The Hawks played the first season of their transition in spring 2023 as a Division I independent before joining CNE (then known as the Commonwealth Coast Conference) in July 2023.

In 1985, Hartford hired John Herbert as head coach for the team's inaugural season in Division 1.

In 1993, first-year head coach Jack McGetrick replaced Rob Quinn and led the team to its first winning season in eight years.

[2] Andy Towers replaced McGetrick as head coach for the 2004 season and led the Hawks to an unsuccessful 0–14 record.

In 2011, coming off seven straight losing seasons; the Hawks, led by Lawrence, would win their first conference tournament.

[9] On May 6, 2021, the University of Hartford Board of Regents voted to drop its athletic department to Division III.