C2C Announces Johnson & Wales University Charlotte as Newest Member

The Coast-To-Coast Athletic Conference (C2C) is excited to welcome Johnson & Wales University (JWU) Charlotte as its newest member institution following unanimous support from the C2C Board of Directors. JWU Charlotte will become the conference's seventh core member and begin competition during the 2025-2026 academic year.
"The C2C is thrilled to welcome JWU Charlotte as the newest member of the conference," said University of Mary Washington President Dr. Troy Paino, Chair of the C2C Board of Directors. "We look forward to the Wildcats' continued growth and success in the years to come."
JWU Charlotte is a private institution located in Charlotte, North Carolina. JWU Charlotte is currently in its Exploratory Year with the NCAA prior to submitting an application for the NCAA Division III Provisional Membership process later this month. The Wildcats will be immediately eligible to compete in all C2C championships and are on pace to become a full NCAA Division III member for the 2028-29 academic year.
"Joining the C2C will elevate JWU Charlotte by giving our student-athletes the opportunity to compete against teams nationwide, excel in academics and leadership, and strengthen our impact while reflecting our core values," said Richard Mathieu, Ph.D., president, Charlotte Campus, Johnson & Wales University.
JWU Charlotte will sponsor the following C2C sports: men's cross country, women's cross country, men's soccer, women's soccer, men's basketball, women's basketball, women's volleyball, men's tennis, women's tennis, men's baseball, women's softball and women's outdoor track and field. The Wildcats currently compete as a member of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) where they have won the last two Director's Cup titles.
"We are excited to join the Coast-to-Coast Conference, a top-notch NCAA Division III athletic conference. Not only will membership provide our student-athletes with the opportunity to compete for championships, but it also demonstrates how the philosophies of the other member universities align closely with JWU's values," said Trudi Lacey, director of JWU Charlotte athletics.
The C2C will consist of seven full-time members in 2025-26: University of California-Santa Cruz, Christopher Newport University (Va.), Johnson & Wales University Charlotte (N.C.), University of Mary Washington (Va.), Regent University (Va.), Salisbury University (Md.) and Warren Wilson College (N.C.).
"We are delighted to welcome JWU Charlotte to the C2C family," said C2C Commissioner Chris Roekle. "President Mathieu and Trudi Lacey are dedicated to advancing athletics on campus, and I am confident the Wildcats have a promising future ahead."
The Coast-To-Coast Athletic Conference is a truly unique NCAA Division III conference providing a nationwide, destination-based championship experience for our student-athletes, culminating with access to NCAA Championships. Paired with celebrating the success of student-athletes with a comprehensive awards program, the C2C provides member institutions with experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. Those who raise the C2C trophy will display the excellence to compete on the national stage. The C2C is diverse and welcomes all newcomers, representing a league without boundaries and full of opportunity.