District of Columbia will join the East Coast Conference as an associate member in men’s and women’s tennis beginning this fall.

ECC Commissioner Bob Dranoff said the addition will strengthen tennis in the conference. “It expands our presence into a new area and helps UDC gain conference affiliation and access to postseason play,” he said. “We look forward to working with (Athletics Director) Pat Thomas and the UDC tennis teams.”

Three ECC men’s tennis teams and two women’s teams advanced to the NCAA tournament last year. League schools that sponsor tennis are Dowling, C.W. Post, Molloy, Queens (New York) and St. Thomas Aquinas.

“The mission of the East Coast Conference is consistent with the mission of the University of the District of Columbia,” Thomas said. “The East Coast Conference provides a competitive opportunity among outstanding academic institutions. Our affiliation with the ECC enhances the university’s ability to provide a positive experience for our student-athletes.”

District of Columbia has sponsored tennis for 32 years.