North Manchester, Ind. - Manchester University is entering a new chapter in Spartan Athletics.
Manchester plans to transition to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and join the Crossroads League beginning in 2027. The transition is designed to create new opportunities for student-athletes while strengthening the distinctive Manchester experience.
Creating More Opportunities for Student-Athletes
NAIA membership will give Manchester the opportunity to consider athletic scholarships for student-athletes enrolling in fall 2027.
For coaches, scholarships provide another tool for recruiting talented student-athletes. For students and families, they can create another pathway toward making a private Manchester education more accessible.
A More Connected Conference Experience
Joining the Crossroads League will bring Manchester into a more regional conference schedule.
With more nearby opponents, Manchester anticipates:
- Shorter travel for teams
- Fewer class absences for student-athletes
- Reduced travel costs
- More opportunities for families, alumni and local supporters to attend Spartan competitions
A more regional schedule means student-athletes can spend less time on the road and more time in the classroom, on campus and competing close to home.
