learning community that inspires excellence through growth, engagement, and transformation. Brockport has grown from its founding as a teacher-training institute to a vibrant comprehensive university, offering a wide array of high-quality programs in the liberal arts and professions at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Brockport is proud to serve a student population with diverse backgrounds and pathways.

"SUNY Brockport is proud to join the Empire 8, an athletic conference that we believe is a perfect fit for our University. That's because the Empire 8's priorities mirror our own —emphasizing both athletic and academic excellence," said Brockport President Heidi Macpherson. "We are eager to embrace the opportunities this new relationship presents. We are confident that it will strengthen our athletic programs and enhance the overall experience of our student-athletes. We look forward to the camaraderie and spirited competition that awaits us in the Empire 8."

Brockport sponsors 23 NCAA Division III varsity sports with a total roster of 650 student-athletes.  The mission of the SUNY Brockport athletic department is to provide a transformational, holistic student-athlete experience by integrating intercollegiate athletics into the SUNY Brockport education. This is achieved by focusing on five key areas: Integrating with the University, Championing diversity and inclusion, Achieving academically, Excelling athletically, and Playing with integrity.

Founded in 1871, SUNY Geneseo is a distinctive public liberal arts college. Nationally recognized for excellence and value in the liberal arts, Geneseo is known for its exceptional faculty, its welcoming atmosphere, and its reputation for producing successful alumni. Its supportive inclusive community provides an honors college experience that is exceptional in cultivating creativity, engagement, and discovery. 

"SUNY Geneseo prides itself on offering equally exemplary academics and athletics, a rare combination," said Geneseo President Denise Battles. "We are thrilled to join the Empire 8, a conference that has earned an outstanding reputation for competitive excellence as well as its leadership in NCAA Division III, most notably in sportsmanship and student-athlete development. This move enhances the overall student-athlete experience, which is of paramount importance to Geneseo."

The Knights are known both for stellar academic and athletic programs. SUNY Geneseo competes in 21 varsity sports and has finished in the top-25 in the Division III Learfield Sports/NACDA Directors Cup standings each of the last six completed years of competition.

"We are ecstatic to welcome Brockport and Geneseo as core members of the Empire 8," said Empire 8 Executive Commissioner Chuck Mitrano. "Both institutions have excellent academic profiles, field competitive teams, and are committed to enhancing the student-athlete experience. Like our current members, their athletes are highly accomplished in the classroom and active in their communities. Both institutions are passionate about the role intercollegiate athletics plays in the educational mission developing young women and men into well-rounded future leaders. Moreover, they fit into our geographic footprint enabling us to retain and strengthen opportunities for our student-athletes while being fiscally responsible. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary and reflect on our history, this is an exciting look into a very bright future for the Empire 8."

Founded in 1998, the Empire 8 has developed into one of the premier NCAA Division III athletic conferences, both on the field and in the classroom and is celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2023-24. With the addition of SUNY Brockport and SUNY Geneseo in the fall of 2024, the conference will consist of 11 full-time member institutions, all located in New York State: Alfred University, Elmira College, Hartwick College, Houghton University, Keuka College, Nazareth University, Russell Sage College, St. John Fisher University, SUNY Brockport, SUNY Geneseo and Utica University.

"This is an exciting new chapter in the storied history of Geneseo Athletics," said Geneseo Athletic Director Dani Drews. "We are grateful for the opportunity to join such a respected conference as the Empire 8, providing our student-athletes with an outstanding NCAA Division III experience that supports their academic and athletic excellence."

"We are thrilled to join the Empire 8 Conference. This move represents a new chapter in SUNY Brockport's commitment to excellence, competition, and growth," said Brockport Director of Athletics Erick Hart. "As we embark on this journey, we look forward to forging strong rivalries, showcasing our student-athletes, and embracing the values of sportsmanship and teamwork that define the Empire 8. Our dedicated athletes, coaches, and staff are poised to make their mark and continue our tradition of success in this dynamic conference."

ABOUT SUNY BROCKPORT
School: SUNY Brockport
Location: Brockport, New York
Founded: 1835
Enrollment: 7,000
Nickname: Golden Eagles
Colors: Green and Gold
Affiliation: NCAA Division III
President: Dr. Heidi Macpherson
Director of Athletics: Erick Hart
Athletics Website: www.gobrockport.com
Empire 8 Conference Sponsored Sports (20): Baseball, Men's and Women's Basketball, Men's and Women's Cross Country, Field Hockey, Football, Men's and Women's Lacrosse, Men's and Women's Soccer, Softball, Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving, Women's Tennis, Men's and Women's Indoor Track and Field, Men's and Women's Outdoor Track and Field, Women's Volleyball.

ABOUT SUNY GENESEO
School: SUNY Geneseo
Location: Geneseo, New York
Founded: 1871
Enrollment: 4,000
Nickname: Knights
Colors: Navy Blue, Gray and White
Affiliation: NCAA Division III
President: Dr. Denise Battles
Director of Athletics: Dani Drews
Athletics Website: www.geneseoknights.com/
Empire 8 Conference Sponsored Sports (18): Men's and Women's Basketball, Men's and Women's Cross Country, Field Hockey, Men's and Women's Lacrosse, Men's and Women's Soccer, Softball, Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving, Women's Tennis, Men's and Women's Indoor Track and Field, Men's and Women's Outdoor Track and Field, Women's Volleyball.

ABOUT THE EMPIRE 8 CONFERENCE
The members of the Empire 8 Conference are committed first and foremost to the pursuit of academic excellence and the league is regarded as an outstanding NCAA Division III conference. The membership has distinguished itself among its peer group for its quality institutions, spirited and sportsmanlike competition, outstanding services and highly ethical policies and practices. Its commitment to serve the educational needs of its student-athletes is the hallmark of the E8. For more on the Empire 8 visit www.empire8.com and YouTube

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