A Letter to Our NCAC Families

Dear NCAC Families,

What an extraordinary year the North Coast Athletic Conference had in 2025-26! From three team national championships, 16 individual national titles and a growing number of teams qualifying and advancing at the national level to a year where every NCAC team competed for a conference or tournament title within league competition, reminded us just how special this conference is in the competitive arena. There were countless moments of growth, grit, and achievement across our nine member schools - Denison, DePauw, John Carroll, Kenyon, Oberlin, Ohio Wesleyan, Wabash, Wittenberg, Wooster, and our three field hockey members: Allegheny, Transylvania, and Washington & Jefferson. Our programs continued to shine at the highest levels of Division III competition, and every one of our member institutions fields highly competitive programs, with student-athletes consistently demonstrating the commitment, discipline, and heart it takes to perform at a high level.

Now, as campuses come back to life and a new season begins, we find ourselves filled with the same excitement and anticipation that made last year so memorable. This fall brings an especially exciting milestone: we're thrilled to welcome Washington University in St. Louis as our newest football member. The Bears bring a storied program with over a century of tradition, and their commitment to competitive excellence alongside academic rigor makes them a natural fit for our conference. Whether you're new to the NCAC or returning for another season we're thrilled to have you in our community, and we can't wait to see what the 2026-27 year has in store.

But the NCAC experience is about much more than wins and titles. What sets Division III - and our conference - apart is the way we combine high-level competition with a focus on personal growth, leadership, and academic achievement. Athletics is a valuable extension of the traditional classroom; our faculty and coaches share in the educational journey our students take, overlapping in the best ways. Our student-athletes are deeply involved in campus life, excelling in the classroom while building lasting skills through their athletic careers. They face challenges, celebrate wins big and small, and learn valuable lessons about resilience, accountability, and collaboration. That's what the NCAC is all about: the opportunity to compete at a high level while growing in every part of life.

As the Executive Director I've seen firsthand how the Division III model helps young people grow in meaningful ways. On the field, they're pushed to excel as competitors and teammates. Off the field, they're encouraged to lead, reflect, and navigate challenges independently, while also becoming part of a larger community. We believe this balance is at the heart of what makes college athletics so powerful; and we know your student will add to that legacy in their own unique way.

We also recognize and deeply value the role you play as parents and family members. Your support, encouragement, and involvement, from cheering in the stands, to supporting team culture and community, are vital parts of your student's experience. We hope you'll find that being part of the NCAC brings not only pride, but also meaningful connections with other families and a deeper bond with your student's journey.

At the same time, one of the most meaningful parts of college athletics is seeing students take full ownership of their time here. We believe it's essential, especially when it comes to communication with coaches, working through challenges, and advocating for themselves. These are skills that will serve them well far beyond the playing field, and we believe strongly in giving student-athletes space to develop them. If your student has questions or concerns, we encourage them to speak directly with their coach or the appropriate campus staff who are always there to listen and support.

For larger issues, whether it's about health, compliance, or safety, each of our campuses has experienced professionals ready to help, and the conference office is always happy to point you in the right direction.

As a conference, we continue working closely with campuses to promote respectful behavior and accountability in positive ways. These are shared efforts, and we appreciate your partnership in reinforcing those expectations both from home and when visiting our campuses. We want everyone to have fun and cheer for their teams, but we do not want negative attention paid to opponents, nor do we tolerate singling out any individuals on the field, whether that's opposing players, coaches or officials.

As the new year unfolds, I hope you have the chance to watch your student compete, take pride in all they're learning and achieving. Each team, each campus, and each student adds something special to the NCAC, and we couldn't be prouder of this family we've built.

Thank you for being part of the NCAC family. We're looking forward to a great year, and we're so glad you're with us for it.

Warmly,

Keri Alexander Luchowski
Executive Director
North Coast Athletic Conference

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