St. Ambrose University is pleased to announce it has formally applied for full membership in the Heart of America Athletic Conference as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of its athletics programs. The university continually evaluates opportunities that best support its student-athletes, academic priorities, and institutional mission. If approved, St. Ambrose will begin competing in The Heart of America Conference in fall 2026.
“The Heart of America Conference is one of the NAIA’s premiere athletic conferences which offers a competitive landscape that aligns well with where St. Ambrose athletics is headed,” said Amy Novak, EdD, president of St. Ambrose University. “This potential transition reflects our continued commitment to providing student-athletes with meaningful opportunities to excel in the classroom, in competition, and in service to others.”
The Heart of America Conference is nationally recognized for its high level of competition – and currently hosts 15 member institutions that regularly compete for and earn NAIA national championships. Membership would allow St. Ambrose
student-athletes to compete alongside a new set of quality collegiate programs with a strong tradition of success while increasing the university’s visibility at the national level.
“This is a forward-looking step that supports the growth of our programs and the experience of our student-athletes,” said Mike Holmes, director of athletics at St. Ambrose University. “The conference’s geographic alignment, competitive strength, and national profile create an environment where our teams can participate in an elite league. That said, we would like to recognize our colleagues in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference for being great NAIA partners during our membership.
Pending approval, the Heart of America Conference will review St. Ambrose University’s application in accordance with its established membership process. The university will continue to communicate with student-athletes, coaches, and campus stakeholders as the review moves forward. All St. Ambrose athletic programs will continue to compete as scheduled during the transition process.
For more information on becoming a Fighting Bee and the athletic programs at St. Ambrose, visit sau.edu.
