Beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year, Schreiner University will rejoin the American Southwest Conference. The university had previously been a member of the ASC, before switching to the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference in 2014.

“In a world in which college athletics seems mired in uncertainty, Schreiner University is honored to join our colleagues in constituting a renewed American Southwest Conference that will provide stability and certainty–as well as a commitment to excellence–for our student-athletes and coaches for years to come,” said Dr. Charlie McCormick, President, Schreiner University.

University officials note that membership in the ASC will mean shorter travel distances, a benefit both to student-athletes and to families and fans wishing to follow the teams. It also means the renewal of traditional rivalries from when Schreiner University was part of the ASC from 1999-2013.

McMurry University will join the ASC at the same time. The moves came after a year of evaluation and collaboration, according to conference officials.

“The addition of these two respected institutions, located squarely in the membership footprint, will ensure continuity and enhanced success of the American Southwest Conference,” said David Flores, Commissioner of the ASC. “I’m proud of the faithful leadership of our member institution presidents for their commitment to focus on the long-term future of the Conference.”

Conference members will include:

• Schreiner University

• McMurry University

• East Texas Baptist University

• Hardin-Simmons University

• Howard Payne University

• University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

For more information about the American Southwest Conference, visit https://ascsports.org/.