5 Reasons Why Eastern University PA Athletics Is The Hottest DIII Program Right Now
Eastern University PA Athletics is currently experiencing a historic surge in success and investment, making the Eagles one of the most compelling NCAA Division III programs in the Mid-Atlantic region. This wave of momentum, driven by championship titles and state-of-the-art facility upgrades, signals a major shift for the St. Davids, Pennsylvania campus.
As of December 22, 2025, the energy surrounding the Eastern Eagles is palpable, spanning from the gridiron to the gymnasium. The athletic department is not just competing; it is actively redefining the student-athlete experience through significant capital improvements and competitive excellence within the challenging Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC).
The Architects of Success: Key Eastern University Profiles
The recent rise of Eastern University’s athletic program is inextricably linked to the performance of its star student-athletes and the vision of its coaching staff. Two figures, in particular, embody the competitive spirit of the Eagles: Head Football Coach Billy Crocker and Volleyball standout Hannah Pringle.
Coach Billy Crocker: The MAC Championship Builder
- Role: Head Football Coach, Eastern University Eagles
- Program Legacy: Hired as the first-ever head football coach, responsible for building the program from the ground up.
- Major Achievement: Led the Eastern Football team to an outright Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Championship title in just the program's third official season of play.
- Post-Season Success: Guided the team to an advancement into the NCAA Division III Tournament Round 3.
- Accolades: Named MAC Coach of the Year, a testament to his rapid program development.
- Mentorship: Was notably mentored by Villanova University coach Andy Talley.
Hannah Pringle: The All-American Volleyball Star
- Role: Senior, Outside Hitter, Women's Volleyball
- Class Year: Class of 2026.
- Conference Honors: Named MAC Commonwealth Player of the Year.
- All-American Status: A three-time Honorable Mention All-American.
- Career Milestone: Earned the prestigious Philly-SIDA Volleyball Honor for the second time in her career.
- Statistical Rank: Ranks fourth on Eastern's career kills list, showcasing her consistent offensive dominance.
Eastern University’s Competitive Landscape: The MAC Conference
The Eastern University Eagles compete at the NCAA Division III level, a division known for prioritizing the student-athlete experience and academic balance. Their primary affiliation is with the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC), one of the oldest and largest DIII conferences in the nation.
The MAC is split into two conferences for many sports—the MAC Commonwealth and the MAC Freedom—ensuring a highly competitive schedule for the Eagles across their 22 varsity sports. This challenging environment is where Eastern has proven its mettle, particularly with the football team's historic MAC Championship victory.
The competitive fire extends beyond football. The Women's Track and Field team recently opened its 2025-2026 season at the Diplomat Open, and the Men's Basketball team is already navigating its tough schedule, securing wins against opponents like Dickinson College early in the season. The breadth of the program includes a deep roster of teams.
List of Eastern University Eagles Varsity Sports (Entities):
- Men's Teams: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Tennis, Track and Field.
- Women's Teams: Basketball, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball.
A Commitment to Excellence: State-of-the-Art Facility Upgrades
Beyond the wins and championships, Eastern University has made a significant financial commitment to upgrading its athletic infrastructure, ensuring a top-tier experience for its student-athletes and fans. This focus on facilities is a key indicator of the long-term vision for the Eagles Athletics program.
$1 Million RACP Grant and Gymnasium Renovations
The university was recently awarded a substantial $1 million RACP (Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program) Grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This critical funding is specifically designated for extensive renovations to the athletic facilities, including significant gymnasium additions and updates, as well as necessary site work.
The New Synthetic Turf Baseball Field
One of the most visible and impactful upgrades is the state-of-the-art renovation of the Baseball field on the St. Davids campus. The field has been completely transformed with new synthetic turf, which allows for year-round playability regardless of weather conditions. The project also included new dugouts, modern bullpens, wall padding, and batting cages, providing a professional-grade environment for the baseball team.
Expanded Training Resources
In a move to enhance strength and conditioning for all teams, the university secured a long-term lease with Valley Forge Military Academy in 2022. This partnership provides an extra, dedicated weight room, ensuring all Eastern teams have access to the resources needed for optimal physical development and training.
The Eastern University Student-Athlete Experience: More Than Just Sports
The philosophy of Eastern Athletics is deeply rooted in a commitment to holistic development, aiming to produce teams and athletes who honor God and compete with integrity. The NCAA Division III model, which Eastern embraces, emphasizes a balanced approach where academics are prioritized alongside athletic pursuits, fostering well-rounded individuals ready for post-graduate success.
The recent success in championships and the investment in facilities are not just about trophies; they are about creating a legacy. The football team's rapid ascent has generated enormous school pride, while the upgrades to the baseball field and gymnasium facilities attract top talent and enhance the daily life of every student-athlete, from the Women's Soccer team to the Men's Lacrosse program.
As the Eastern Eagles move forward into the future, the combination of championship-level coaching (like Coach Crocker), elite individual performance (like Hannah Pringle), and a modern, well-funded infrastructure ensures that Eastern University PA Athletics is a DIII program on the rise, poised for continued regional and national impact in the competitive Middle Atlantic Conference.
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