In 2021, the North Alabama Lions began their first season in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), a Division I conference. This marked a new era for UNA athletics, as the school joined a new conference and competed at the highest level of collegiate sports.

During the 2021 season, the Lions competed in football, men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, men’s and women’s cross country, and men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track and field. UNA faced tough competition in the WAC, which includes teams from across the western United States and as far away as Texas and California.

Despite the challenges of joining a new conference and facing unfamiliar opponents, the Lions had several notable successes during the 2021 season. The men’s cross country team finished in second place at the WAC Championship meet, while the women’s team finished in third. The men’s indoor track and field team also had a strong showing, finishing in fourth place at the WAC Championship meet.

In football, the Lions finished the season with a record of 3-7 overall and 2-4 in conference play. While the team struggled in its first year in the WAC, they showed signs of promise and competitiveness in several games, including a close loss to eventual conference champion Sam Houston State.

Overall, UNA’s first season in the WAC was a learning experience and a chance for the Lions to establish themselves in a new conference. As the school continues to build its Division I athletics program, the Lions will look to compete at the highest level and achieve success in the WAC and beyond.