NAIA accepts SMWC membership
SAINT-MARY-OF-THE-WOODS, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) — Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods College joins two other schools as new members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. The Pomeroys will join Iowa Wesleyan University and Louisiana College as new members on July 1, 2021. The College will be eligible to play in postseason competition during the 2021-2022 academic year.
“Becoming a member of the NAIA has been an initiative of the College and intercollegiate athletics for several years as part of the Aspire Even Higher Strategic Plan. I am appreciative of the team who helped to bring this to fruition,” said Brennan Randolph, vice president for enrollment management and institutional technology.
SMWC was required to meet several membership goals before being accepted, including financial stability, sports sponsorship and accreditation.
“Joining the NAIA is an exciting and progressive step for SMWC and allows us room to grow,” said Athletic Director Deanna Bradley. “This national affiliation will assist The Woods with building a more competitive program when it comes to recruiting, provide post-season opportunities for all of our programs while focusing on the holistic development of our student-athletes and staff.”
SMWC says it will have the second-largest athletic department among the schools new to the NAIA, with 14 different offerings. The College has added seven varsity sports in the last six years, which coincided with the opening of the Jeanne Knoerle Sports and Recreation Center. The school says more teams are planned, including men’s basketball in the fall of 2021.