Photo Courtesy of St. Ambrose University Athletics.
Athletics at SAU will look a little different next year following an announcement from the athletic department stating that all sports will now be competing in The Heart of America Athletic Conference starting next fall for the 2026-2027 season.
The Commissioner of The Heart of America Athletic Conference, Nik Rule, says he is confident in the Fighting Bee’s ability to compete in The Heart, “St. Ambrose University is not simply joining our conference, they are strengthening the future of The Heart, St. Ambrose brings institutional strength, high expectations, and a clear vision for growth.”
This decision marks the beginning of a new era for Ambrose student athletes, coaches, and fans. This move is bringing new competition, opportunities, and a new start for SAU athletics.
SAU President, Dr. Amy Novak expressed this excitement for the school in a campus wide email, “Joining The Heart of America Conference marks an exciting new chapter for St. Ambrose University,” she says, “This movement strengthens our future while honoring the faith-inspired spirit and mission that define the Fighting Bees!”
Years in the Making
This transition may seem sudden to some student athletes but to coaches and faculty this announcement did not come as a surprise. Many coaches were prepared for this switch, coaches like head women’s soccer coach Jon Mannall.
“It’s been talked about for quite a long time… I think it’s a great next step for Ambrose athletics,” says Coach Mannall, “I think we align much better than we did with those in the Chicagoland Conference.”
The women’s soccer team has had great success in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference, also known as the CCAC, winning 3 consecutive conference titles as well as making it to the national NAIA tournament numerous times.
Excitement and Uncertainty
Student athletes on the women’s soccer team are excited about this change, but that excitement also comes with some uncertainty.
McKenna Shilevinatz will be a senior on the SAU women’s soccer team next fall and was recently announced as a captain for the upcoming season. This switch has left her with some unknowns about how next season will look for her and her team.
“I think the level of competition will be much higher, which is exciting because that pushes us to be better,” says McKenna, “In the past, we knew what to expect from the teams we were going to play; this year it will feel like we’re going in blind. That aspect makes me a little nervous, but I know we can compete in every game and I’m excited to see what we can accomplish.”
Coach Mannall says he understands the anxiety that comes with the new change for his athletes, but he has no doubt in his player’s ability. “I’m full of excitement for it. New teams, new opportunities, new rivalries… I understand there’ll be some anxiety in the group, but my players always respond to challenges and that’s why we have the success that we do.” says Coach Mannall, “For me as a coach, it’s a new venture, new challenge, and I’m really excited.”
Playing new teams isn’t the only change that will come along with this new conference. Travel requirements will be changing quite drastically resulting in more overnight trips and playing in places athletes have never been before.
“I’m looking forward to playing in a new conference but I’m concerned about how the travel is going to affect both how we play at away games as well as keeping up with school and classes,” adds junior softball player Kylee Claypool, “I’m a nursing student and I have classes and clinical that I cannot miss and with more overnight trips it’s going to be hard figuring out how to balance it all.”
This transition won’t be new to all Ambrose teams, as some have already been competing in The Heart Conference. The Fighting Bees football team started competing in The Heart of America Conference in the 2024-2025 season.
“For us, the switch to The Heart was very positive,” says senior football quarterback Caleb Sawnson, “It felt like a fresh start for the team, a chance to change the narrative of the team. It was a good restart for our team that allowed us to compete more confidently.”
While this is a significant change for Ambrose athletics, the Fighting Bees’ dedication to competitive excellence is still the priority, with the hope that this transition pushes all teams to a higher standard of competition, dedication, discipline, and community. SAU Athletics hopes entering The Heart of America Conference will not only benefit our current student athletes, but set up Ambrose athletics for a brighter and more successful future.
