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5 Reasons Why Stevens Institute Of Technology Basketball Is The MAC Freedom's New Powerhouse

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The Stevens Institute of Technology Ducks basketball programs have officially cemented their status as a dominant force within the MAC Freedom Conference, transitioning from perennial contenders to legitimate powerhouses in the NCAA Division III landscape. As of the current date, December 22, 2025, the Ducks are riding a wave of unprecedented success, highlighted by recent conference championships and the emergence of nationally recognized talent on both the men's and women's sides.

The Hoboken, New Jersey institution, primarily known for its rigorous engineering and technology programs, is now demanding attention for its athletic achievements. The men's team is fresh off a title-winning season, while the women's team has achieved a stellar 19-9 overall record, demonstrating remarkable consistency and depth across the entire program. This article breaks down the key factors—from coaching stability to star players—that have propelled Stevens basketball into its golden era.

The Rise of the Ducks: Recent Achievements and Star Players (2024-2025 Season)

The Stevens Ducks are a member of the Middle Atlantic Conference Freedom (MAC Freedom) and compete at the NCAA Division III level. Their home games are played at the Canavan Arena on the Stevens campus in Hoboken, N.J. The program's recent history is defined by championship success and the development of elite D-III talent.

Stevens Ducks Men's Basketball Highlights

  • 2024 MAC Freedom Champions: The men's team secured the conference title in a thrilling 54-53 victory over DeSales University, earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
  • 2024-2025 Record: The team finished the most recent season with an impressive 19-8 overall record.
  • NCAA Appearance: The Ducks advanced to the 2024 NCAA Division III Tournament, where they faced Farmingdale State in the first round.
  • Head Coach: The men's program is led by Head Coach Bobby Hurley.

Stevens Ducks Women's Basketball Highlights

  • 2024-2025 Record: The women's program posted a remarkable 19-9 overall record, including an 11-3 mark in MAC Freedom conference play.
  • Key Player Recognition: The team has consistently produced All-Conference and All-MET selections.

Key Player Spotlight (2024-2025)

  • Jack Spellman (Men's Basketball): A dominant 6'9" center, Spellman has been the cornerstone of the men's defense. He is a three-time MAC Freedom Conference All-First Team selection (2023, 2024, 2025) and the reigning MAC Freedom Defensive Player of the Year. He also earned D3Hoops.com All-Region IV Second Team honors.
  • Leyla Castro (Women's Basketball): A standout Junior Guard, Castro was named to the 2024-25 All-MAC Freedom Team. She was also honored as the MAC Freedom Athlete of the Week in February 2025 after a dominant stretch where she averaged 20.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 3.0 steals.

1. Championship Pedigree: The 2024 MAC Freedom Title Run

The men's basketball team’s victory in the 2024 MAC Freedom Championship was not just a win; it was a statement about the program's trajectory. The Ducks entered the tournament with a strong regular season performance, but their ability to close out a tight championship game against a formidable opponent like DeSales demonstrated a new level of mental toughness and execution under pressure.

This championship secured the program's first NCAA Tournament appearance in recent memory, a monumental achievement for a team that was also picked as the conference favorite in the preseason polls. The thrilling final score of 54-53 will be remembered as a pivotal moment, showcasing the disciplined, defense-first identity instilled by Coach Hurley. The team's deep roster, featuring key contributors like Harmehar Chhabra, Kyle Maddison, and Tommy Scholl, proved its mettle in the high-stakes environment.

The success of the 2023-2024 campaign has created a new expectation for Stevens basketball: competing for the MAC Freedom title every year. This elevated standard is crucial for attracting top Division III talent to the Stevens Institute of Technology.

2. Dominance in the Paint: The Jack Spellman Effect

Every successful basketball program needs a cornerstone, and for the Stevens men's team, that player is the towering 6'9" center, Jack Spellman. His impact is undeniable, particularly on the defensive end, where he has earned the MAC Freedom Defensive Player of the Year award. His presence is so significant that he was ranked among the top defensive players in the entire NCAA Division III.

Spellman’s consistent excellence is highlighted by his three consecutive selections to the MAC Freedom Conference All-First Team (2023, 2024, 2025). His cumulative statistics from the 2024-2025 season show his efficiency, averaging 11.6 points per game over 27 contests.

His ability to alter shots, control the defensive glass, and provide an interior scoring threat forces opponents to completely change their offensive game plan. This defensive anchor allows Stevens to play an aggressive, fast-paced style of basketball knowing they have a safety net in the paint. The development of Jack Spellman is a testament to the coaching staff’s ability to maximize player potential.

3. Women's Program Consistency and Star Power with Leyla Castro

While the men’s team captured the headline title, the Stevens Ducks women's basketball program has quietly built a foundation of sustained excellence. The team's 2024-2025 season saw them achieve a remarkable 19-9 overall record and an 11-3 conference record, demonstrating a high level of consistency and competitive success in the MAC Freedom.

Leading the charge is Junior Guard Leyla Castro. Her exceptional play earned her a spot on the 2024-25 All-MAC Freedom Team, solidifying her status as one of the conference's premier playmakers. Castro's all-around game was on full display when she secured the MAC Freedom Athlete of the Week award in February 2025, posting a season-high 25 points during a dominant week.

Other key players like Olivia Schubiger, Camryn Kinne, and Fiona O'Boyle contribute to a deep and balanced roster. The women's team’s consistent winning record and ability to develop All-Conference talent like Castro ensures that the Stevens Institute of Technology is a dual-threat basketball power, making the trip to Canavan Arena a difficult one for any MAC Freedom opponent.

4. The Strategic Advantage of the MAC Freedom Conference

The MAC Freedom Conference provides a highly competitive environment that prepares the Stevens Ducks for success in the national tournament. The league is known for its strong coaching and challenging schedule, which forces the Ducks to be at their best every night.

Being a part of the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) means Stevens competes against strong regional rivals, including DeSales, FDU-Florham, King's College, and Misericordia. This rigorous conference schedule is essential for building the strength of schedule and RPI necessary for NCAA Tournament consideration. The men's team being picked as the preseason favorite highlights the respect and fear the Ducks have earned from their conference rivals following their recent championship success.

The geographic location in Hoboken, New Jersey also gives Stevens a recruiting advantage, drawing top student-athletes from the tri-state area who seek a world-class academic experience combined with elite Division III athletics.

5. A Culture of Excellence: Combining Academics and Athletics

The core identity of Stevens Institute of Technology basketball lies in the successful integration of demanding academics with high-level athletics. The student-athletes—often engineering, computer science, or business majors—are true examples of the NCAA Division III philosophy, where the educational experience is paramount.

This culture of excellence fosters a disciplined, high-IQ approach to the game. Players like Jack Spellman and Leyla Castro exemplify the dedication required to excel in the classroom and on the court. The support from the Stevens Ducks athletic department and the administration ensures that the basketball program has the resources to compete at the highest level of Division III.

The recent success, including the MAC Freedom Championship and the strong 2024-2025 records for both programs, is not a fluke; it is the culmination of years of strategic investment, stable coaching, and recruiting student-athletes who embody the Stevens Institute of Technology’s commitment to academic rigor and competitive spirit. As the 2025 season progresses, all eyes will be on the Ducks to see if they can repeat their championship success and make a deeper run into the NCAA Tournament.

5 Reasons Why Stevens Institute of Technology Basketball is the MAC Freedom's New Powerhouse
stevens institute of technology basketball
stevens institute of technology basketball

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