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Gulf South Conference

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Parent: University of Alabama in Huntsville Hop 4
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Gulf South Conference
NameGulf South Conference
Established1970
AssociationNCAA
DivisionNCAA Division II
Members12
Sports15
HeadquartersBirmingham, Alabama
CommissionerMatt Wilson
RegionSouthern United States

Gulf South Conference. The Gulf South Conference is a collegiate athletic conference affiliated with the NCAA's Division II, operating primarily in the Southeastern United States. Founded in 1970, it is one of the most prominent and competitive leagues in its division, sponsoring championships across numerous men's and women's sports. Its member institutions are located across the states of Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee.

History

The conference was founded in June 1970, with its charter members including institutions such as the University of North Alabama, Livingston University (now West Alabama), and Delta State University. Its formation was part of a broader reorganization within the NCAA that established the modern three-division system. The league quickly expanded, adding members like the University of West Florida and University of Montevallo in subsequent decades. A significant period of growth and realignment occurred in the 1990s and 2000s, with schools such as Valdosta State University and University of West Georgia joining, solidifying its geographic footprint and competitive reputation. The conference has been a consistent leader in NCAA Division II national championship competitions across multiple sports.

Member institutions

The conference currently comprises 12 full member institutions. The Alabama members are the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Auburn University at Montgomery, University of Montevallo, and the University of West Alabama. From Georgia, members include the University of West Georgia and Valdosta State University. Mississippi is represented by Delta State University and Mississippi College. Tennessee members are Christian Brothers University, Lee University, and the University of Tennessee at Martin. The University of West Florida, located in Pensacola, is also a full member. Several schools, including Shorter University and Union University, participate as affiliate members in specific sports like football and women's soccer.

Sports sponsored

The conference sponsors championship competition in 15 sports. Men's sponsored sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, and tennis. Women's sponsored sports include basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. The league does not sponsor ice hockey or wrestling, focusing on its traditional strengths. Many of its programs, particularly in football, baseball, and softball, are perennial contenders for the NCAA Division II national championship, with Valdosta State University's football program being especially dominant.

Conference facilities

Member institutions feature notable athletic venues that host conference championships and national playoff events. These include UWF's Pen Air Field for baseball and Ashton Brosnaham Stadium for football. Valdosta State University competes at Bazemore–Hyder Stadium for football and Billy Grant Field for baseball. Delta State University's Harvey Stadium-Ferriss Field complex is a historic site for baseball. Basketball is played in arenas such as the University of Montevallo's Trustmark Arena and University of West Georgia's The Coliseum. The University of Alabama in Huntsville hosts events at its Charger Park for soccer and softball.

Championships

The conference has won numerous NCAA Division II national championships across various sports. In football, Valdosta State University has claimed multiple titles, including victories in 2004, 2007, 2012, and 2018. Delta State University won the NCAA Division II baseball championship in 2004. In softball, the University of Alabama in Huntsville secured national titles in 2016 and 2021. University of North Alabama, now in Division I, won several NCAA Division II football championships as a member. The conference also regularly crowns champions in sports like men's basketball, where Christian Brothers University and Valdosta State University have had deep national tournament runs.

Notable alumni

Many former student-athletes have achieved prominence in professional sports and other fields. In Major League Baseball, alumni include JaCoby Jones (LSU transfer from Gulf South Conference member) and Craig Kimbrel who played at Wallace State Community College before transferring. National Football League players from conference schools include tackle Brandon Fusco (Slippery Rock transfer from Gulf South Conference member) and wide receiver Chad Hall (Air Force transfer). Basketball alumnus Jerome Beasley played in the NBA after starring at the University of North Dakota (transfer from Gulf South Conference member). Beyond athletics, alumni have found success in business, politics, and entertainment, contributing to the conference's broad legacy.

Category:NCAA Division II conferences Category:College athletic conferences in the United States Category:Sports in Alabama Category:Sports in Georgia (U.S. state) Category:Sports in Mississippi Category:Sports in Tennessee Category:1970 establishments in Alabama