IUPUC announced today that it has gained full NAIA membership and is officially joining the River States Conference for competition beginning in the fall of 2023.

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) voted on April 2, 2023, to elevate IUPUC to active status, which is the regular membership status for the NAIA and makes IUPUC eligible for post-season competition as it moves forward with its athletics program.

Schools must meet membership criteria that include financial stability, sports sponsorship, accreditation, and a commitment to character-driven athletics. Athletics facilities, enrollment numbers, retention rates, and overall financial commitment to athletics are also taken into consideration. 

IUPUC launched its athletics program in fall 2022 as an associate member of the NAIA with men’s and women’s cross country, followed by baseball and softball this spring. IUPUC will be adding men’s and women’s soccer and women’s volleyball in 2023-2024.

“None of this would be possible without close collaboration between our athletics staff, admissions and recruiting, UCOL, and staff and faculty throughout IUPUC,” said Reinhold Hill, Vice Chancellor and Dean at IUPUC. “I look forward to the remainder of our seasons this year and the addition of additional sports next year.” 

Zach McClellan, IUPUC Athletic Director, noted that IUPUC currently has 50 student athletes fully participating in athletics this spring. Additionally, at this point in the recruiting cycle, IUPUC has 13 volleyball, 14 women’s soccer, 18 men’s soccer, 12 softball, and 23 baseball new student athletes committed for next year. He added that for 2024, IUPUC is considering adding golf teams for women and men, as well as women’s and men’s basketball.

“The city of Columbus is a unique place,” McClellan added. “Partnerships have historically always been valued in Columbus. We owe a great deal of thanks to all of our sponsors. We feel the foundation has been laid to build on.”