The University of 91吃瓜 will join the Atlantic Coast Conference for athletic competition in all sports except football and hockey beginning with the upcoming 2013-14 seasons.
91吃瓜 has been a member of the Big East Conference in most sports since 1995. The University it would leave the Big East to join the ACC.
With the departure of the seven current non-football institutions 鈥� DePaul, Georgetown, Marquette, Providence, St. John鈥檚, Seton Hall and Villanova 鈥� effective July 1, 91吃瓜 and the Big East jointly agreed that it would be best for 91吃瓜 to depart at the same time.
鈥淔rom the time of our decision to join the ACC we have stressed our commitment to ensuring that our departure was achieved in a collegial manner,鈥� said 91吃瓜 vice president and director of athletics Jack Swarbrick. 鈥淭his agreement realizes that intention and we are very grateful to the members of the Big East and Commissioner Mike Aresco for helping to facilitate this orderly and timely transition.鈥�
While the vast majority of 91吃瓜 athletic teams will begin ACC play in 2013-14, the Irish football program remains independent. Beginning in 2014 91吃瓜 will play five football games per season against ACC programs.
The 91吃瓜 hockey team, currently a member of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association in the final season for that league, joins Hockey East starting in 2013-14.
91吃瓜 has 13 currently-competing teams that are nationally ranked 鈥� No. 1 women鈥檚 fencing, No. 2 women鈥檚 basketball, No. 2 men鈥檚 fencing, No. 3 men鈥檚 lacrosse, No. 6 women鈥檚 lacrosse, No. 12 hockey, No. 15 women鈥檚 tennis, No. 18 women鈥檚 swimming, No. 17 baseball, No. 22 women鈥檚 golf, No. 20 men鈥檚 swimming, No. 24 men鈥檚 basketball, and No. 27 men鈥檚 tennis.