Siena Heights University announced on Nov. 1 that it will add men’s and women’s hockey to its athletic roster. The teams will start competing in fall 2025.

The university has hired Maria Barlow to lead women’s hockey and Trevor Sattelmeier to lead men’s hockey. Both coaches will come to Siena Heights from Concordia University’s Ann Arbor campus. Concordia is shutting down most of its on-campus academic programs and discontinuing its athletic programs.

In addition, Siena Heights is finalizing an articulation agreement with Concordia University, with the goal of providing a pathway for students to complete their academic journey seamlessly.

“This program is a great addition to our athletic offerings, which is an important consideration of many incoming students,” Sue Syljebeck, vice president of athletics for Siena Heights, said in a news release. “Our athletics programs are so much more than wins and losses, they build character and go hand in hand with academics when it comes to building tomorrow’s leaders.”

Home facilities for the hockey program will be off campus while opportunities to partner on a local ice rink are explored. Recruiting for both the men’s and women’s teams begins immediately.