The MAC features 10 university programs competing in field hockey, combining core conference members and specialized affiliate schools. Institutions include Appalachian State University, Ball State University, Bellarmine University, Central Michigan University, James Madison University, Kent State University, Longwood University, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Miami University and Ohio University. 

A program with rich tradition and history, Delaware enters the MAC after claiming 11 league titles in the last 14 seasons. Overall, UD has won 17 league crowns since the program's inception in 1971. The Blue & Gold have appeared in 17 NCAA/AIAW Tournament appearances, highlighted by a NCAA National Championship in 2016. This will mark the fifth conference affiliation in the program's 54-year history.

"I am pleased to welcome the University of Delaware as an affiliate member in field hockey," MAC Commissioner Dr. Jon A. Steinbrecher said. "Delaware brings a nationally recognized program with an outstanding tradition of championship success. Its addition further strengthens an already competitive field hockey conference while expanding our valued partnership with the institution." 

Field hockey is led by second-year head coach Tara Zollinger and welcomes back a strong roster in 2026, highlighted by four all-conference selections from 2025, including Sarah Rigual who spent time with the US U-21 National Team this past summer.

"We are excited and grateful for the opportunity to join a league with such a rich tradition in field hockey. I want to thank the MAC presidents and Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher," Zollinger said. "This new home creates incredible opportunities for our student-athletes to compete against outstanding programs and challenge themselves at the highest level."

UD Athletics and Campus Recreation

Located in Newark, Delaware, University of Delaware Athletics, Community, and Campus Recreation sponsors 22 varsity sports and three spirit teams. Aiming to achieve excellence together, the department boasts a storied history of 543 All-Americans, 172 team conference titles, 282 individual conference crowns, and 10 national championships. Fourteen of UD's 22 varsity programs are housed in Conference USA, with eight others joining as affiliate members in the Atlantic Sun (women's lacrosse, men's and women's swimming & diving), Atlantic 10 (men's lacrosse), Mid-American Conference (rowing, field hockey in 2027), The Summit League (men's soccer), and Atlantic Hockey America (ice hockey), and Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (field hockey). The Fightin' Blue Hens' student-athletes have achieved a 3.0 GPA or better in 25-consecutive semesters, including its best year ever in 2024-25 at 3.41.

Mid-American Conference

Founded in 1946, the Mid-American Conference is an NCAA Division I conference that sponsors 23 championships and is one of 10 members of the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). The conference office is based in Cleveland, Ohio.