Arkansas–Fort Smith Lions

The Arkansas–Fort Smith Lions (also UAFS Lions and UA Fort Smith Lions) are the athletic teams that represent the University of Arkansas–Fort Smith, located in Fort Smith, Arkansas, in NCAA Division II intercollegiate sports. The Lions compete as members of the Lone Star Conference for all 10 varsity sports.

Arkansas–Fort Smith Lions
Logo
UniversityUniversity of Arkansas–Fort Smith
ConferenceLSC (primary, until 1 July 2024)
MIAA (primary, from 1 July 2024)
NCAADivision II
Athletic directorCurtis Janz
LocationFort Smith, Arkansas
Varsity teams11 (5 men's, 5 women's, 1 co-ed)
Basketball arenaStubblefield Center
Baseball stadiumCrowder Field
Tennis venueFort Smith Athletic Club
NicknameLions
ColorsNavy blue and white[1]
   
Websiteuafortsmithlions.com

History

In the fall of 2009, UAFS formally entered provisional NCAA Division II status. The “provisional” status was scheduled to be removed in 2010. However, on July 9, 2010, the university's membership application was rejected by the NCAA Division II Membership Committee, which led to the university filing an appeal.[2] On July 8, 2011, the university was granted full NCAA Division II membership.[3] Previously, the university competed in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), specifically at the Bi-State Conference of Region II.

On June 27, 2023, UAFS announced that it would be moving its athletic programs from the Lone Star Conference to the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association. University officials cited reduced travel times and better potential for rivalries as reasons for the move.[4]

Varsity teams

List of teams

Individual sports

Men's basketball
  • National Champions: 1981, 2006
  • Region II Champions: 2001, 2002, 2006
  • Bi-State Conference Champions: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006

Women's basketball
  • National Champions: 1995
  • Region II Champions: 2004, 2005, 2006
  • Bi-State Conference Champions: 2003

Women's volleyball
  • Region II Champions: 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006
  • Bi-State Conference Champions: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006

The volleyball program also holds the distinction of being named an NJCAA Academic All-American Team seven years in a row (1999–2005).

References
  1. "University of Arkansas–Fort Smith Graphic Standards" (PDF). Retrieved January 31, 2017.
  2. "NCAA Denies UAFS’ Initial Bid For Active Division II Status"
  3. "NCAA Grants UAFS Active Member Status". UAFS News. Archived from the original on November 8, 2011. Retrieved July 11, 2011.
  4. Anderson, Ryan. "UA-Fort Smith to change athletic conferences to cut down on travel". nwaonline.com. Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
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