CASTLETON, Vt. — In a move that strengthens tradition, geography, and competitive alignment, VTSU Castleton is officially joining the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference as a core member beginning in 2027-28. The announcement marks a return to familiar territory for the University, bringing the majority of its varsity programs into a single, unified conference home.

"We're excited to join the MASCAC and for what this opportunity means for our student-athletes on the VTSU Castleton Campus," said Vermont State University President Dave Bergh. "This conference move will centralize competition, enhance the student-athlete experience, and support student success both on the field and in the classroom. We look forward to the additional opportunities this affiliation will create for our Castleton-based students, community, and athletics program in the years ahead."

The transition places 20 of the University's 26 varsity sports within the MASCAC, providing a permanent and stable home. The move also restores past rivalries and renews decades of competitive tradition with many of the conference's current members.

"I would like to thank the MASCAC for inviting Castleton into the conference under full membership status," said Director of Athletics Tim Barrett. "This is a natural fit for us. Our geographic footprint, status as a state institution, and broad sports sponsorship align perfectly with the MASCAC. Just as importantly, our institutional profile—from enrollment to cost of attendance to athletics investment—mirrors the conference's existing membership."

The University fits squarely within the mission and values of the MASCAC, bringing academically driven student-athletes and high-level competition to a league known for its balance of academic and athletic excellence.

"We are pleased to welcome Vermont State University Castleton as a core member to the MASCAC," Commissioner Baumann said. "As a like-public institution with strong geographic alignment and a sports sponsorship profile that perfectly matches our conference offerings, Castleton is a natural fit for the conference and strengthens our shared commitment to regional Division III athletics."

The announcement signals that the University's time in the Little East Conference will come to a close after the 2026–27 academic year, concluding nine years of competition marked by continued elevation of its athletics programs.

"We are incredibly thankful for our time in the Little East," said Barrett. "The caliber of play across the LEC has consistently challenged our teams, elevated our standards, and contributed meaningfully to the growth and development of our student-athletes. As we look forward, we are excited for our new affiliation which returns our football program to its previous affiliation—this time as a core member—and brings our programs under one conference umbrella."

The University will officially begin competition in the MASCAC in the fall of 2027 joining the eight Massachusetts state universities of Bridgewater State University, Fitchburg State University, Framingham State University, MCLA, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Salem State University, Westfield State University and Worcester State University as the competing core member institutions in the MASCAC.