The New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) is a collegiate athletic conference in the United States, primarily composed of small liberal arts colleges in the New England region. Founded in 1971, the NESCAC emphasizes a balance between academics and athletics, allowing student-athletes to excel in both areas. The conference includes 11 member institutions, such as Amherst College, Williams College, and Middlebury College. NESCAC schools compete in various sports, including basketball, soccer, and swimming, while maintaining a commitment to the overall educational experience of their students.