Flames Now in the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC)

Athletics have long been a part of the College of Saint Mary culture.

With the recent addition of tennis to the roster, we showcase athletes across 8 sports. All this has put College of Saint Mary’s programs above radar, spurring an invitation to join the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) effective with the 2015-2016 academic year. 

“We are tremendously excited to have College of Saint Mary join the GPAC,” said Corey Westra, GPAC Commissioner. “College of Saint Mary is an outstanding institution with a proud history that will fit well with existing members of our conference.”

Photo: From left, Athletic Director Jim Krueger, GPAC Commissioner Corey Westra, Vice President for Student Development, and College of Saint Mary President Maryanne Stevens.

Westra went on to say how proud the GPAC is to have an all-women’s institution as full members in the league.

“College of Saint Mary is enthused about acceptance into the Great Plains Athletic Conference,” said University President Maryanne Stevens. “We expect to be a significant competitor in the conference. The GPAC takes great care in ensuring that teams and spectators encourage competition that calls forth potential and fosters leadership – essential to the mission of College of Saint Mary.”

Athletic Director Jim Krueger said he is enthusiastically in favor of the move for the opportunity it provides to increase the competitive level for our athletes, higher awareness of our programs, and the recruiting advantages it provides. “The GPAC will provide top notch, quality competition in all of our sports.”

The new affiliation was announced via a press conference on campus October 23. Read the press release.