Helena Frye
Stonehill College is a private Catholic institution of higher learning in Easton, Massachusetts. It has 23 varsity sports teams competing in the NCAA Division I Northeast Conference (NEC). In 2022, the College announced its transition to NCAA Division I athletics, marking a significant milestone in its athletic program's history. This move includes both the men's and women's basketball teams, which have consistently performed well in Division II, with the women's team winning its third regional title in 2018 and the men's team reaching the National Semifinals in 2012. Stonehill's transition to Division I opens up new recruiting opportunities and challenges the teams to maintain a high level of consistency in their performance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Division Level | 1 |
| Teams | Men's and Women's |
| Conference | Northeast Conference (NEC) |
| NCAA Tournament Appearances | Men's: 2 East Region Championships, 1 NCAA Division II Elite Eight, 1 National Semifinal; Women's: 3 Regional Championships, 3 Elite Eights |
| NCAA Division II Tournament Appearances | 15 |
| NCAA Division II Tournament Record | 14-14 |
| Home Court | Merkert Gymnasium |
| Head Coach | Chris Kraus |
| Student-Athletes | 80% of students participate in sports or recreation |
| Varsity Sports | 23 |
| Club Sports | 18 |
| Intramural Activities | Dozens, including ultimate disc, broomball, and volleyball |
| Academic Success Rating | 90% or better |
| National Liberal Arts Schools Ranking | #98 |
| Best Value Ranking | #94 |
| Academic All-Americans | 30, including 22 in the last 10 years |
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What You'll Learn
- Stonehill College's basketball teams finished their first Division 1 seasons
- The transition to Division 1 opens recruiting doors
- The challenge of Division 1 is to perform consistently
- The men's team faced UConn Huskies in their first game
- The women's basketball team has had more NCAA tournament appearances
Stonehill College's basketball teams finished their first Division 1 seasons
Stonehill College celebrated its promotion to NCAA Division 1 athletics in 2022. Both the men's and women's basketball teams had experienced sustained runs of Division 2 success in the past decade. However, their first game in Division 1 was against UConn Huskies, which was a challenging matchup for the teams, as UConn had multiple NBA players and was one of the top teams in the country.
The men's team included fifth-year senior forward Andrew Sims, who made the All-NEC first team with averages of 15.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. Fifth-year senior forward Isaiah Burnett and postgrad forward Max Zegarowski also had impressive averages of 12.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, and 12.6 points and 4.2 rebounds per game, respectively. Fifth-year guards Shamir Johnson and Josh Mack also contributed with 7.6 and 6.3 points per game.
The women's team saw fifth-year senior guard Emily Bramanti make the All-NEC first team, averaging 14.9 points per game, 3.7 rebounds, and 3 assists. Fifth-year senior guard Sophie Glidden and postgrad guard Maddie Loder also stood out, with averages of 10.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists, and 10 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, respectively.
The transition to Division 1 has opened up new recruiting opportunities for Stonehill, as assistant coach Brown highlighted: "When you're a Division 1 program, it opens some recruiting doors that we would have to bang down (in the past)...They're a little more open to speaking with us, in terms of AAU programs and things like that, because we're Division 1 and a lot of kids feel like Division 1, that's where they want to be."
Despite the challenges, head coach Chris Kraus affirmed that the teams belonged in Division 1: "We're already there in terms of competing at a high level. The challenge at the NCAA level – whether its Division 1, 2 or 3 – is to do it consistently...I think we've got a really good group of guys, a great returning group, but recruiting is going to be the way to win and compete consistently."
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The transition to Division 1 opens recruiting doors
Stonehill College's basketball team, the Skyhawks, has had a long history of success in Division 2 basketball, making 15 appearances in the NCAA Division II tournament. In 2022, the team made the transition to NCAA Division 1 basketball, joining the Northeast Conference (NEC). This move opened up new opportunities for the college and its basketball program.
The transition to Division 1 basketball has brought about a shift in recruiting dynamics for Stonehill College. Head coach Chris Kraus acknowledged the impact of this change, noting that maintaining a high level of consistency in their performance would be crucial in the new division. The move to Division 1 has made the program more attractive to potential recruits, with coach Brown highlighting that it "opens some recruiting doors." The program can now attract a different level of athlete, including bigger kids for post play, and has greater access to AAU programs and similar avenues that were previously more challenging to access.
The change has also brought about a shift in the team's mindset, with Kraus emphasizing the need to build a strong team culture, work ethic, and a commitment to enhancing the Stonehill community. This approach aligns with the college's values, where success is measured beyond win-loss records, focusing instead on developing essential skills and attitudes through sports and academics. Stonehill College has a history of academic excellence, receiving the NCAA Division II Presidents' Award for Academic Excellence, and this transition allows them to pursue athletic excellence alongside their academic reputation.
The move to Division 1 has also brought new challenges, with the team facing off against established programs and increasing the level of competition. The men's team, for example, played their first game against the UConn Huskies, a team with multiple NBA players. This transition period will last until the 2026-27 season, when the Skyhawks will be fully integrated into the NEC and eligible to compete in the NCAA Tournament. During this time, recruiting the right players and maintaining consistency in their performance will be key to establishing themselves in the new division.
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The challenge of Division 1 is to perform consistently
Stonehill College's basketball team has indeed joined the ranks of Division 1, marking a significant transition in their athletic program. This move brings a new set of challenges, and the key challenge at the NCAA Division 1 level is to perform consistently.
Stonehill's teams, both men's and women's, are newcomers to Division 1, and their first seasons at this level have been a baptism of fire. The men's team faced the UConn Huskies, a formidable opponent with multiple NBA players, in their first game. This encounter highlighted the magnitude of the transition, as head coach Chris Kraus acknowledged.
The challenge of Division 1 is not solely about the increased competition but also maintaining a high level of performance across the entire season. As Coach Kraus noted, the goal is to "do it consistently." This consistency requires a strong group of players and effective recruiting strategies. Stonehill's success in Division 2 has opened some recruiting doors, allowing them to attract more talented athletes who aspire to compete at the highest level of college sports.
The move to Division 1 also brings greater media attention, with the Northeast Conference (NEC) having extensive media coverage in major markets such as New York, Boston, and Baltimore. This increased exposure can be a double-edged sword, as it provides both an opportunity to showcase the team's success and a platform for any shortcomings. Therefore, the pressure is on the coaches and players to ensure they are consistently competitive and performing at a high level.
The transition to Division 1 is a process, and Stonehill's basketball teams are still in the early stages of this journey. While they have taken on the challenge of competing at the highest level of college basketball, the true test will be their ability to sustain their performance and establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in Division 1.
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The men's team faced UConn Huskies in their first game
The Stonehill College men's basketball team, known as the Skyhawks, faced a challenging first game in their inaugural Division 1 season. They went up against the UConn Huskies, a formidable opponent with a strong track record. The Huskies eventually earned a No. 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament, underscoring their calibre.
The game was a significant moment for Stonehill, marking their first encounter with a top-tier team in the new division. Head coach Chris Kraus reflected on the magnitude of the transition, describing the experience of playing under the bright lights in front of a large crowd of 10-12,000 people. The Huskies boasted multiple NBA players on their roster, highlighting the elevated level of competition Stonehill was now facing.
The Stonehill Skyhawks had a strong basketball programme even before their transition to Division 1. They had previously qualified for the NCAA Division II tournaments 15 times, reaching the Elite Eight twice and the National Semifinals in 2012. However, the move to Division 1 presented a new challenge and an opportunity to compete at an even higher level.
The game against the UConn Huskies served as a baptism by fire for the Stonehill Skyhawks in Division 1. It was a chance for them to gauge the increased competition and adjust to the new level of play. While the specific outcome of the game is not mentioned, the experience undoubtedly provided valuable insights and a learning curve for the team as they navigated their first season in the top division.
The Stonehill College men's basketball team relied on experienced upperclassmen during this inaugural Division 1 season. Players like fifth-year senior forward Andrew Sims, who averaged 15.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, led the way. The team also included other standout performers, such as Isaiah Burnett and Max Zegarowski, who contributed significantly to the team's performance throughout the season.
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The women's basketball team has had more NCAA tournament appearances
The Stonehill Skyhawks women's basketball team has had more success in terms of NCAA tournament appearances than their male counterparts. The women's team has reached the NCAA Division II tournament 25 times, with a combined record of 26-26. Under the leadership of head coach Trisha Brown, the team has achieved eleven NCAA tournament appearances, including a remarkable run in 2018 that saw them reach the NCAA East Region Championship and the Elite Eight. Brown's coaching prowess has been recognised with numerous accolades, including being named the Northeast-10 Conference Coach of the Year and the NCAA East Region Coach of the Year in 2015 and 2018.
On the other hand, the Stonehill Skyhawks men's basketball team has never appeared in the NCAA Division I Tournament. Previously known as the Stonehill Chieftains, the men's team has a rich history in Division II, with fifteen appearances and a combined record of 14-14. As of July 1, 2022, both the men's and women's teams transitioned to Division I, but due to NCAA reclassification policies, they were ineligible to compete in the NCAA tournament until the 2026-27 season.
The women's team's success can be attributed to the leadership of Coach Brown, who is among the top 50 active coaches in Division II. Her focus on recruiting student-athletes who embody character, work ethic, and commitment, while also prioritising athleticism, has contributed to the team's achievements. The women's team has also benefited from strong individual performances, with players like Kelly Martin, who earned the D2CCA East Region Player of the Year and All-American honours under Brown's guidance.
While the men's team has yet to appear in the Division I Tournament, they have faced challenging opponents, including the UConn Huskies, a testament to their transition to the new division. Head coach Chris Kraus emphasised the magnitude of their transition, acknowledging the difference in competition level. The men's team has relied on the experience of upperclassmen, with players like Andrew Sims and Isaiah Burnett making notable contributions during their inaugural Division I season.
Both the Stonehill Skyhawks men's and women's basketball teams represent Stonehill College in Easton, Massachusetts. Their home games are played at the Merkert Gymnasium, and they compete in the NCAA Division I Northeast Conference, showcasing their commitment to athletic excellence and providing their student-athletes with opportunities to compete at the highest level.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Stonehill College basketball is Division 1. Both the men's and women's basketball teams were promoted to NCAA Division 1 in 2022.
Stonehill College basketball teams compete in the Northeast Conference (NEC) of NCAA Division I.
Stonehill College is a Division 1 college. It has 23 varsity sports teams competing in the NCAA Division I.
Stonehill College's basketball teams have had a successful run in Division 2, with the men's team capturing two East Region Championships and the women's team winning its third regional title in 2018. In their first season in Division 1, both teams relied on strong performances from upperclassmen.
