New developments, including the return of athletic scholarships, have emerged in regard to Saint Anselm College Athletics, along with continuing discussion about the future of the Hawks’ NCAA divisional status.

Daron Montgomery, Director of Athletics, announced in a letter to St. A’s alumni on Wednesday, May 25, that the college would begin offering athletic scholarships again.

Montgomery wrote, “For the upcoming recruiting cycle (students enrolling Fall 2017), the college will offer athletic scholarships in addition to the institutional aid that will continue to be available for student-athletes. This does not impact our status as a current Division II member of the NE-10, nor does it impact our current Division III exploration.”

Julie Plant, head coach of the St. A’s women’s basketball squad, reacted to the reinstitution of athletic scholarships earlier this week on Twitter. On Monday, May 23, the Hawk coach tweeted “Saint Anselm has recommitted to Division II by reinstating athletic scholarships! It’s a great day to be a Hawk!”

The college had initially put a freeze on athletic scholarships for new recruits after Dr. Steven DiSalvo, President of Saint Anselm College, first announced that St. A’s had entered an exploratory phase of membership in Division III in August of 2015. This decision was made in accordance to Division III recruiting guidelines.

Montgomery went on to say; “Our teams will continue to compete in the NE-10 (both regular and post-season) for the 2016-17 academic year. Our goal remains unchanged—find the best fit for Saint Anselm College Athletics from a competitive success standpoint, maintain a strong commitment to academic excellence, and foster a transformational four year student-athlete experience.”

St. A’s had submitted an application to become a member of the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) earlier this year, however this past April it was announced that Saint Anselm’s application, along with all other new applicants to the conference, was denied.

In the same letter to St. A’s Alumni, Montgomery also announced the formation of the “Athletic Director’s Advisory Group.”

The Hawk AD said “at the request of President DiSalvo, Senior Vice President Jim Flanagan and I recently convened an Athletic Director’s Advisory Group comprised of faculty, alumni and Board members, many of whom are former student-athletes.”

“One of our initial objectives will be to listen and better understand our stakeholders and their perspectives. These key constituents will provide confidential input about the future of Saint Anselm College Athletics. This group and I will report back to Dr. DiSalvo as President, and we will also share any recommendations with the Board of Trustees,” Montgomery continued.

“In the coming years, we must work collectively and tirelessly to help the Hawks soar higher. An athletic program that consistently wins can be a rallying flag for all Anselmians. This will undoubtedly increase our visibility and profile—locally, regionally and nationally,” Montgomery concluded.