ALISO VIEJO, Calif. – Soka University of America will see its athletics programs join the Great Southwest Athletic Conference (GSAC) with the 2025-26 season. Soka University of America will join La Sierra University as the ninth and tenth members of the league.

"Joining the Great Southwest Athletic Conference in 2025 is a perfect fit for Soka University of America," said Dr. Edward Feasel, President of Soka University. "We share GSAC's commitment to athletic and academic excellence. This partnership will enhance our mission to develop well-rounded student-athletes who excel both on the field, in the classroom, and in life. We're excited to contribute to and grow within the GSAC community in the coming years."

The Lions will field 11 teams next year.  Soka University sponsors Women's and Men's Soccer, Men's Volleyball, Women's and Men's Golf, Women's and Men's Track and Field, Women's and Men's Swimming and Diving and Women's and Men's Cross Country.

"La Sierra and Soka are great additions for our conference," said Mike Daniels, Commissioner of the Great Southwest Athletic Conference.  "Balancing our geographic footprints has been important for our conference which has experienced some transition of late.  Both institutions have strong academics and bring stability to the GSAC."
 
The GSAC membership for 2025-26 also includes Arizona Christian University, Benedictine University Mesa, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Hope International University, Life Pacific University, OUAZ, Park University Gilbert, and The Master's University.