Men's Volleyball makes move to Heart of America Athletic Conference

OVERLAND PARK, KAN. – Morningside University Athletic Director Jim Sykes announced today that Morningside will be competing as an affiliate member of the Heart of America Athletic Conference beginning in the 2024-25 season. The move was announced after the Great Plains Athletic Conference revealed that it will no longer be sponsoring men's volleyball.

"I'm pleased with the opportunities that playing in the Heart of America Conference is going to offer our athletes," said Sykes. "The HAAC has emerged as a premier conference in the sport, and playing in it will challenge our athletes throughout the season and better prepare them for NAIA tournament play."

"We are excited for the opportunity to play against high-level opponents day-in and day-out. The Heart of America Conference has proven to have some of the top talent in the country, and we're excited to be a part of it and for the challenge that awaits us," said Morningside head coach Noah Marasco-Ayau.

Morningside is joined in the move by fellow GPAC member Dordt. Previous GPAC affiliates Ottawa and Kansas Wesleyan had previously announced moves to the HAAC, while Jamestown will spend a year in the North Star Athletic Association before joining the Division II Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.

"We are thrilled to welcome Morningside University and Dordt University to the Heart of America Athletic Conference as associate members for Men's Volleyball," expressed Commissioner Nik Rule. "Their addition not only enhances our competitive landscape but also supports our goal of creating a more dynamic and diverse conference." 

The HAAC's 2024-25 men's volleyball season will feature 14 teams playing in two divisions, with both Morningside and Dordt playing in the North Division alongside Clarke, Graceland, Grand View, Mount Mercy, and William Penn. The Mustangs played all five of these opponents in non-conference matches in 2024 as well as four of the seven southern division teams.

"With the new divisional structure, we can optimize travel, minimize out-of-class time for our student-athletes, and ensure a balanced and exciting competition schedule. This growth strengthens our position as a leading conference in men's volleyball and provides greater opportunities for our teams to succeed on a national level," added Commissioner Rule.