Beginning in 2025-2026, the University of Delaware will become NCAA Division I women's hockey's 45th member.

The University of Delaware will join College Hockey America for the 2025-2026 season becoming the 45th NCAA Division I women’s ice hockey program in the nation. 

“The addition of women’s varsity ice hockey at UD is the latest bold step in the evolution of our Athletics program, raising the profile of our outstanding Blue Hen student-athletes and the whole University,” University of Delaware president Dennis Assanis said in a news release. “We are deeply committed to gender equity in Athletics and throughout UD, and we are excited to be part of this growing sport.”

Delaware stated they'll begin their search for a head coach in January 2024, to allow a full year of recruitment. Delaware has been competing in ACHA Division II women's hockey for the last decade.

The move to add women's hockey to Delaware's offerings was made to star Title IX compliant after a move made by their men's football program.

“We’re thrilled to be part of growing the game of women’s ice hockey here, both nationally and at UD.” Director of Athletics, Community, and Campus Recreation Chrissi Rawak said. “I’m confident women’s ice hockey will have success on and off the ice, and joining the CHA allows us to surround ourselves with aspiring institutions and some of the best competition in the nation.”

The University of Delaware's feasibility study came as part of the Industry Growth Fund, an initiative funded by the NHL and NHLPA.

“The growth of women’s hockey is undeniable and unstoppable,” NHL Sr. Executive Vice President of Social Impact, Growth Initiatives and Legislative Affairs Kim Davis said. “The NHL is proud to support the development of the University of Delaware’s women’s ice hockey team – it represents our vision to open access, opportunity and aspirational pathways for young women in the game.”

Delaware and the Philadelphia Flyers will form a partnership, with details being shared on Thursday, February 8 at Wells Fargo Center as the Flyers take on the Winnipeg Jets on the day after National Girls & Women in Sports Day. 

College Hockey America will welcome Delaware as their seventh member alongside Penn State, Mercyhurst, Lindenwood, RIT, Robert Morris, and Syracuse. 

“College Hockey America is incredibly excited to welcome the newly established Division I hockey program from the University of Delaware to the CHA and NCAA Women’s Ice Hockey,” College Hockey America Commissioner Michelle Morgan said. “Chrissi Rawak and her team have done an exceptional job in getting us to this point and I look forward to working with her as the program takes shape and builds towards its first season of competition in 2025-26.”