Queens University promoted to full NCAA Division I status

CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Queens University will soon have official Division I status.

The Royals athletics program was notified by the NCAA Division I Board of Directors that it has been elected to the new status effective July 1, after successfully completing all reclassification requirements. It had been going through three years of transitional requirements to move up from D-II to D-I.

With the upgrade, all school athletic programs will be eligible for postseason competition.

“It is definitely an exciting time to be a part of the Queens University of Charlotte community,” Queens Director of Athletics Cherie Swarthout said. “I’m extremely proud of the athletes, coaches, and staff who have worked tremendously hard during the NCAA reclassification process to continue to exude who the Royals are in the classroom, in the community, and in competition. The NCAA reclassification process is one of the most strenuous tasks that an athletic department can take on, and it spans multiple years.” 

The Royals’ reclassification to D-I was announced on May 10, 2022, when the school accepted an invitation to the Atlantic Sun Conference. Since then, due to NCAA reclassification rules, Queens has not been eligible to compete for NCAA championships.

The school previously competed in the D-II South Atlantic Conference.

“Congratulations to Queens University of Charlotte on achieving active Division I Membership,” ASUN Commissioner Jeff Bacon stated. “From day one, Queens has demonstrated a firm commitment to the principles of Division I Membership, a dedication to the enhancement of the student-athlete experience, and has competed at a high level within the Atlantic Sun Conference. I look forward to their first NCAA Championship appearance, which I am confident will come very soon!” 

Queens sponsors 23 NCAA sports. Of its NCAA-affiliated sports, 21 compete in the ASUN. Men’s volleyball is a member of the Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA), and field hockey is an NCAA Division I Independent.  

Due to the school’s Myers Park location, many of its athletic facilities are off-campus. The baseball and softball facilities are at the Stick Williams Dream Fields in west Charlotte.

During the probationary period, Queens made a total of 45 postseason appearances, including 15 during the 2024-25 season. In 2025, the men’s basketball team competed in the CBI after reaching the semifinal round of the ASUN Championship tournament for the first time. Further, the men’s swimming and diving team captured the program’s ASUN championship while Queens’ track and field team has won 16 individual conference titles across three indoor and outdoor seasons.