CANTON, Ga. — The Southern Athletic Association (SAA) is proud to announce the official addition of Southwestern University and Trinity University as full members of the conference, effective July 1, 2025.

While today marks the beginning of their full-time membership, both institutions are already well-known and respected within the SAA community. Trinity University has competed as a football affiliate member since 2017, while Southwestern joined in that capacity in 2023, and in men’s lacrosse as an affiliate for the 2025 season. Their transition to full membership represents a natural and exciting evolution of their relationship with the league.

“These two universities have been embraced as part of the SAA family for some time,” said SAA Commissioner Stacey LaDew. “We’ve been inclusive of Southwestern and Trinity throughout the past two years in preparation for this moment, and it is truly wonderful to now fully welcome them as full members of the Southern Athletic Association. Their student-athletes, coaches, and staff bring excellence to our league and will no doubt thrive here.”

Both institutions boast a commitment to academic and athletic distinction, aligning seamlessly with the SAA’s mission to celebrate competitive excellence, academic achievement, and student-athlete development.

Trinity University, in particular, continues to bolster the league's national reputation, finishing 22nd overall in the 2024–25 NCAA Division III Learfield Directors’ Cup standings. Both Trinity and Southwestern bring strong traditions, exceptional leadership, and vibrant campus communities that enrich the overall fabric of the SAA.

“Our conference is stronger with the full inclusion of these two institutions,” added LaDew. “Trinity and Southwestern represent the very best of NCAA Division III, and we are thrilled to provide a platform where their student-athletes will be celebrated and challenged. Their addition elevates the profile of our league, and we look forward to the future we will build together.”

The addition of Trinity and Southwestern brings the SAA’s full-time membership to eight institutions, positioning the conference for a stable and competitive future across its sponsored sports.

The league also celebrates the addition of Maryville College (Tenn.) as affiliate members in Football, Women’s Golf and Indoor Track and Field in 2025-26, leading to their full membership launch in the SAA in 2026-27.

For more information on all things SAA, visit the websites of any of the participating schools, or go to the SAA's home on the internet at www.saa-sports.com. Be sure to stay up to date on all of your Southern Athletic Association news by following @SAA_Sports on Twitter (X) and @SAA_Sports on Instagram.