The American Southwest Conference was formed in 1995. The NCAA Division III-affiliated ASC is comprised of 15 institutions throughout Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. ASC institutions provide student-athletes throughout the region with the opportunity to compete at the highest level of Division III athletics while also giving these students the opportunity to earn an education in a challenging academic setting. The ASC sponsors eight men's and eight women's sports, with competition for both men and women in cross country, soccer, basketball, track and field, tennis and golf. Additionally, the conference sponsors football, women's volleyball, baseball and softball.