the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) from 1998–99 to 2012–13. Southern Virginia athletes compete in 30 intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, lacrosse, rugby, soccer, swimming, tennis, track & field, volleyball, and wrestling; while women's sports include basketball, cross country, field hockey, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track & field, volleyball, and wrestling; and co-ed sports include cheerleading, dance and eSports. History SVU began its athletic program in the fall of 1997, one year after it became a four-year liberal arts college. In 1998, the Knights joined the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA). The 2012–13 school year was SVU's first year as a provisional NCAA Division III member; it joined the Capital Athletic Conference, now known as the Coast to Coast Athletic Conference, on July 1, 2013, and became eligible for conference championships in 2014–15. After four successful provisional years, the Knights became a full NCAA Division III member on September 1, 2016. On December 11, 2019, Southern Virginia announced it would join the USA South Athletic Conference, effective beginning in the 2021–22 academic year. Southern Virginia University officially joined the USA South Athletic Conference on July 1, 2021. Notable people Faculty Jeff Benedict, sports writer Orson Scott Card, science fiction author (Ender's Game) Ed Mulitalo, former American football player who played in Super Bowl XXXV with the Baltimore Ravens Debra H. Sowell, former secretary and board member of the Society of Dance History Scholars Alumni Beezie Madden, an American show jumping competitor and Olympic medalist Gustavo Ramos, Brazilian-American internationally renowned fine artist. References Further reading External links Official athletics website Education in Buena Vista, Virginia Educational institutions established in 1867 Educational institutions established in 1996 Former women's universities and colleges in the United States Latter Day Saint universities and colleges Universities and colleges accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Private universities and colleges in Virginia 1867 establishments in Virginia 1996 establishments in Virginia Buildings and structures in Buena Vista, Virginia