NCCAA Announces New Members for 2024-25 5/28/2024 12:00:00 AM Greenville, SC - The National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) is pleased to welcome five new institutions starting in the 2024-25 academic year in Blue Mountain Christian University, Grace University, Nobel University, Jessup University, and Union Adventist University. When asked about the new schools, NCCAA Executive Director Dan Wood stated, “The NCCAA is excited to welcome new members especially in some of our more western regions. The opportunity to assist these schools in growing and establishing their intercollegiate athletic programs with integrity and excellence is one we take very seriously as we know the impact on the institution, but also on the lives of alumni for years to come.” Blue Mountain Christian University Blue Mountain Christian University (BMCU) is located in Blue Mountain, Mississippi and will be entering the NCCAA as a full member at the Division I level in the Mideast Region. The Toppers will participate in the following NCCAA sports: Baseball, Men's and Women's 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, Softball, Men's and Women's Tennis, and Women's Volleyball. “We are thankful the NCCAA has been gracious enough to allow us to join its ranks," stated Blue Mountain Christian Assistant Athletic Director Curt Fowler. "BMCU and the NCCAA both draw from a Biblically based affinity to bring the Gospel of Christ to the forefront of collegiate athletics. We are excited for this partnership as it will bring additional opportunities for our student-athletes.” For more information on Blue Mountain Christian, visit https://bmc.edu/. Grace University Grace University is located in Laguna Niguel, California and will be entering as a Division I provisional member in the West Region. The Sun Bears will participate in the following NCCAA sports: Baseball and Softball to begin 2024-25. "Grace University is excited to join the NCCAA, integrating Christian faith into athletic programs, allowing young players to compete," stated Fiona Hsu, Chief Academic Officer at Grace University. "We are committed to developing well-rounded student-athletes who excel in sports and their faith." For more information on Grace University, visit www.graceu.edu. Jessup University Located in Rocklin, California, Jessup University will be begin full membership in the NCCAA as a Division I West Region member starting in 2024-25. The Warriors will participate in the following NCCAA sports: Baseball, Men's and Women's Basketball, Men's and Women's Cross Country, Men's and Women's Golf, Men's and Women's Soccer, Softball, Men's and Women's Tennis, Men's and Women's Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field, and Men's and Women's Volleyball. "Jessup's Christ-centered approach to higher education coupled with the NCCAA's #KingChasing initiative focusing on love, integrity, faith, and excellence makes this a perfect fit as we transition to the PacWest Conference and NCAA-II," stated Jessup Vice President of Athletics Lance Von Vogt. "We often talk about playing for an audience of one and with our membership in the NCCAA we will be joining an exclusive association of other Christian universities who also play for an audience of one. Jessup's membership to the NCCAA provides our student-athletes with the opportunity to compete for national championships during our provisional years in the NCAA. We are looking forward to the spiritual formation that will undoubtedly occur when we compete at these national championships." For more information on Jessup University, visit https://jessup.edu/. Nobel University Located in Buena Park, California, Nobel University will be entering as a Division I provisional member in the West Region. The Knights will participate in the following NCCAA sports: Baseball, Men's and Women's Basketball, Men's Golf, Men's and Women's Soccer, and Softball to begin 2024-25. "The admission of Nobel University to the NCCAA fills us with excitement," stated Roy Virgen Jr., Vice President of International Business Relations & Faculty Athletic Representative at Nobel University. "This affiliation is an important turning point in the history of our university. It demonstrates our desire to give our students exceptional opportunities in collegiate athletics and our commitment to excellence. Joining the NCCAA helps us enhance our new athletic programs and deepens our commitment to our Christian values, fostering a spirit of collaboration, integrity, and competitiveness. We are eager to set out on this path where our love of athletics and faith converge, allowing our student-athletes to flourish and achieve." For more information on Nobel University, visit www.nobeluniversity.edu. Union Adventist University (Formerly Union College) Union Adventist University is located in Lincoln, Nebraska and will be entering the NCCAA as a Division II full member in the Central Region. The Warriors will participate in the following sports: Men's and Women's Basketball, Men's Soccer, and Women's Volleyball in 2024-25. "Union Adventist University Athletics is excited to be joining the NCCAA. We believe in their mission and vision for athletics and how it aligns with Union's core values," said Union Director of Athletics, Drew Mekelburg. "Athletics has been a staple at Union for many years and joining the NCCAA is the next step in helping our program grow." For more information on Union Adventist University, visit https://uau.edu/.