In January, UTA announced a new era of Maverick Athletics by officially accepting an invitation to join the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). The move took place July 1, making UTA the 15th member of the WAC and the eighth school based in Texas during the 2022-23 academic year.
“We are thrilled to join the Western Athletic Conference and help bolster a league that shares a similar strategic vision, is in the best interest of our student-athletes, and enhances the University’s profile,” says Jim Baker, UTA’s director of athletics. “The WAC’s short and long-term objectives, goals, and overall mission run parallel to UTA’s, and we envision this move being advantageous for all parties.”
The WAC was formed in 1962 and currently comprises 13 member institutions. Incarnate Word and Southern Utah joined the league along with UTA on July 1.
“We are extremely excited to welcome The University of Texas at Arlington to the Western Athletic Conference,” says WAC Commissioner Brian Thornton. “UTA brings a stellar academic reputation and commitment to excelling athletically. Our Board of Directors was extremely impressed with UTA’s focus on the total student-athlete experience while preparing them for life beyond their time on campus. UTA will be a great addition to the league.”
