Photo: Bryn Van Patten
By Sebastian Quiroz-Gutierrez – @SebastianQuir0z
In a landmark move for private higher education in North Carolina, Queens University of Charlotte and Elon University have announced a planned merger, to be completed by summer 2026, with Elon operating Queens under the new structure. Among the most closely watched questions is how this merger will affect their sports programs, particularly the men’s and women’s soccer teams.
According to Acting Queens President Jesse Cureton, both schools, which are currently competing at the NCAA Division I level, will maintain their own sports teams. Queens has recently completed its transition to Division I and joined the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN), while Elon is a member of the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA).
Current State of the Programs
On the field, both men’s and women’s programs are already setting the tone for how the merger might be perceived. Queens men’s soccer enters 2025 with a 4-3 record, performing well in non-conference play and building momentum despite facing an ambitious schedule that includes NC State, Duke, and Clemson. Meanwhile, Elon’s men’s soccer team has been equally as sharp, notching multiple shutouts in recent weeks, including wins over USC Upstate and Davidson. The Phoenix were handed their first loss of the season at Longwood and currently stand at 5-1-2.
Elon’s women’s soccer has been strong in non-conference play, starting 6-1-3, but is off to a slow start in the CAA. Earlier this month, they set a program record with seven consecutive shutouts and claimed a convincing 3-0 win over Queens in a non-conference match. The Royals women, meanwhile, continue to struggle as they adjust to Division I competition, sitting at 1-6-3 this season.
What It Means for College Soccer
Maintaining separate, full Division I programs under the same administrative umbrella is a rare occurrence. By keeping both teams intact, the schools avoid the immediate disruption that would come with merging or cutting programs, and that stability benefits current student-athletes, coaches, and recruiting classes. At the same time, the merger strengthens the financial foundation of both institutions. For Queens, it offers security and resources that can help the Royals grow in the ASUN. For Elon, the merger extends its reach into the Charlotte market, a productive recruiting area that adds to its competitive edge.
There are also competitive implications. Elon currently has the stronger profile, particularly on the women’s side, while Queens’ men are showing signs of progress as they settle into Division I soccer. The side-by-side comparison may create a natural internal rivalry that pushes both programs higher. Fans and alumni will be watching closely as administrators also deal with the larger questions of branding, identity, and fan engagement. Preserving distinct athletic traditions while uniting under a shared administration will be a delicate balancing act.
Looking Ahead
The next year will bring more clarity as both schools navigate this new chapter. Much will depend on how each team performs in conference play throughout the 2025 season and whether the merger encourages more collaboration across facilities, coaching staffs, and training resources. The reaction of recruits, current players, and prospective student-athletes will also be telling, particularly as they weigh the promise of stronger resources and broader visibility. Another key factor will be the eventual branding and positioning of the merged institution, and how it establishes itself in both the Charlotte and Burlington markets.
The merger could even open the door to expanded athletic opportunities down the line, such as the addition of a football team at Queens.
For now, Elon appears to be the more established side, while Queens has the opportunity to grow and strengthen as it settles into Division I play. The outcome will tell whether this merger elevates both programs or whether one might ultimately pull ahead.
