The Lions compete as members of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) for all 10 varsity sports.

In the fall of 2009, UAFS formally entered provisional NCAA Division II status.

[3] Previously, the university competed in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), specifically at the Bi-State Conference of Region II.

University officials cited reduced travel times and better potential for rivalries as reasons for the move.

The volleyball program also holds the distinction of being named an NJCAA Academic All-American Team seven years in a row (1999–2005).