7 Shocking New Developments Defining The Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) In 2025-2026

The Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) is not just one of the premier NCAA Division II athletic leagues; it is a dynamic organization undergoing a major transformation heading into the 2025-2026 academic year. As of today, December 17, 2025, the conference is solidifying its position as a national leader by launching a new sport, securing major championship venues, and embracing a fresh strategic vision that centers on student-athlete legacy.

This deep dive reveals the most current and essential updates, from new associate members like Thomas More University and the University of Jamestown to the ambitious plans of Commissioner Jim Naumovich, ensuring fans and competitors alike know exactly what to expect from the GLVC's next chapter.

The Evolving GLVC Profile: Key Facts and Leadership

The Great Lakes Valley Conference, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, stands as a pillar of NCAA Division II excellence, known for its commitment to both athletic and academic achievement. The conference is currently composed of 15 full-time member institutions across the Midwest, primarily located in Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri.

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• Affiliation: National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II.
• Headquarters: Indianapolis, Indiana.
• Full-Time Members: 15 institutions.
• Key States: Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri.
• Commissioner: Jim Naumovich.
• Tenure: Naumovich is celebrating his 25th year as GLVC Commissioner in 2025, a testament to his enduring leadership and strategic vision.
• New Tagline: The conference recently launched a new, inspiring tagline: "Create Your Legacy."
• Academic Excellence: The GLVC consistently ranks high in academic honors, with recent recognition including five Men's Soccer standouts named to the 2025 Academic All-America® Division II Teams and 43 Women's Volleyball student-athletes earning CSC Academic All-District® honors.

1. The Launch of Men's Volleyball: The GLVC's 25th Sport

The most significant news defining the GLVC's future is the addition of Men's Volleyball as its 25th sponsored sport, with competition set to begin in the 2025-2026 academic year.

This expansion is a bold move that immediately elevates the conference's profile in a growing NCAA sport. The inaugural season will feature seven institutions, a mix of full-time members and new associate members brought in specifically for the sport.

New Associate Members Bolster Competition

To ensure a strong start for the new Men's Volleyball league, the GLVC has welcomed two new associate members:

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• Thomas More University: Approved for associate membership, Thomas More will be a key participant in the inaugural 2026 season.
• University of Jamestown: The University of Jamestown also joins as an associate member, adding a national presence to the new sport.

These institutions will compete alongside full-time GLVC members, including Maryville University, Missouri S&T, and Quincy University, setting the stage for an immediate, high-level rivalry. The first-ever GLVC Men's Volleyball Championship Tournament is already scheduled for March 23-25, 2026.

2. Major Championship Venues Confirmed for 2025

The GLVC has confirmed several high-profile, neutral-site venues for its 2025 championship events, underscoring a commitment to providing elite experiences for student-athletes and fans. These strategic site selections help to grow the conference's footprint across the Midwest.

Key 2025 championship locations include:

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• Swimming & Diving: The 12th annual Men's and Women's Swimming & Diving Championships will be held from February 11-15, 2025, in Elkhart, Indiana.
• Baseball: The 2025 GLVC Baseball Championship Tournament is heading to Mtn. Dew Park in Marion, Illinois, from May 7-10.
• Outdoor Track & Field: The 2025 Outdoor Track & Field Championships will take place at Lewis Stadium & Gardner Track, located on the campus of Lewis University.
• Basketball: GLVC Commissioner Jim Naumovich announced a change to a new neutral site venue to host the GLVC Basketball Championship Tournament, aiming to showcase the talent of 16 teams.

3. Strategic Partnerships and Vision for the Future

Beyond the playing fields, the GLVC is making significant business and strategic moves to ensure its long-term stability and growth. These partnerships reflect a modern approach to conference management, focusing on branding, media, and technology.

New Strategic Alliances

The conference has recently entered into several key agreements to enhance its operations and visibility:

• Athletic Solutions Partnership: The GLVC announced a partnership with Athletic Solutions to enhance and sponsor various conference initiatives.
• Steel Curtain U Agreement: The conference has also entered into a representation agreement with Steel Curtain U, aimed at bolstering its brand and outreach.

These strategic moves, coupled with the "Create Your Legacy" tagline, signal a concerted effort by the GLVC leadership to modernize its brand and ensure that the conference remains a top-tier destination for NCAA Division II student-athletes. The focus is clearly on supporting the 15 member institutions in creating a memorable and impactful collegiate experience.

4. The Rise of Women's Wrestling and Other Key Sports

While Men's Volleyball is the newest addition, the conference has also been a pioneer in other emerging sports. Women's Wrestling, for instance, has gained significant traction within the GLVC, featuring seven institutions, including powerhouses like McKendree University and Quincy University.

The conference continues to excel in its core sports, with a busy 2025 championship schedule that includes Men's Soccer, Women's Soccer, and the start of the 2025 Football and Baseball seasons. The dedication to a broad spectrum of sports ensures that the GLVC remains one of the most comprehensive and competitive leagues in NCAA Division II. From the pool in Elkhart to the track at Lewis, the GLVC's commitment to athletic excellence is undeniable.

The current landscape of the Great Lakes Valley Conference is defined by growth, ambition, and a clear vision for the future. The addition of Men's Volleyball, the strategic partnerships, and the commitment to high-quality championship events all point to a conference that is actively working to "Create Your Legacy" for the next generation of Division II athletes.