The Charger Blog
At Convocation and the University’s inaugural Sophomore Charge Back program, Athletic Director Devin Crosby energized University of New Haven students, telling them the impact of going to a Division I institution and the importance of showing their support for Charger athletics.
September 3, 2025
As the fall semester brings a new era for our students in Charger Nation, the University is also making the move to NCAA Division I, bringing a lot of excitement to Charger athletics.
With premium prizes in hand – such as Nike sneakers, headphones, t-shirts, and more – Athletics Director Devin Crosby pumped up our newest students at Convocation and our rising sophomores at the University’s inaugural Charge Back program before the fall semester began.
"Here’s what I need from everybody," he said. "Two things: Add us on Instagram, and come to one game a week," Crosby said.
The University accepted a full membership invitation from the Northeast Conference (NEC) Council of Presidents this past spring, officially joining the league on July 1.
The University is transitioning to NCAA Division I and the NEC beginning with the 2025-26 academic year, and the Chargers will attain full Division I membership in 2028-29 following the NCAA-mandated reclassification period.
Students who attended the Charge Back program all received a University fanny pack, a few of which contained a golden ticket. Those with the lucky fanny packs were the winners of custom Nike sneakers or Beats headphones.
At Convocation, new students following Charger Athletics on Instagram were randomly chosen to win Charger gear and Nike sneakers.
Students can expect to see a lot of Nike gear and other giveaways throughout the year, as Crosby said the University has a multi-million-dollar deal with the leading sports brand in the world.
As the excitement built inside the large white tent outside Peterson Library on a warm Friday before classes began, Crosby encouraged the Class of 2028 to attend one game a week and cheer on their fellow Chargers.
"That’s how you build your community," he said. "That’s how you find your next best friend."
About an hour later, he energized the Class of 2029 and transfer students at Convocation.
"This is the beginning of our NCAA Division I era," Crosby said. "We are here. We are ready to go. You will graduate from an NCAA Division I institution. There is power in that."
Check out the University’s athletics calendar to plan your next home game in the stands.
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The Charger Blog
At Convocation and the University’s inaugural Sophomore Charge Back program, Athletic Director Devin Crosby energized University of New Haven students, telling them the impact of going to a Division I institution and the importance of showing their support for Charger athletics.