BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — The Mountain East Conference has reached an agreement with Salem University that will bring Salem into the league as an associate member in men's soccer.
The membership agreement between the MEC and Salem will begin with the 2026-2027 academic year, allowing the Tigers to compete in the conference in men's soccer beginning that fall. Salem already competes as associate members in the Mountain East in men's wresting, and men's and women's swimming.
Salem's addition continues the partnership between the institution and the conference, which has previously included scheduling alliances and associate membership opportunities in other sports.
"We are grateful for the opportunity to join the Mountain East Conference as an associate member in men's soccer," said Alex Joseph. "The ongoing relationship between Salem and the Mountain East Conference and its member institutions aligns perfectly with our goal of building an athletic department and a university with deep ties to our state, region, and our local community."
When asked about the news, Salem Head Men's Soccer Coach Greg Gilmore had the following to say, "This is a great opportunity for our program. Over the last 2 seasons, we have shown that we can compete at a high level with our Mountain East Conference rivals, and I think everyone involved in our program is looking forward to competing for a conference championship next season."
The Mountain East Conference features member institutions across Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia and sponsors a wide range of NCAA Division II championship sports.
About the Mountain East Conference
The Mountain East Conference comprises 11 NCAA Division II member colleges and universities across three states. The league sponsors 23 championship sports. MEC teams have won six NCAA team national championships, have played in 13 NCAA Championship games, and claimed 47 regional championships. MEC student-athletes also excel in the classroom, with more than 2,500 earning academic recognition during the 2023-24 academic year. The conference is headquartered in Bridgeport. Visit mountaineast.org to learn more.
About Salem University
Founded in 1888, Salem University is a private, independent NCAA Division II member institution located in Salem. The university sponsors 14 NCAA sports and holds a dual affiliation with the United States Collegiate Athletic Association Division I, where it captured the men's basketball national championship in 2023, the women's basketball national championship in 2024, a baseball national championship in 2025, and a men's soccer national championship in the fall of 2025. For more information on Salem athletics, visit salemtigers.com.
