Spring Hill College to become 5th in-state member of Gulf South Conference
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Starting in 2027, Spring Hill College will become a full-time member of the Gulf South Conference, joining four other in-state schools in the Division II athletics conference.
The Badgers have been an affiliate member for soccer and women’s golf since joining the D-II ranks in 2018 but they will soon have teams competing in all 15 conference-based sports.
“This is a defining moment for Spring Hill College and our entire community. Joining the Gulf South Conference reflects the strength of our athletic programs and our commitment to providing an exceptional student-athlete experience rooted in our Jesuit mission. We are excited for the opportunities ahead and proud to align with institutions that share our values of excellence, integrity and service.”
Dr. Mary H. Van Brunt, President of Spring Hill College
The move will become official on July 1, 2027 as the Badgers will join in full for the 2027-28 academic year. The other in-state schools in the conference include:
- Auburn-Montgomery (AUM)
- Montevallo
- UAH
- West Alabama
Spring Hill College athletics
Spring Hill is currently a member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), claiming 16 conference tournament championships including seven straight in volleyball.
The Badgers have previously won a Gulf South title with the men’s soccer team claiming a conference championship in 2018.
“Spring Hill College has already demonstrated its ability to compete and succeed within the Gulf South through its affiliate membership, and we are excited to expand that relationship. Their addition strengthens our league both competitively and geographically, and we look forward to the impact their student-athletes, coaches and fans will have across the conference.”
Matt Wilson, GSC Commissioner
Spring Hill’s teams include:
- Baseball
- Basketball (men’s and women’s)
- Cross Country (men’s and women’s)
- Golf (men’s and women’s)
- Outdoor track & field (men’s and women’s)
- Soccer (men’s and women’s)
- Softball
- Tennis (women’s)
- Volleyball
“We are thrilled to take this next step for Spring Hill athletics. The Gulf South Conference is one of the premier conferences in NCAA Division II, and this move positions our student-athletes to compete at the highest level while continuing to excel in the classroom and in the community. This is an exciting new chapter for our programs, our coaches and our Badger family.”
Joe Niland, Spring Hill Athletics Director
The Gulf South Conference is a charter member of NCAA Division II. The 2026-27 academic year will be the league’s 57th season of competition since being established in the summer of 1970.
Since its inception, GSC teams have celebrated 56 national championships and more than 160 regional titles. Its student-athletes meanwhile have captured 75 individual NCAA national crowns and have claimed 362 CoSIDA/College Sport Communicators Academic All-America honors.
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