Simmons Women’s Tennis Program to Compete as Member of the North Atlantic Conference
WATERVILLE, Maine – The North Atlantic Conference (NAC) and Commissioner Marcella Zalot announced Friday that Simmons University has been accepted as an associate member for women’s tennis, beginning with the 2025–26 academic year.
The addition of the Simmons Sharks increases the NAC’s women’s tennis sponsorship to seven institutions. Core NAC members currently sponsoring the sport include Husson University, Lesley University, SUNY Delhi, Thomas College, VTSU-Johnson, and VTSU-Lyndon.
“We’re excited to welcome Simmons University as an associate member for women’s tennis,” said Commissioner Zalot. “Their addition enhances competitive balance, aligns geographically with our membership, and supports continued growth of the sport in the NAC.”
Simmons will be eligible to compete in the 2025 NAC Women’s Tennis Championship and will have the opportunity to earn the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Championship.
A member of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) since 2000–01, Simmons has captured 10 GNAC championships over 24 seasons, including a dominant run of eight straight titles from 2008–2015—during which the program won 76 consecutive conference matches.
“We are thrilled to be welcomed into the North Atlantic Conference as an associate member in women’s tennis beginning fall 2025,” added Erica Schuling, Director of Athletics & Recreation at Simmons. “This opportunity allows our student-athletes to compete at a high level within a strong, values-based conference that shares our commitment to academic and athletic excellence.”
The Sharks play their home matches at the Daly Field Athletic Complex in Brighton, Massachusetts. Completed in 2016, the facility features six NCAA-standard fenced courts for singles and doubles play.
“Simmons is thrilled to join the NAC for women’s tennis,” said Head Coach Bob Rauseo, who recently completed his 20th season leading the program. “This move strengthens our team and aligns us with a conference known for its competitive play and strong commitment to sportsmanship.”