MACON, GA - Wesleyan College has been officially ratified for membership in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) following a vote on Sunday, September 28, 2025. Wesleyan will complete the 2025–26 season in NCAA Division III and begin NAIA competition on July 1, 2026, with affiliation in the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC).
"Wesleyan opened doors for women in 1836 - and we're still opening them," said Meaghan Blight, president of Wesleyan College. "NAIA and SSAC membership expands access to a world-class college education for talented student-athletes right here in Middle Georgia. It means more opportunities to compete - and, true to Wesleyan's focus on nurturing each student's individual gifts, personalized mentorship and care from coaches and professors, on the court and in the classroom - all within a college experience rooted in leadership, character, and academic excellence."
The move positions Wesleyan to offer athletic scholarships beginning with student-athletes enrolling in Fall 2026, opening a clearer, affordable path to a private college education for talented athletes. Competing in the SSAC also emphasizes a regional schedule, bringing more home contests to Macon and more chances for local families, youth teams, and alumnae to cheer on the Wolves.
In addition to a heightened sense of regionalized travel, this impactful move also paves the way for Wesleyan Athletics to announce its intention to roster additional varsity teams in the sports of flag football, competitive cheer, and wrestling to complement our existing sport offerings of basketball, soccer, softball, volleyball and beach volleyball.
"This is a real opportunity for our student athletes to play in front of their community more often and face a competitive slate that gives them realistic postseason paths. It's a win for our athletes and for middle Georgia," said Seth Berkebile, director of athletics. "If you're a prospective student-athlete, connect with our coaches and we'll walk you and your family through a smooth, supportive application and scholarship process, step by step. We're ready to help you find your place at Wesleyan and compete for something bigger on campus and in the community."
The NAIA's Champions of Character framework - integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership - aligns with Wesleyan's mission to accelerate equality for women. Student-athletes will continue to develop confidence and leadership through Wesleyan's small classes, high-touch mentorship, and signature programs like the CEO (Creating Equal Opportunities) Institute, internships, and community partnerships across Middle Georgia.
"On behalf of the Southern States Athletic Conference, I am thrilled to welcome Wesleyan College as the newest member of the NAIA and the SSAC," said Mike Hall, SSAC Commissioner. "Wesleyan is a perfect geographic and competitive fit for our league, becoming our seventh member from Georgia. President Blight's vision for Wesleyan College, particularly in athletics, is inspiring and will open the door to countless opportunities for the school's student-athletes, coaches and administrators. We look forward to seeing the Wolves compete for championships and athletic and academic honors across the SSAC."
What's Changing and What Isn't
2025–26 academic year: No changes to the current year - Wesleyan competes in NCAA Division III Collegiate Conference of the South as planned.
2026–27 academic year: Wesleyan begins competition in the NAIA (SSAC) effective July 1, 2026. Coaches may extend athletic scholarship offers to student-athletes enrolling Fall 2026 in accordance with NAIA rules.
Student experience: A more regional schedule means more local rivalries and more opportunities for Middle Georgia families to attend games.
Academics first: Wesleyan's rigorous classroom experience and faculty mentorship remain the foundation of the student-athlete journey.
Local Impact
Access: Athletic scholarships will empower talented students to afford a private college education.
Community connection: More home dates bring visitors to campus and reinforce ties with local schools, youth programs, and employers.
Pathways to leadership: Wesleyan's emphasis on confidence-building academics and real-world experiences prepares graduates to lead in Middle Georgia and beyond.
Recruit information and community events will be shared throughout the year. Prospective student athletes are encouraged to connect with coaches to explore athletic recruitment and scholarship opportunities for Fall 2026 admission.
About Wesleyan College
Founded in 1836 in Macon, Georgia, Wesleyan College was the first college in the world chartered to grant degrees to women. Named once again - for the third consecutive year (2023–2025) – as the "Best College in Middle Georgia," Wesleyan prepares students to think critically, lead purposefully, and serve compassionately - advancing its mission to accelerate equality for women through confidence-building academics, leadership development, and a powerful alumnae network.
About the NAIA
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) governs collegiate sports with a mission-driven focus on character and academic success through its Champions of Character program.
Media Contact:
Harrison Tarr- Creative Director
mtarr@wesleyancollege.edu
