INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - After competing as independent this past season, the Oklahoma Christian women's bowling program will join the Great Lakes Valley Conference as an associate member beginning with the upcoming 2024-25 season, the league announced Thursday.

The Eagles, who became OC's 16th NCAA-sanctioned program in June of 2023, will compete alongside seven other institutions in the league, including full-time members University of Indianapolis, Lewis University, Maryville University, McKendree University, and Quincy University, as well as associate members University of Central Missouri and Newman University.

"It is an honor for Oklahoma Christian to be able to join the GLVC as an associate member in women's bowling," Athletics Director David Lynn said. "We look forward to developing productive relationships both on and off the lanes with all of the GLVC schools."

Oklahoma Christian competed in 12 events during the 2023-24 campaign, going 56-47 in NCAA competition and placing in the top five three times, including a runner-up showing at the Ebonite Valpo Bowling Classic. Heading the program in their first year of NCAA competition is head coach James Hayes, who began the program at the club level in 2018.

"We are excited and grateful for the opportunity to join the GLVC and compete against a very talented field," Hayes said. "The GLVC has established itself as one of the top women's bowling conferences in the NCAA and we look forward to building lasting relationships with all the teams."

After closing the season with a No. 24 NCAA RPI ranking, OC's GLVC affiliation comes with three other Top-25 RPI teams in Maryville (eighth), Newman (16th) and McKendree (25th). Additionally, those teams were ranked in last season's final National Tenpin Coaches Association poll at eighth, 13th and third, respectively.

"[Joining the GLVC] allows our ladies a chance to compete for a conference championship as well as an automatic berth to the NCAA postseason," Hayes said. "We would like to thank the OC leadership team and the GLVC conference for making all of this possible for our student-athletes. See you on the lanes."

The women's bowling program will maintain their United States Bowling Congress Collegiate membership, allowing them two opportunities for postseason berths through the NCAA and the USBC.