“We are truly excited to welcome Valparaiso University to our Missouri Valley Conference family,” said MVC Commissioner Doug Elgin. “Valpo brings a combination of strong athletics tradition and academic excellence, and will be a great fit competing in our league.”

“This is an exciting time for Valparaiso University and our athletics programs,” said Mark A. Heckler, Ph.D., president. “We are fortunate to join the historic, tradition-rich Missouri Valley Conference. Membership in the Valley will increase the national profile of our institution and our athletics program, and we will undoubtedly contribute to the strength and character of the conference.”

President Dan Bradley, Chair of the MVC Presidents Council, adds: “Valparaiso University has very high academic standards, and will be a wonderful addition to the league. Valpo also has a strong, recognized athletics brand, and many Missouri Valley members are excited at the opportunity to renew old rivalries.”

“The opportunity to become a part of the Missouri Valley Conference is both exciting and humbling,” said Valparaiso Director of Athletics Mark LaBarbera. They stayed in the remained Summit League through 2006-07, then jumped to the Horizon League. The Valley is one of the nation’s most historic athletic conferences, and we look forward to actively engaging with its outstanding member institutions and Valley leadership to strengthen both the conference and Valpo Athletics.”

Since the start of the 2011–2012 season, the Crusaders have made 11 NCAA Tournament appearances — three in softball; two each in baseball, men’s basketball, and men’s tennis; and one apiece in women’s soccer and men’s golf.
The Missouri Valley Conference officially announces that Valparaiso University will join the conference on July 1. The Crusaders will move from the Horizon League to replace the Wichita State Shockers, departing for the American Athletic Conference on the same date.