Category: News

NSAC Welcomes South Georgia Institute

At its Board of Directors meeting in Portland, Maine this week, the New South Athletic Conference voted to admit South Georgia Institute as a full probationary member for the 2025-26 school year.

“We are honored to be welcomed into the New South Athletic Conference,” said Dalice Payton, SGI’s Director of Athletics. “This move elevates our student-athletes’ opportunities to compete, grow and present South Georgia Institute on a larger scale. It reflects the hard work of our coaching staff and the dedication of our athletes.”

Dr. Patricia Burns, Chancellor and Academic Dean at SGI, emphasized the broader implications of the move: “Joining the NSAC is about more than athletics—it’s about opportunity. Our mission is to prepare students academically, spiritually, and athletically. This conference affiliation enhances our institutional vision and supports our continued pursuit of excellence on and off the field.”

“Our journey through the candidacy process with SGI was a pleasure,” said NSAC Commissioner Mike Davis. “President Joel Williams and I spent considerable time discussing our expectations and requirements with the SGI leadership team. In the end, we believed the Huskies would make a good partner athletically, culturally, academically, and geographically. We are excited to have them on board and watch them grow with us.”

SGI was formerly Omega Sports Academy but is now expanding into the college space through strategic academic partnerships while developing its own in-house curricula including programs in communication, business administration, divinity, accounting, and leadership. The school is based on the campus of former Norman College in Norman Park, Georgia. The Huskies will field conference teams in men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, cross country, and track & field beginning in ’25-26. They also sponsor football, women’s volleyball, and more.

NSAC Enters Marketing Agreement with WildCard Entertainment

The New South Athletic Conference is expanding its reach and presence on social media via a new agreement with WildCard Entertainment, a digital media company in Nassau, The Bahamas, focused on providing live and pre-recorded video services, graphic design and photography for sporting and other events.

“I’m thrilled to announce this partnership with WildCard,” said NSAC commissioner Mike Davis. “We have wanted to expand the NSAC’s branding and footprint on social media. WildCard Entertainment will take us to that next level and on more platforms. Domonique is a coach and a fan, and that will lend itself nicely to understanding our mission together.”

“WildCard Entertainment is thrilled to embark on this exciting partnership with the New South Athletic Conference,” said WildCard president and founder Domonique Fernander. “We embrace the privilege of supporting the NSAC in expanding its social media presence and elevating its brand with enthusiasm and dedication. Together, we’re eager to craft impactful content and foster meaningful engagement that aligns with the conference’s vision and showcases its excellence.”

Southeast Christian Names Walker as AD

LEESBURG, Fla. – Southeast Christian College has named Dwayne Walker as the school’s first athletic director effective immediately.

Walker served as the Eagles’ men’s basketball coach this season and will remain in that capacity as well.

“I’m so excited about what God has done here at SECC in year one,” Walker said. “I’m looking forward to pouring into our student athletes spiritually as well as guiding and assisting coaching staff as we show and point our student athletes to Jesus through athletics.”

Walker was the acting AD this first year and has already hired a mens’ soccer coach for 2025-26 and is currently searching for a women’s basketball coach and men’s JV basketball coach.

Beacon College Welcomes Pat Burke as Head Men’s Basketball Coach and Director of Athletics 

LEESBURG, Fla. — Beacon College is thrilled to announce the appointment of Pat Burke, a distinguished former NBA player and community leader, as our new men’s head basketball coach and director of athletics, fitness, and recreation.

Burke brings extensive experience and a proven track record of success to the Leesburg school, the nation’s first accredited baccalaureate institution dedicated to educating students with learning and attention issues. His remarkable 12-year professional basketball career, which began with the Orlando Magic in 2002, saw him make history as the first Irish-born player in the National Basketball Association. His impressive career includes six championship titles across the NBA, FIBA leagues, and with Ireland’s senior men’s team.

“Pat brings a wealth of experience in education, mentorship, and athletics,” said Dana Manzo, vice president of student affairs. “Beyond his career in professional basketball, Pat has dedicated himself to mentoring and youth development. His passion for education, leadership, and community engagement makes him a fantastic addition to our team.”

Prior to joining Beacon, Burke founded HoopsLife, a youth development program focused on empowering children with leadership and life skills by emphasizing the impact of their choices. His commitment to mentorship aligns perfectly with Beacon’s mission to foster holistic student development.

Burke’s connection to Beacon College began a decade ago when he consulted with the college on the launch of a summer program for international students, culminating in a successful three-week program for Saudi students on Beacon’s campus in 2015.

“Pat’s prior contributions to our community and his proven ability to connect with and inspire young people are invaluable,” said Beacon President George Hagerty. “We are confident that his leadership will elevate our athletics program and provide our student-athletes with unparalleled opportunities for growth and success.”

Burke succeeds Sam Vincent, Beacon’s founding men’s basketball coach, who is leaving Beacon to pursue a position with the Basketball Africa League as reported by ESPN.  

Story and image courtesy Beacon College

New South Welcomes Millennia Atlantic University

The Board of Directors of the New South Athletic Conference has voted to accept Millennia Atlantic University of Doral, Florida as its newest member.

“We are incredibly proud and excited to join the New South Athletic Conference,” said Dr. Aristides Maza Duerto, President of Millennia Atlantic University. “This move aligns perfectly with our vision to provide our student-athletes with greater opportunities to compete at a high level, grow as leaders, and represent MAU on a broader stage.”

“Our student-athletes and coaching staff are beyond excited to be part of NSAC,” said Luis Gonzalez, Athletic Director at MAU. “This is a game-changing moment for our programs, and we look forward to making an immediate impact while upholding the values of sportsmanship, discipline, and academic success.”

“Conference realignment continues to reshape the college sports landscape, and the NSAC has been keenly following the developments,” said NSAC Commissioner Mike Davis. “As we have grown, we have become more selective in evaluating institutions. Millennia Atlantic brings many qualities which will enrich our league, including a full slate of athletic programs, a strategically appealing location, and outstanding leadership.”

The Macaws sponsor men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s volleyball, and more. MAU will begin league play in the fall of 2025.

NSAC Football Welcomes Clayton State, Gordon State

In preparing to launch football this fall, the New South Athletic Conference has voted to accept Clayton State University of Morrow, Georgia, and Gordon State College of Barnesville, Georgia as affiliate members. Both schools will compete as football-only members beginning in the fall of 2025.

“We are deeply honored to accept membership to the New South Athletic Conference, said Clayton State football coach Kevin Adkins, whose team played in the National Club Football Association (NCFA) championship in November. “This is an important step to growing Clayton State football throughout the Southeast region and on a national level. It is truly a privilege to be part of such a prestigious conference that is growing steadily. I am particularly looking forward to the opportunity to collaborate with others who are passionate about giving Clayton State football a platform to compete at a high level while encouraging our student athletes to graduate. Thank you once again for this incredible opportunity. I am confident that NSAC will be a fruitful forum for advancing our student athletes and fostering new collaborations.”

“We are happy to be a part of this new and upcoming conference,” added Gordon State coach Omar Quisenberry. “This move will change the narrative towards Gordon State College football in an awesome way. We thank Commissioner Mike Davis for reaching out to us and extending the invitation to us to be a part of the NSAC. Now, LET’S PLAY SOME FOOTBALL!!!”

In 2024, the Highlanders finished second to the Clayton State Lakers in the NCFA South Atlantic Conference.

“Clayton State and Gordon State bring traditions of excellence and professionalism to the table,” said Davis. “They represent what the New South is seeking to uphold in college athletics: integrity, respect, sportsmanship, and honor. We’re excited to have the Lakers and Highlanders as part of the NSAC Family.”

CSU and GSU join six full-time NSAC members for the conference’s first season on the gridiron: The Apprentice School (Newport News, Virginia); Atlantis University (Miami, Florida); John Melvin Christian College (Pace, Florida); Lighthouse Christian College (Milton, Florida); South Carolina Central Christian College (Cayce, South Carolina); and Westgate Christian University (Houston, Texas).

Barber-Scotia Membership Approved for 2025-26

The New South Athletic Conference is pleased to announce that Barber-Scotia College (Concord, NC) has accepted its invitation to join effective with the 2025-26 academic year.

B-SC President Chris V. Rey, JD remarked, “We are thrilled to join the New South Athletic Conference. This membership opens doors for Barber-Scotia College to engage with a new generation of student-athletes and advance our institutional goals.”

NSAC Commissioner Mike Davis noted, “After visiting the campus and meeting with President Rey and the Board of Trustees earlier this year, I was impressed by their vision and leadership. The commitment to rejuvenating Barber-Scotia College aligns well with our conference’s values. The NSAC Board of Directors is pleased to welcome the Sabers into the conference.”

NSAC Commissioner Mike Davis {left} with B-SC President Chris Rey at Rey’s inauguration ceremony on Saturday, August 24, 2024.

New South Adds Track & Field for 2024-25

The New South Athletic Conference is pleased to announce the addition of track & field to its lineup of sports, beginning in 2024-25.

“With several new member schools offering track, it was a natural addition to the conference,” said NSAC commissioner Mike Davis. “Track and field will be our second spring championship along with baseball. It’s exciting to provide these new opportunities for our members and their student-athletes.”

Beacon College, John Melvin University, SC Central Christian University, and Westgate Christian University will each field teams this coming year, with a conference championship to be held April 12, 2025 in Columbia, SC, hosted by SC Central.

Photo by Braden Collum on Unsplash

Westgate Christian University set to join NSAC

The New South Athletic Conference is pleased to welcome Westgate Christian University of Houston, Texas effective immediately. The NSAC Board of Directors voted unanimously this past Tuesday to accept Westgate’s application for the 2024-25 season.

Westgate Christian University, along with its Board of Trustees, administration, staff, and student athletes, expresses deep gratitude to the NSAC for welcoming us as members. We eagerly anticipate competing with institutions that prioritize their student athletes. This opportunity is an honor we will value and protect. Thank you for this special moment. Go Ravens! #ProtectTheGate

Statement from WCU Athletics

“I have been impressed in my conversations with the WCU staff that they are committed to excellence on and off the field,” said NSAC commissioner Mike Davis. “Expanding our conference footprint into Texas is a big step, but one which we believe will pay dividends when it involves quality people like those at Westgate. We look forward to many years of competition and cooperation together.”

WCU will compete in track and field in its first NSAC season with more exciting announcements to come in the near future.

Welcome Ravens!

NSAC Welcomes Southeast Christian College

On Tuesday, the NSAC Board of Directors elected to accept Southeast Christian College of Leesburg, Florida by a unanimous vote.

A new educational institution, SECC had a “soft” opening for early enrollees in January and will welcome more than 100 students for its grand opening this fall. The college is an extension of the Christian Preparatory Schools in Central Florida.

“We are honored and privileged to be a part of the New South Athletic Conference,” said head men’s basketball coach Dwayne Walker. “Thank you for the warm and welcoming environment that all the member schools have displayed to us here at SECC. We are looking forward to the rewarding experience of competing in the 2024-2025 men’s basketball season. ‘Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them’ (‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭29).”

“Since our first conversations, it was apparent to me that Southeast was a perfect addition for the NSAC,” said conference commissioner Mike Davis. “My extensive conversations with Dwayne and with college president Dr. Harry Anderson were productive and uplifting, as well as indicative that they are doing the right things in the right way. I am excited to welcome them aboard.”

The Eagles have agreed to host one of the two basketball classics this coming season pitting the six members of the NSAC South Division against each other. The Leesburg Classic will take place January 24-26 in SECC’s recently renovated gym. SECC is making plans now to add more sports in 2025-26.

Welcome Eagles!