Men's Tennis | 11/18/2025 11:00:00 AM
The Empire 8 Conference is pleased to announce the addition of SUNY Oneonta as an affiliate member in the sport of men’s tennis effective with the 2026-27 academic year.
“SUNY Oneonta is an excellent fit for Empire 8 Men’s Tennis, said Empire 8 Executive Director
Chuck Mitrano. “Their addition enhances the student-athlete experience for all of our members."
SUNY Oneonta is a public university in Oneonta, NY, founded in 1889, with about 4,681 undergraduate students and a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio. It offers over 100 academic programs and a 250-acre campus.
SUNY Oneonta currently sponsors 21 Division III sports, the majority competing in the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC). The men’s tennis program, coached by Brian Roser, is currently 5-1 in dual matches during the 2025-26 fall season and plays non-conference competition against Empire 8 institutions.
Oneonta will become the 12th Empire 8 men’s tennis program in 2026-27 and play in the West Division, joining full-time members Alfred University, Houghton University, Nazareth University and St. John Fisher University and fellow affiliate member SUNY Oswego, who won the 2025 Empire 8 Men’s Tennis Championship. Oneonta also joins East Division institutions SUNY Delhi, Lesley University, Norwich University, Thomas College, Vermont State Johnson and Vermont State Lyndon.
"We are thrilled for our men’s tennis program to join the Empire 8 Conference. I want to thank Executive Director Chuck Mitrano, the President's Council, and all other Empire 8 Athletic Administrators for this opportunity,” SUNY Oneonta Director of Athletics
Ryan Hooper. “This move represents an important step forward for our department and reflects the continued growth and competitiveness of our student-athletes and coaches. Competing in the Empire 8 will provide our team with a high level of play, more regional conference competition and opportunities to compete in post season and NCAA championships — all of which will help elevate the overall student-athlete experience.”
SUNY Oneonta has enjoyed a long and storied athletic history. The Red Dragons have competed in 11 national championships and won the 2023 NCAA Division III Women’s Soccer Championship. The Red Dragons have had three national coach of the year selections, 217 Division III All-Americans, 258 individual SUNYAC Champions, 65 SUNYAC team champions, 58 SUNYAC Coaching Staffs of the Year, 50 SUNYAC Players of the Year, and 35 SUNYAC Rookies of the Year.
Founded in 1998, the Empire 8 has developed into one of the premier NCAA Division III athletic conferences, both on the field and in the classroom. The conference consists of current full-time members Alfred University, SUNY Brockport, Elmira College, SUNY Geneseo, Hartwick College, Houghton College, Keuka College, Nazareth University, SUNY Poly, Russell Sage College, St. John Fisher University and Utica University.
ABOUT SUNY ONEONTA
School: SUNY Oneonta
Location: Oneonta, New York
Founded: 1889
Enrollment:
Nickname: Red Dragons
Colors: Red, White and Black
Affiliation: NCAA Division III
President: Dr. Alberto Cardelle
Director of Athletics: Ryan Hooper
Athletics Website: http://www.oneontaathletics.com
NCAA Division III Sponsored Sports (21): Baseball, Men's and Women's Basketball, Men's and Women's Cross Country, Field Hockey, Men's and Women's Lacrosse, Men's and Women's Soccer, Softball, Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving, Men’s and Women’s Tennis, Men’s and Women’s Indoor Track and Field, Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track and Field, Women’s Volleyball and Men’s Wrestling.