NAIA and Frontier Conference
Bismarck State College Joins NAIA and the Frontier Conference
Welcome to the new era of Bismarck State College athletics! We are proud to announce our official transition to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and membership in the Frontier Conference. This exciting change marks a major step forward for our student-athletes, alumni and MysticNation as we expand opportunities for competitive success at the four-year level.
Enhancing the Student-Athlete Experience
As North Dakota’s Polytechnic Institution, we continue to grow academically and athletically. Transitioning from the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) to the NAIA reflects this growth. Now, our student-athletes will have the chance to compete at a four-year level while benefiting from Bachelor’s degrees and our polytechnic mission.
What does this mean for Mystics athletes?
- Competing in the highly competitive Frontier Conference, one of the NAIA’s premier conferences.
- Opportunities for comprehensive scholarships and the chance to develop as both athletes and leaders.
- An expanded athletics program featuring current and new sports offerings.
New Sports and Opportunities for MysticNation
We’re thrilled to offer even more athletic opportunities to students! Our NAIA sports lineup now includes:
- Volleyball
- Softball
- Baseball
- Men’s Wrestling
- Men’s and Women’s Cross Country
- Men’s and Women’s Basketball
- Men’s and Women’s Track and Field
With opportunities to add new sports like women’s wrestling, competitive cheer and dance, and golf to further meet student demand. Non-NAIA sports such as rodeo, e-sports, and trap shooting will continue to thrive, providing diverse opportunities for all students.
The Bavendick Center: Future Home of Mystics Athletics
In June 2024, BSC broke ground on the 80,000-square-foot Bavendick Center, which will soon house Mystics basketball, volleyball, wrestling, and more. This cutting-edge facility will offer a student hub, intramural sports, a rock-climbing wall, and a virtual reality sports simulator. Expected completion is in January 2026, bringing more reasons to cheer for MysticNation!
FAQs
What is the Frontier Conference?
The Frontier Conference is a competitive NAIA conference with 12 full-member institutions. BSC joins schools like Carroll College and Montana Technological University, adding to the tradition of athletic and academic excellence in this conference.
Why did BSC transition to the NAIA?
This move supports BSC’s polytechnic mission, expanding opportunities for student-athletes to compete at a higher level while preparing them academically for future careers.
What about the sports that are not competing in NAIA?
Our non-NAIA sports like e-sports, trap shooting and rodeo will continue to offer competitive opportunities.
How will the new Bavendick Center enhance the athletic experience?
The Bavendick Center will provide state-of-the-art athletic facilities, including training areas, e-sports competitions, and new spaces for both Mystics athletes and the entire student body to stay active.
Stay Connected with MysticNation!
Follow us on our social media channels for updates, behind-the-scenes looks, and the latest news about BSC Athletics’ new chapter. Join the conversation using #MysticNationNAIA and cheer on our student-athletes as they make their mark in the Frontier Conference!
We are BSC. We are MysticNation!