Campbell will leave the Atlantic Sun Conference for the Big South, earning full membership July 1, 2011. The Camels will continue to compete in the Atlantic Sun during the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons. Campbell was a founding member of the Big South.

The Big South sponsors 17 of the 20 varsity sports at Campbell (men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s tennis, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track and field, baseball, softball, and volleyball). The Camels’ football team will continue to compete in the Pioneer League, while women’s swimming will remain in the Coastal Collegiate Swimming Association. The wrestling team will compete independently.

The North Carolina institution was a member of the Big South from 1983-94, earning conference championships in several sports, including men’s basketball, men’s and women’s soccer, and baseball. The school won three Commissioner’s Cup awards and produced 21 conference coach of the year honorees.

“We are excited about Campbell’s return to the Big South Conference,” said Campbell President Jerry M. Wallace. “The Big South’s membership is located in an area where most Campbell students, alumni and major supporters reside. We will feel at home with the excellent and well-recognized universities of the Big South and look forward to the rivalries we will share.” 

Big South Commissioner Kyle Kallander noted that the founding school announced its intention to return in the conference’s silver anniversary year.

“The Big South is proud of its history and heritage, which includes many outstanding performances by Campbell student-athletes and coaches,” Kallander said. “The Big South Conference counts amongst its core values excellence in academics and athletics, leadership, integrity, diversity and fiscal responsibility. The addition of Campbell University reflects those values and many more. Campbell will be an integral part of the Big South’s efforts in developing leaders through athletics, and we are so pleased to have them back in the family.”