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Playing in the NAIA

Why Chose NAIA for your Collegiate Athletic Experience

Are you considering the NAIA in your college search? Take an in-depth look at the benefits of being recruited by and attending an NAIA school. Hear from NAIA student-athletes and parents as they discuss the factors that influenced their choice to play in the NAIA and share what their NAIA experience looks like in real life.

Experience Today's NAIA Student-Athlete Logan Brettell Experience Today's NAIA Student-Athlete Shaefer Schuetz Experience Today's NAIA. Parent

Student-Athlete - Logan Brettell :30

Student-Athlete - Shaefer Schuetz :30

Parent - Jeff Schuetz :30

The Benefits of Playing in the NAIA

Student-athletes come first in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Their needs, desires and ambitions guide our every decision. They are the inspiration that drives us to make character a core component and benefit of all intercollegiate sports. That's why we are here and why we stand apart.

The Opportunity to Play

  • Our NAIA member colleges and universities give student-athletes the chance to compete and learn the ultimate benefits of teamwork and accomplishment.

  • NAIA student-athletes experience what it means to be a championship-level competitor.

  • Our institutions, administrators and coaches are in unique positions to positively impact the educational, athletic and emotional development of young people.

  • Tight-knit campus communities mean closer interaction, stronger relationships, and personalized attention.

Character as our Guide

  • The NAIA Champions of Character® program provides our student-athletes and member institutions with the training and positive examples of how character matters. It changes perspectives and fuels better performance on the field, in the classroom and in personal relationships.

  • We help prepare our athletes in leadership and in life through programs that help prepare them not only for competition and graduation, but also leadership roles after college.

flag football

Learn about what makes the NAIA unique and how looking at NAIA institutions expands your opportunities to play sports in college. Click here to learn more about the NAIA's newest sport – Women's Flag Football.