The USA South Athletic Conference has announced that Berea College has been accepted to begin the process of full membership within the Conference. Berea, which is transitioning from NAIA to NCAA Division III status, will begin USA South play during the 2017-18 academic year.
“We are pleased to be joining the USA South conference, a group of schools that reflects the academic priorities of Berea College,” said Berea’s President, Lyle Roelofs. “This conference is capably led by an engaged Council of Presidents and is on a sound growth trajectory, which will provide attractive competitive challenges and opportunities for Berea’s student athletes and coaches going forward.”
Berea College currently offer seven men’s sports (baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis, track & field) and seven women’s sports (basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, tennis, track & field, volleyball).
Mark Cartmill, Director of Athletics, said, “I am extremely excited for Berea College athletics to be joining the USA South. This is a major step in our transition into the NCAA Division III, which began two years ago. It provides an opportunity for our student athletes to compete against athletes from outstanding institutions.”
In addition to Berea, Pfeiffer University in North Caroline also has been accepted to begin the process of full membership within the USA South Conference. Current USA South Member Institutions include: Agnes Scott College*; Averett University; Christopher Newport University*; Covenant College; Ferrum College; Greensboro College; Huntingdon College; LaGrange College; Mary Baldwin College; Maryville College; Meredith College; Methodist University; N.C. Wesleyan College; Piedmont College; William Peace University. (*Denotes Affiliate Member)
In making the announcement, USA South Commissioner Rita Wiggs said, “We are pleased to welcome both Berea and Pfeiffer as the newest members of the USA South. Each has great leadership, are eager to become Division III members while already exemplifying many pillars of the Division III and USA South philosophy. We look forward to their coaches and student-athletes competing in the USA South.”
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