The Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) is one of the most unique and successful conferences in the country. The GSAC is affiliated with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), the nation's first collegiate athletic association to offer national championships.

Established in 1986 by like-minded institutions, the GSAC members are all church-related Christian colleges. They are purposely aligned to be similar in enrollment, academics, athletics and student life. The GSAC uniquely links sport sponsorship to enrollment and adjusts athletic scholarships and financial aid to the cost of education at each institution, thereby maintaining a constant ratio for all members.

Current members are Azusa Pacific University, Biola University, California Baptist University, Concordia University, Fresno Pacific University, Point Loma Nazarene University, Vanguard University and Westmont College. Two new members, Christian Heritage College and Hope International University, joined the GSAC in the fall of 1999. Then The Master's College joined in the fall of 2001.

Conference members have won 23 national championships and individual athletes from eight schools have won individual NAIA titles. GSAC schools consistently have teams ranked in the NAIA's Top 20 in all sports, and compete regularly for regional and national honors. In addition, numerous GSAC schools have hosted NAIA national championships, giving the conference great exposure and the chance to showcase their beautiful locations, from the central and southern California coasts to the central California Valley.