The Score: April 21, 2021

Important Dates

April 30: Deadline to submit NCC nominations. Click here for more information.

MAY 24-27: 80th Annual NAIA National Convention. Register for the virtual event here.

JULY 15: 2021-22 catastrophic insurance enrollment form and payment due. More information can be found here.

Championships

NEW: Taylor; St. Francis Capture Cross Country Championships

Taylor University (Ind.) won the 2020 NAIA Men's Cross Country National Championships at Seminole Valley Park in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Rounding out the top five teams were: Huntington (Ind.), Milligan (Tenn.), Oklahoma City University, and University of St. Mary (Kan.).

On the women's side, St. Francis (Ill.) captured its first women's cross country national championship. The other top five finishers included: College of Idaho, Taylor, Embry-Riddle (Fla.), and Indiana Wesleyan.

Attendance at Fall Championships

As of April 8, all fall sports championships are allowing limited spectators. For cross country, football, men's soccer, and women's soccer, members can use their NAIA Membership Card for admittance. For women's volleyball, individuals should be able to use their NAIA membership card, but should contact the Tyson Events Center to confirm ticket availability. For attendance at opening rounds, contact the specific host site regarding availability.

Host sites that permit spectators must allow fans from both the home team and the visiting team to attend the event. Subject to capacity limitations, each institution will have the option to purchase (or make available to their supporters for purchase) tickets equal to four times the number of participants allowed in the Official Party. Additional tickets will be available for purchase if capacity allows.

News

NEW: 2020-21 Celebration Video

The NAIA wants to celebrate the 2020-21 season with a video tribute to our members. If you have any photos or video clips that showcase the dedication, kindness, or success of your school's student-athletes and programs, please email to psalveter@naia.org or use wetransfer.com to send larger files. The video will be shared with membership this summer. Questions? Contact Paige Salveter.

NEW: NAIA and CCA RISE Award Grants for Women Leaders

Each year, the NAIA awards grants to assist women in the NAIA membership with attending the Women Leaders in College Sports career advancement programming at the Institute for Administrative Advancement. This year's winners are Sammi Wellman (Cascade Collegiate Conference) and Jesse Zabal (Loyola University New Orleans).

CCA RISE (Respect, Inclusivity, Support, Education) also awarded three scholarships to Jamie Long (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University), Angellica Grayson (University of Saint Mary), Damali Thomas (Loyola University New Orleans). Congratulations to this year's deserving recipients!

NEW: Eligibility Center Webinar with NACAC

Webinar Date: May 4, 2 pm ET/11 am PT

Cost: Free for NACAC members; $20 for non-members

Description: The NAIA has teamed up with NACAC (the National Association of College Admissions Counselors) to conduct a webinar that helps high school counselors learn about the opportunities for student-athletes in the NAIA. Help us spread the word to high school counselors inviting them to attend the webinar and gain knowledge of everything they need to know about college sports, eligibility rules and the opportunities to play in the NAIA.

NEW: Recording of FirstPoint USA Webinar Now Available

FirstPoint USA, the Official UK & China Recruitment Partner of the NAIA, hosted a webinar exclusively for presidents, athletics directors, and NAIA coaches about expanding international recruiting efforts. If you missed it, we encourage you to view the recording here.

Eligibility Center

May 1 Reminders

Decision processing begins for the upcoming academic year. All students seeing eligibility for the Fall 2021 term will begin receiving decisions at that time.

The new transfer student type and associated fee ($150) goes into effect. This fee will apply to U.S. and Canadian students who have college enrollment after high school graduation. Please visit "Costs for Students" on your Resources tab for more information about fees.