Royals Officially Headed to Division I

It’s a new day for Queens University of Charlotte Athletics! Days after the Queens University of Charlotte Board of Trustees voted unanimously to accept an invitation from the ASUN Conference, members of the ASUN team, including Commissioner Ted Gumbart, today were at the Levine Center on the Queens campus to formally welcome the Royals into the conference.

The decision came after months of exploration and significant input from the university community. With additional investments in academics, health and wellness, facilities, and the arts, Daniel G. Lugo, president of Queens University, says the transition is about more than athletics.

“This is a defining moment for Queens,” Lugo said. “One that positions us to be a nationally-recognized university synonymous with the city of Charlotte, one that highlights our commitment to excellence in all that we do, one we have worked really hard for over a number of years, and one that we are prepared to take full advantage of. It’s our time.”

ASUN made the offer after a unanimous vote by their Presidents’ Council, extending ASUN’s footprint back into the State of North Carolina and expanding the league to 14 member institutions.

Q and A”We will have a record-setting 14 members entering 2022-23,” Gumbart said. “That membership strength allows us to be extremely selective in any expansion considerations. Queens University adds value to the ASUN. What an awesome place Charlotte is to add to our portfolio. Queens University will become a national brand that’s attached to Charlotte and we want to be a part of that.”

The Royals will begin their four-year transitional period into Division I on July 1, 2022 and become the only North Carolina school to play in the ASUN.

“We are thrilled to join the ASUN Conference as we begin to make the transition to NCAA Division I,” said Cherie Swarthout, director of athletics at Queens. “The vision of our president and Board of Trustees for the future of Queens, along with our propensity for winning championships, makes our athletic programs a great fit for the ASUN Conference. We are excited to provide our student athletes this next level of championship opportunities.”