Chicago State to join the Northeast Conference in 2024-25

Chicago State has a new conference home for its sports teams.

The Cougars will join the Northeast Conference starting next fall as its eighth full member, the university and conference announced Tuesday. The CSU board of trustees unanimously approved the move Monday.

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Chicago State’s 15 men’s and women’s teams have competed as NCAA Division I independents since fall 2022 after the school left the Western Athletic Conference.

In a university news release, CSU President Zaldwaynaka “Z” Scott called the NEC “the best fit for the university and our athletic programs.”

“The NEC stood out because of its mission to support student-athletes in competition, in the classroom and in their community,” CSU athletic director Monique Carroll said in a statement. “The NEC also has a strong vision for future growth that aligns with our own.”

Chicago State…