LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Wednesday isn't just the start of a new conference affiliation.
It's the beginning of a new challenge.
As Little Rock officially joins the United Athletic Conference on July 1, excitement is evident throughout the Trojan athletic department. Coaches see the move as an opportunity to elevate their programs, strengthen recruiting, create new rivalries and compete against some of the nation's top mid-major programs.
The message throughout the department is consistent.
Bring it on.
"We want to play the best competition we can," women's basketball head coach Steve Wiedower said. "Playing in a conference with a little higher RPI ranking is going to make us even better when March gets here."
That competitive mindset is shared across every corner of the department.
For first-year men's basketball head coach Travis Ford, the UAC was one of the factors that made Little Rock such an attractive destination.
"One thing that got me really excited was being a part of something new," Ford said. "Being part of something that's really taking a step forward, especially for a basketball league. The UAC could be an incredible athletic conference. It's bringing together a lot of really strong basketball programs. That's something you don't get to be a part of very often.
"I think it's really thrilling and exciting, and a league our fans are going to really enjoy being a part of."
Ford believes the conference has all the ingredients to become one of the nation's premier mid-major basketball leagues.
"I think every team that's joining the UAC is taking a step up," Ford said. "This is going to be a really strong mid-major basketball league. It includes schools with tradition, schools that have won, a lot of really good coaches and a lot of talented basketball players."
Baseball head coach Chris Curry sees similar potential.
Fresh off the greatest season in program history—one that included a second straight NCAA Regional appearance, a Hattiesburg Regional championship and the program's first NCAA Super Regional—Curry believes the Trojans are entering the UAC at exactly the right time.
"I think it's a great move," Curry said. "I think it's very forward thinking by Frank and Chancellor Drale. We are dead in the center of the conference, so either side you go, the drive is about the same for us. With a third of our team being from Texas, that will increase even more.
"It could be a two-bid league, so that's a good thing, and I think we're prepared for it."
The move also expands Little Rock's visibility in one of its most important recruiting territories.
Soccer head coach Kelly Farrell believes that could pay immediate dividends.
"I think now it's nice to be able to say, 'Hey, we're probably guaranteeing you two games back in the state of Texas,'" Farrell said. "I think our Texans will enjoy the opportunity to play in front of a home crowd and show that Texas pride."
But recruiting is only part of the appeal. Farrell has no intention of easing into the new conference.
"My expectation is that we're going to come in and compete for a UAC championship," she said.
That confidence reflects where Little Rock Athletics stands entering this new era.
The Trojans arrive in the UAC after one of the most successful years in department history. Baseball advanced to the NCAA Super Regional for the first time ever. Men's golf and women's golf captured conference championships. New leadership has energized men's basketball and volleyball, while several programs continue building championship expectations.
For Curry, the conference move only adds to that momentum.
"I think the energy and excitement around the program is at such a fever pitch, at an all-time high, that the timing could not be better," Curry said. "People want to be a part of it."
The United Athletic Conference also represents more than new opponents. Through its strategic alliance with the Atlantic Sun Conference, the league is positioned to create innovative scheduling opportunities, operational efficiencies and long-term growth while maintaining independent conference identities and NCAA postseason access.
For Little Rock, the move represents another step forward in the department's continued rise.
Wednesday, the Trojans officially become members of the United Athletic Conference, and the pursuit of championships begins.
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