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HENDERSON, Nev. – Nevada State University Athletics has joined the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) as a full member, following a vote at the association’s 2026 National Convention Sunday. In tandem, the Great Southwest Athletic Conference (GSAC) has approved Nevada State for provisional conference membership, marking a major step forward for the University’s growing athletics program. Both memberships are set to take effect July 1, 2026.

Nevada State’s full NAIA membership aligns its athletics programs with national standards while supporting continued competitive growth. Through GSAC affiliation, Nevada State’s athletic teams will be able to schedule conference play and, upon meeting eligibility requirements, compete in postseason championships. Nevada State is the first higher education institution in Nevada to be involved with both organizations.

“This milestone represents far more than membership; it’s an opportunity for our student-athletes to compete for championships, to measure themselves against top programs, and to experience the true spirit of collegiate athletics,” said Yvonne Wade, Director of Athletics at Nevada State University. “We are excited to align with governing bodies that share our commitment to access, opportunity, and the holistic development of student-athletes. This partnership strengthens our mission at NSU, ensuring that our programs not only pursue excellence on the field of play, but also foster academic success, leadership, and community impact. We are just getting started, and the future of Scorpion Athletics has never been brighter.”

The NAIA is a national governing body for college athletics that primarily supports smaller institutions, with a focus on character-driven competition and balancing sports with the overall educational experience. Each year, more than 87,000 student-athletes compete within the NAIA, with access to over $1.3 billion in financial aid. The association also hosts 29 national championships, giving student-athletes the opportunity to compete at a high level while remaining grounded in academics and personal development.

At its convention, the NAIA Council of Presidents approved four new members. Champion Christian College (Hot Springs, Ark.), United States Sports University (Daphne, Ala.), Georgia Southern University – East Georgia Campus (Swainsboro, Ga.), and Nevada State University (Henderson, Nev.) who join Wesleyan College (Ga.) and Andrew College (Ga.), both voted in during NAIA Fall Meetings in September 2025.

“The addition of these four institutions, along with Wesleyan, who comes from NCAA Division III, and Andrew approved last fall, gives us a strong group of new members for 2026-27,” said NAIA President and CEO Jim Carr. “Welcoming these new members is a highlight for our association, as we continue to recruit and retain institutions that embrace and embody the NAIA’s core values of education-based athletics.”

GSAC is a collegiate athletics conference within the NAIA, made up of universities that are intentionally aligned in size, academics, athletics, and overall student experience. GSAC has developed a reputation as one of the top-performing conferences in the NAIA, with member schools collectively earning 53 national championships and producing numerous individual titleholders. Teams across the conference are consistently ranked among the NAIA Top 25 and regularly compete for regional and national honors.

“We are excited to welcome Nevada State University to the GSAC,” said GSAC Commissioner Mike Daniels. “Adding the first NAIA institution in the state of Nevada is a milestone for the association. We look forward to watching the Scorpions grow their athletics department and supporting their mission to expand opportunities to students within the state.”

“Today marks an exceptionally significant moment for Nevada State University as we are officially welcomed into the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics,” said Acting President Dr. Amber Lopez Lasater. “This milestone reflects our commitment to expanding access and opportunity for student-athletes while building a program grounded in academic excellence, competitive integrity, and community engagement.”

Beginning in fall 2026, Nevada State will expand its athletics offerings beyond Women’s Flag Football and Men’s Track and Field. New programs will include Women’s Track and Field, Women’s and Men’s Indoor Track and Field, and Women’s and Men’s Cross Country. As part of its provisional GSAC membership, Nevada State also plans to add at least one additional sport for the 2027–28 academic year.

“As Nevada State continues to grow, athletics will play a critical role in shaping a vibrant campus experience and enhancing pathways to student success, leadership development, and long-term economic mobility,” Lopez Lasater continued. “We are proud to join an association whose mission and student-centered focus closely align with our own, and we look forward to contributing to the NAIA while creating meaningful opportunities for our students to thrive both on the field and in the classroom.”

On February 20, 2026, Nevada State University’s Women’s Flag Football team delivered a landmark performance at the Inaugural Scorpion Kick-Off Classic, hosted at the Intermountain Health Performance Center, headquarters of the Las Vegas Raiders, marking the first collegiate flag football games held in Nevada.

Acting President Dr. Amber Lopez Lasater described the day as “more than a tournament,” calling it “a milestone in the continued evolution of Nevada State University.”

“Athletics at Nevada State is not separate from our mission, it is an extension of it,” Dr. Lopez Lasater said. “We are building this program intentionally, guided by strong governance, academic oversight and fiscal responsibility.”

Myles Hayes, Senior Director of Football Development for the Las Vegas Raiders, underscored the significance of the partnership and the growth of the sport.

“Today represents opportunity,” Hayes said. “The Raiders are proud to support the growth of flag football and to partner with Nevada State University in creating pathways for young women to compete, lead and succeed.”

Taking the field in a world-class professional facility, the Scorpions embraced the moment with confidence and composure, transforming preparation into performance and making a powerful statement in the program’s inaugural season.

Nevada State opened the tournament with a commanding 51–20 victory over La Sierra University, establishing early momentum with explosive offense and disciplined defensive execution.

The Scorpions followed with a decisive 38–7 win over Arizona Christian University, demonstrating depth, speed and cohesion. In the evening finale, Nevada State secured a determined 21–12 victory over Arizona State University, completing the tournament undefeated and punctuating a historic day for the program.

Head Coach Brandon Pappillion emphasized the significance of the milestone.

“This team understands the significance of today. We are the first Women’s Flag Football team in Nevada State University history. That responsibility means something,” Pappillion said.

The roster reflects the University’s mission in action, with student-athletes from Southern Nevada pursuing degrees in Nursing, Education, Biology and Business while balancing practices, film study, strength training and academic expectations with discipline and focus. From the program’s first day, excellence in the classroom has been held alongside excellence on the field, reinforcing that this tournament represents a beginning, not a finish line.

The launch of Nevada State Athletics has been the result of coordinated leadership and student advocacy. Vice President Dr. Stefanie Coleman, along with Lahana Pearce, President of the Nevada State Student Alliance (NSSA), were instrumental in advancing the vision and securing support to make intercollegiate athletics a reality for the institution. Their leadership helped ensure the program reflects the values, voice and aspirations of the campus community.

Director of Athletics Yvonne Wade noted that the tournament reflects months of intentional planning and infrastructure development designed to support long-term success.

“We are building Nevada State Athletics with purpose,” Wade said. “This foundation is rooted in accountability, integrity and opportunity for our student-athletes.”

The Kick-Off Classic follows another milestone moment for the department. Just one week earlier, Nevada State’s Men’s Track & Field team competed in its first meet, marking the official start of competition for the University’s newest varsity programs and signaling strong momentum across Scorpion Athletics.

Nevada State extended sincere appreciation to the Las Vegas Raiders organization, including Piper Overstreet-White, Senior Vice President of Government & Community Relations, and Myles Hayes for their partnership and leadership in advancing collegiate sports, including flag football.

Gratitude was also extended to Chancellor Matt McNair, J.D., the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents, colleagues across NSHE, and community supporters, including members of the Nevada State Foundation Board, the Starting Lineup athletic donor program, the City of Henderson, the Vegas Golden Knights, Stephen Lackey and anonymous Starting Lineup donors, whose investment strengthens student success both on and off the field.

The Inaugural Scorpion Kick-Off Classic represents more than three wins. It signals momentum, vision and a future filled with opportunity. As Nevada State Athletics continues to grow with intention and purpose, February 20 stands as a defining chapter, and represents only the beginning.
Follow Nevada State Athletics for upcoming competitions, schedules and continued Scorpion milestones at nsuscorpions.com or @nevadastateu.

Nevada State University’s Track & Field team competed in the OIDFE Challenge Meet at Claremont College on Friday, February 7, making history with the university’s first athletic competition under the new program. Scorpions took first place in men’s 200M and men’s pole vault setting new school and personal records.

“I’m so proud of how the track team competed in our first competition in our inaugural season,” said Head Coach Roy Session. “We took 13 athletes to Claremont College in Southern California, and they represented themselves and the university very well. This group has been training hard all fall, and they were very excited to compete and see all of their training payoff. We had some outstanding performances, and we are only looking to getting better from here. Thanks to the coaching staff and all the supporters.”

Trey Robinson (Freshman)
5th in Men’s Long Jump 6.31m 20’08.5
New school record and a personal best

Rufus Dismuke (Freshman)
4th in 60m 6.91
New school record and a personal best

Kendry Mendia (Freshman)
1st in 200m 21.37
New school record and a personal best

Noah Norris (Sophomore)
7th in 600m 1:24.40
New school record and season best

Diego Avelar (Freshman)
11th in the Mile run 4:59.35
New school record and a personal best

Jonathan Steiner (Sophomore)
1st Pole Vault 4.25m 14″0′
New school record and season best

Paulo Bejarno (Freshman)
2nd Pole Vault 4.10m 13″06′
Personal record

Men’s 4×400 relay team
2nd place 3:22.30
New school record

Nevada State University’s Flag Football team will compete in its inaugural season at facilities across the southwest region this spring, including hosting the Inaugural Scorpion Kick-Off Classic at the Las Vegas Raiders’ Intermountain Health Performance Center.

SPRING 2026 WOMEN’S FLAG FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Friday, Feb. 20
HOME @ Intermountain Health Performance Center
Inaugural Scorpion Kick-Off Classic
1:30 p.m. VS La Sierra University
5 p.m. VS Arizona Christian University
7 p.m. VS Arizona State University

Saturday, Feb. 28
AWAY @ Simpson University
12 p.m. VS Simpson University

Monday, March 2
HOME @ Heritage Park
6 p.m. VS Ottowa University

Saturday/Sunday, March 7 & 8
AWAY @ Redlands California Tournament
Opponents TBD

Thursday, March 12
AWAY @ La Sierra University
6 p.m. VS La Sierra University

Saturday, March 14
AWAY @ Arizona Christian University
6 p.m. VS Arizona Christian University
TBD VS Grand Canyon University

Thursday, March 26
AWAY @ Ottawa University
6 p.m. VS Ottowa University

Saturday, March 28
AWAY @ Benedictine University Mesa
6 p.m. VS Benedictine University Mesa

Saturday, April 4
HOME @ Heritage Park
TBD VS Simpson University
TBD VS Grand Canyon University

Nevada State University’s Track & Field team will compete in its inaugural season at facilities across the southwest region this spring, including a meet across town at UNLV.

SPRING 2026 MEN’S TRACK & FIELD SCHEDULE

Friday, Feb. 7 | 11 a.m.
@ Claremont College
OIDFE Challenge Meet

Saturday, Feb. 28 | 11 a.m.
@ Claremont College
Rossi Relays

Friday/Saturday, March 13 & 14 | 12 p.m. & 8 a.m.
@ Occidental College
OXY Distance Carnival and Spring Break

Friday/Saturday, March 20 & 21 | 12 p.m. & 8 a.m.
@ Utah Tech University
Utah Tech Invitational

Friday/Saturday, March 27 & 28 | 12 p.m. & 8 a.m.
@ UC Irvine
Vince O’Boyle Track and Field

Friday/Saturday, April 3 & 4 | 12 p.m. & 8 a.m.
@ University of Nevada, Las Vegas
UNLV Elite

Friday/Saturday, April 17 & 18 | 12 p.m. & 8 a.m.
@ Azusa Pacific University
Bryan Clay Invitational

Friday/Saturday, May 1 & 2 | 12 p.m. & 8 a.m.
@ UC Irvine
Steve Scott Invitational

Nevada State University officially announced its athletics launch, naming Yvonne Wade as the program’s first athletic director. With extensive leadership experience in collegiate sports, Wade will oversee the development of new teams including women’s flag football and men’s track and field.

Nevada State University has appointed Yvonne Wade as its first athletic director as it prepares to launch women’s flag football and men’s track and field programs. Wade brings decades of experience from CSN and UNLV, and will officially begin her role on July 1.

The Las Vegas Raiders have pledged $100,000 to help Nevada State University establish the first collegiate women’s flag football program in Nevada. The donation supports NSU’s upcoming athletics launch.

In its 2025 State of the University address, Nevada State outlined ambitious goals, including new athletics programs backed by a student fee, infrastructure expansion, and strategic planning. President DeRionne Pollard emphasized the university’s growing role in the region’s academic and athletic development.

Nevada State University is requesting a $9-per-credit-hour student fee to launch an athletics department with initial sports programs in women’s flag football and men’s track and field, aiming to enhance student life and statewide sports development.