BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. – The Mountain East Conference has announced that Salem University has accepted an invitation to associate membership in the MEC for the sport of men’s soccer after receiving unanimous support from the MEC Board of Directors.
“The MEC is pleased to expand its sponsorship in men’s soccer to 10 institutions with the addition of Salem as an Associate Member,” said MEC Commissioner Reid Amos. “Salem has become increasingly competitive with MEC member institutions and with 10 men’s soccer teams, the MEC will transition to divisions, which will allow us to utilize the same schedule model as the women (12 teams), which will enhance travel and operational efficiency. Considering the overall strength of MEC men’s soccer, this move will also increase non-conference opportunities, which should better position our programs for increased post-season successes.”
Salem’s addition continues the partnership between the institution and the conference, which has previously included scheduling alliances. Salem is currently an associate member of the MEC in men’s and women’s swimming and diving and men’s wrestling.
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. That will also bring the total number of men’s soccer institutions from eight to nine.
“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.”
The Mountain East Conference features member institutions across Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, and Ohio, and sponsors 23 NCAA Division II championship sports.
About the Mountain East Conference
The Mountain East Conference features 11 NCAA Division II member colleges and universities located in 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 2,500 earning academic recognition in 2023-24. The league has also produced ten Elite 90 award winners, recognizing the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average who has reached the site of the finals for each of the NCAA's 90 men's and women's championships across its three divisions. The Mountain East Conference is headquartered in Bridgeport, West Virginia. 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.