Charging Ahead: University of New Haven Elevates to NCAA Division I

After three years since the University of Hartford downgraded its athletic program from NCAA Division I due to budget constraints and an alignment shift towards their "mission and objectives," the University of New Haven is moving in the contrary direction.

On Tuesday, the university revealed its plan to transition from Division II to Division I and join the Northeast Conference. This move will bring them into top-tier collegiate athletic competitions beginning this autumn.

"Athletics has been and continues to be a vital driver of enrollment and brand recognition for the University,” said UNH President Dr. Jens Frederiksen. “This move to the Northeast Conference and Division I positions the University for an exciting future – one consistent with the overall strategic focus on academic, professional and global return on investment."

Given the prevalence of social media today, news about the change spread rapidly. By Tuesday afternoon, when WTIC got in touch with veteran UNH men’s basketball coach Ted Hotaling, his phone hadn’t stopped ringing, and his email inbox was overflowing. He mentioned receiving messages from both present and past players, enthusiastic graduates, as well as colleagues who are already planning to include the Chargers in their 2025-26 Division I schedules.

When you're the newcomer around here, many individuals want to include you in their plans," explains Hotaling. "We'll start this scheduling process right away and enhance our calendar... Likely featuring some significant matches.

Hotaling is also hearing from potential recruits: players who want to compete in D-I. He says, “A lot of kids are now interested, maybe, in coming to New Haven because we’re a Division I program.” He expects to feature a virtually all-new roster this fall.

Upgrades are currently underway to enhance the facilities in line with the Chargers' D-I standing. According to the university, significant renovations will take place at their basketball venue, the Hazell Athletics Center, which will include enlargements for both seating and spectator spaces.

"That has been overdue for some time, but it's occurring at the perfect moment," states Hotaling.

All other UNH sports will also be joining D-I and the Northeast Conference. All but one will be on the conference schedule starting this fall. The exception is UNH football, which won’t join the Northeast Conference schedule until sometime after 2025. Chargers football, which has been a regular in the D-II playoffs under coach Chris Pincince, will compete in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), the second highest level within D-I, featuring the likes of crosstown Yale.

Hotaling is entering his 14 ^th In his role as head coach of the men’s basketball team at UNH during 2023, the Chargers advanced to the D-II Elite Eight for the first time ever. Although they aspire to compete in the prestigious D-I NCAA Tournament soon, this isn't expected until after several years; UNH will only qualify once it achieves full D-I membership status in the 2028–29 season.