Berkeley College, formerly a Division II (D2) athletic college, has officially been promoted by the United States Collegiate Athletic Association, or USCAA, to a Division I (D1) school.
Berkeley’s New York Men’s Basketball team, New York Women’s Basketball Team, and New Jersey Men’s Soccer team will all compete at the D1 level in the upcoming seasons.
“This journey marks an exciting new chapter for our athletics program, and as we advance as a USCAA Division I school, we’re opening doors to even more opportunities for both current and future student athletes,” said Sherrille T. Shabazz, EdD, Vice President, Student Development and Campus Life, Title IX Coordinator, and Interim Athletic Director.
The primary difference between D2 and D1 schools is that D1 colleges offer athletic scholarships to student athletes. The Berkeley Knights seek to expound upon this opportunity for the 2025-2026 season.
While Berkeley is ineligible to play in the renowned and beloved NCAA March Madness tournament, the college is still eligible to win national titles through the USCAA’s tournaments and offerings.
In addition to the D1 promotion, Berkeley College is joining a new athletic conference: the North American Conference for Intercollegiate Athletics Inc., also known as NACIA. Berkeley was previously part of the Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, or HVIAC, but left due to stronger opportunities in leadership and the potential for greater change both on and off the field.
Other schools that have joined NACIA include Bryant & Stratton College – Albany, Bryant & Stratton College – Buffalo, Bryant & Stratton College – Ohio, Bryant & Stratton College – Rochester, Five Towns College, and Villa Marie College.
As for the strides, bounds, leaps, kicks, goals, and slam dunks Berkeley Athletics is making, Shabazz notes she is “incredibly proud of our student athletes for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to both academics and their respective sports, whether it’s basketball, soccer, or beyond. Their resilience, sportsmanship, and teamwork truly embody the spirit of our community.”
Both Berkeley College and Dr. Shabazz thanks the “mentorship and dedication” of the college’s coaches and assistant coaches who “drive our students to strive for excellence.”
“Their commitment to our athletes’ success and personal growth is invaluable,” Shabazz said.