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What You Need to Know about the Great Lakes Valley Conference

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The Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) is an NCAA Division II conference that consists of 17 teams from seven states located in the midwest region. Established in 1978, the Great Lakes Valley Conference is one of the most prestigious conferences with over 77 NCAA Division II titles and eight national titles.

Member Institutions

The GLVC consists of 17 institutions located in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, and Wisconsin. These institutions are:

  • Bellarmine University (Louisville, KY)
  • Drury University (Springfield, MO)
  • Lewis University (Romeoville, IL)
  • McKendree University (Lebanon, IL)
  • University of Indianapolis (Indianapolis, IN)
  • University of Missouri-St. Louis (St. Louis, MO)
  • Rockhurst University (Kansas City, MO)
  • Southern Indiana University (Evansville, IN)
  • University of Illinois Springfield (Springfield, IL)
  • University of Wisconsin-Parkside (Kenosha, WI)
  • Quincy University (Quincy, IL)
  • William Jewell College (Liberty, MO)
  • Maryville University (St. Louis, MO)
  • University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (Milwaukee, WI)
  • Missouri S&T (Rolla, MO)
  • Truman State University (Kirksville, MO)

Sports Competed

The GLVC currently offers 20 sports: six men’s, seven women’s, and seven men’s and women’s combined. These sports are: baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, softball, tennis, volleyball, and track & field.

Notable Achievements

Throughout its history, the GLVC has seen tremendous success in both individual and team sports. In 2007, the conference won its first NCAA Division II national championship when the University of Indianapolis softball team captured the title. The GLVC has since gone on to win 11 additional NCAA Division II national titles. Additionally, more than 1,800 GLVC student-athletes have earned individual All-America honors, and dozens of teams have won conference championships.

Rivalries within the Conference

The GLVC has several rivalries within the conference, the most prominent of which is between the University of Indianapolis and Drury University in men’s basketball. This rivalry has been dubbed “The Battle of the Rock,” and has been a staple of the Great Lakes Valley Conference for over 20 years. Additionally, there are also rivalries between the University of Missouri-St. Louis and Southern Indiana, between Rockhurst and Missouri S&T, and between Lewis and McKendree, among others.

Council of Presidents and Operational Policies

The GLVC has a Council of Presidents which is responsible for establishing governing and operational policies, and this group works with the GLVC Commissioner to ensure the conference aligns with the mission, values, and expectations of the NCAA and its member institutions. The Council of Presidents are also responsible for determining and enforcing conference bylaws, policies, and procedures.

In addition, the Council of Presidents is responsible for determining the conference’s scheduling, championship events, and post-season tournament structure. The GLVC typically hosts multiple championship tournaments each year, which include men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, softball, and track & field, along with various individual sports.

Role and Impact on Sports Scene

The Great Lakes Valley Conference has had a profound impact on the local, national, and international sports scene. On a local level, the GLVC has helped to elevate the profile of small schools such as Quincy, Truman State, and William Jewell by providing them with an opportunity to compete at the highest level of college sports. Additionally, the GLVC has made a significant contribution to the national sports scene by producing numerous All-Americans and sending teams to NCAA Division II championship tournaments.

Moreover, the GLVC has represented the United States on an international level, sending select teams to participate in the World University Games and other international tournaments. This has enabled collegiate student-athletes from the conference to experience different cultures and gain exposure to more competitive games.

Future Prospects of the GLVC

The future of the Great Lakes Valley Conference appears to be somewhat uncertain. With several members of the conference having recently announced plans to move to other conferences, it will be interesting to see how the GLVC adjusts to the changes. Additionally, the conference is likely to see changes in its competitive landscape, as smaller schools find it more difficult to compete against larger schools in the conference.

However, despite these changes, the GLVC is confident that it will continue to provide a quality product to its members and collegiate athletes. The conference will continue to strive to provide the best experience for its student-athletes, while also making sure to stay competitive on the national level.

Overall, the GLVC is an excellent example of what college sports can provide to its members and student-athletes. Its legacy of success will continue for years to come, as the conference strives to become one of the top Division II conferences in the nation.