The Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) is an NCAA-affiliated Division II college conference comprising 10 member schools throughout the southern United States. Founded in 1996, the SSAC is one of the oldest conference of its kind, and is responsible for administering competition between its members and providing a platform for student athletes to compete and succeed at the collegiate level. Though it may not be as well known as other NCAA conferences like the ACC or SEC, the SSAC is a powerhouse conference on its own right and its member institutions have achieved numerous accolades and accomplishments over the years.

History

In 1996, the SSAC was established as a way to offer competitive championships and intercollegiate athletic competitions to its member institutions. The initial partnership included nine schools that were formerly part of the Gulf South Conference: Brewton-Parker College, Columbia College, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Judson College, Point University, Reinhardt University, William Carey University, Union University and University of Mobile. The conference was reconfigured and expanded in 2011, with the addition of Edward Waters College as the tenth member school.

Member Institutions

The SSAC currently consists of ten member schools located across multiple Southern states, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. These schools are:

• Brewton-Parker College
• Columbia College
• Edward Waters College
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Judson College
• Point University
• Reinhardt University
• William Carey University
• Union University
• University of Mobile

Sports and Achievements

The SSAC competes in 14 different sports – baseball, softball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s tennis, men’s and women’s track & field and volleyball. The conference and its member institutions have achieved numerous notable awards and distinctions in all of its respective sports, including national championships in men’s soccer, points at the NCAA Division II Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field Championships, two NCAA Baseball Tournament appearances, sixteen All-Americans in men’s and women’s basketball, and multiple student-athlete of the year title holders across men’s and women’s sports.

Rivalries and Competitions

Competition between the SSAC and its member institutions is fierce and intense. One of the most intense rivalries in the conference is between Point University and Reinhardt University. The rivalry has been nicknamed the “Battle of the Mountain” and is between two Christian universities located in the Northwest Georgia and extends beyond athletics to academics and student activities. Another rivalry that stands out is between Judson College and the University of Mobile, with the two schools competing in the “Lion-Razorback Series” in baseball, volleyball, and men’s and women’s basketball.

Conferences Operations: Governance and Scheduling

The SSAC is governed by a board of directors that includes the presidents of the member institutions, the Commissioner, and a representative from the NCAA. The board meets twice a year to discuss conference issues and establish rules and regulations. The Commissioner of the SSAC is responsible for setting up conference scheduling and tournament events. Conference scheduling is done through a rotating schedule, in which teams will play against each other in a set pattern each year.

The Role of the SSAC and its Impact on the Sports Scene

The SSAC provides its members with the opportunity to play competitive NCAA sports at the Division II level, and gives its student athletes the chance to gain exposure and experience with NCAA athletics while also competing for national championships. The conference also plays a role in promoting the health and well-being of its student athletes and works to ensure that the highest academic standards are met. Furthermore, the SSAC works to contribute to the local communities and outreach programs of its member schools. These efforts have led to positive recognition of the conference at local, state and regional levels.

Prospects for the Southern States Athletic Conference

The SSAC has seen steady growth since its inception and has become a leader in the NCAA Division II landscape. Its members have consistently earned wins in the NCAA tournaments and produced student athletes that have gone on to compete at higher levels or have achieved success off the field. The conference has continued to make strides in terms of visibility, sponsorship, and involvement within its local communities. With the continuing success of its members, the SSAC looks in a promising future as it continues to provide Division II collegiate athletes with the best opportunities to compete and succeed.