The Great Southwest Athletic Conference is one of the premier conferences in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. Established in 1986 as the Golden State Athletic Conference, the league was formed by like-minded Christian institutions committed to providing highly competitive intercollegiate athletics while emphasizing academic achievement, character development, leadership and service.

The conference began with six institutions in California and quickly developed a national reputation for athletic success. Throughout its history, GSAC teams have consistently competed for conference, regional and national honors, while conference student-athletes have earned recognition as national champions, All-Americans, Scholar-Athletes and national award recipients.

As its membership evolved, the conference expanded beyond its California roots and developed a growing presence in Arizona. On July 2, 2024, the league entered a new era by changing its name from the Golden State Athletic Conference to the Great Southwest Athletic Conference. The change reflected the conference's broader geographic footprint while preserving the GSAC identity that had represented excellence in the NAIA for nearly four decades.

The conference continued its regional growth with the additions of La Sierra University and Soka University of America in 2025, followed by Nevada State University in 2026. Today, the GSAC consists of 11 full-time member institutions across Arizona, California and Nevada, with the conference office located in Aliso Viejo, California.

GSAC member institutions have combined to win 55 NAIA team national championships, establishing a championship tradition that spans generations of teams, student-athletes and coaches. The conference remains committed to providing meaningful regular-season and postseason competition while preparing student-athletes for success during their collegiate careers and beyond.