PENSACOLA BEACH, Fla. — The Gulf South Conference held its annual Spring Meetings at the Hilton Pensacola Beach Resort, May 27-30, bringing together the conference’s Presidents, Chancellors, and athletic administrators—Athletics Directors, Senior Woman Administrators (SWA), Faculty Athletic Representatives (FAR), and Compliance Directors.
The week of meetings covered a range of topics from administrative and sport committee proposals, new policies and more. Meetings concluded with the GSC Board of Directors acting on an array of items, including tournament format changes for baseball and basketball.
The Board approved to adopt an eight-team bracket for the GSC Baseball Championship, which will feature two single-elimination first round games with the winners advancing into a six-team double elimination bracket.
Following an in-depth discussion, the Board agreed to transition the semifinals and championship game of the GSC men’s and women’s basketball tournaments to campus sites. The quarterfinal round contests will continue to be hosted by the respective top four seeds of each tournament, with advancing teams being hosted by the highest remaining seed during each of the final two rounds. The Board of Directors recognized Samford’s support and partnership as the Pete Hanna Center was the home of the GSC Basketball Championships for 11 seasons, dating back to 2014.
The GSC Board of Directors also permitted the use of video replay for baseball, softball and volleyball and adopted new video replay policies. Implementation by members will be a two-year process, where the policy is permissive for the 2025-26 season and fully adopted by all institutions by 2026-27. Upon full implementation, each sport will have specific minimum requirements regarding technology and execution, and officials will have a limited scope of reviewable plays.
During its conversation, the GSC Board of Directors dedicated significant time to a robust conversation about the future of the NCAA and Division II. The Board is committed to advocating for a Division II model that focuses on the educational side of college athletics in a way that the commercial side does not threaten future opportunities.
In addition, Auburn Montgomery’s Dr. Carl Stockton was confirmed as the GSC Board of Directors and Executive Committee Vice President effective immediately. He will support current President Dr. Richard Carvajal from Valdosta State through the 2025-26 season before evaluating to the President role prior to the 2026-27 academic year. His appointment will also have him serve as the chair for the GSC Finance Committee after completing a two-year term as a member.
About Gulf South Conference
The Gulf South Conference is a charter member of NCAA Division II based in Birmingham, Ala. Formed in 1970, the GSC has established a tradition of excellence and leadership in the Division II landscape, celebrating over 50 national titles and more than 160 region championships. Beginning in the 2024-25 academic year, the GSC is comprised of 12 member institutions—Alabama Huntsville, Auburn Montgomery, Christian Brothers, Delta State, Lee, Mississippi College, Montevallo, Trevecca Nazarene, Union (Tenn.), Valdosta State, West Alabama and West Florida. The GSC annually sponsors 19 sports and hosts 18 championship events. Follow the GSC on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter/X.