The Royals now have full access to Division I membership benefits, including NCAA postseason eligibility beginning this fall.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. β Queens University officially became an active NCAA Division I member effective July 1, marking the completion of a three-year reclassification process that began in 2022.
The NCAA Division I Board of Directors approved Queens’ transition from Division II after the university successfully met all reclassification requirements. The move was accelerated following a Division I Council vote in January that shortened the standard reclassification timeline for transitioning schools.
The Royals now have full access to Division I membership benefits, including NCAA postseason eligibility beginning this fall.
“It is definitely an exciting time to be a part of the Queens University of Charlotte community,” said Director of Athletics Cherie Swarthout. “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.”
Queens announced its Division I intentions on May 10, 2022, after the university’s Board of Trustees unanimously voted to accept an invitation to join the Atlantic Sun Conference. The transition officially began July 1, 2022.
Academic and athletic achievements during transition
Despite being ineligible for NCAA championships during the reclassification period, Queens student-athletes maintained strong academic performance. The athletic department recorded a 3.45 GPA twice in the past three seasons, with 413 student-athletes earning a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher this past year.
Additionally, 346 student-athletes achieved the Athletic Gold Standard with a 3.7 GPA or higher, while 65 earned perfect 4.0 GPAs. The university awarded degrees to 118 student-athletes at this spring’s commencement.
On the competition front, Queens teams made 45 postseason appearances during the transition period, including 15 in the 2024-25 season. The men’s basketball team reached its first postseason invitational, competing in the CBI after advancing to the ASUN Championship tournament semifinals.
The men’s swimming and diving team captured the athletic department’s first ASUN Championship title, while track and field athletes won 16 individual ASUN championship titles across indoor and outdoor seasons.