ONEONTA, N.Y. – Hartwick College's Athletic Department is excited to announce the addition of men's volleyball and women's flag football to its collegiate sports offerings beginning in the 2025-26 academic year.

"At Hartwick College, our Life Balance philosophy extends to fostering an active culture that encourages movement, both physically and mentally," said President James Mullen. "Athletics are a vital part of this dynamic environment, promoting both athletic excellence and personal growth. With one-third of our students participating in 19 NCAA Division III sports, we are proud to expand our offerings with the addition of men's volleyball and women's flag football. These rapidly growing sports reflect the College's commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and providing our student-athletes with opportunities that complement their academic journey and overall development."

Both sports are growing rapidly in the United States at the high school and collegiate levels. Boys' volleyball has been a high school championship sport in New York since 2010 and girls' flag football completed its first official championship this past spring.  Currently, 36 states sponsor boys' volleyball, while 12 states have sanctioned girls' flag football, with 19 others involved in pilot programs.

"We are taking bold steps to create further opportunities for student-athletes to experience Hartwick's one-of-a-kind educational and personal growth opportunities," said Paul Vecchio, executive director of athletics. "Adding women's flag football and men's volleyball to our sports offerings creates additional opportunities for new students to experience an outstanding Division III athletic experience with two sports that are rapidly growing at the high school level."

Joshua Bigford, a former four-time All-American at Hartwick's Empire 8 rival St. John Fisher and the current assistant coach for Hartwick's women's volleyball team, will take the helm of the men's program.

A national search for the first head coach of the women's flag football program will begin at the start of the new year. With the addition of these two sports, Hartwick will now sponsor 21 varsity programs.

There are 107 NCAA Division III men's volleyball programs. As of this academic year, 15 NCAA institutions have women's flag football teams competing at the varsity level.

For more information regarding the men's volleyball program, please reach out to Head Coach, Joshua Bigford – bigfordj@hartwick.edu.

For more information regarding the women's flag football program, please reach out to our Director of Department Recruiting and Head Women's Tennis Coach, Samantha Butcher – butchers@hartwick.edu.
 
About Hartwick College:
 
Hartwick, often referred to as The Life Balance College, is a private liberal arts and sciences institution in Oneonta, N.Y. Through its distinctive FlightPath approach, Hartwick blends academic excellence, career preparation and an active campus life to help students achieve a balanced and fulfilling college experience. With transparent tuition and a focus on health and wellness, Hartwick prepares students for lifelong success—both professionally and personally.