August 26, 1999 Missouri Valley Conference Expands in Soccer for Year 2000 ST. LOUIS -- Missouri Valley Conference presidents have approved a proposal to admit one affiliate member in women's soccer, Commissioner Doug Elgin has announced. Belmont joins the Missouri Valley for both men's and women's soccer as league affiliates and will begin league competition in 2000. Founded in 1907, the Missouri Valley Conference is the nation's second oldest athletic conference and the oldest west of the Mississippi River. Women's soccer became an official conference sport in 1996. Belmont joins the Missouri Valley for both men's and women's soccer as a league affiliate. Belmont currently competes as an independent in soccer and will compete during the 1999 season as such. The Bruins enter the 1999 campaign with new Head Coach Trish Hughes, previously the interim Head Coach at Auburn. Belmont ended a successful season in 1998 with a 15-3 record and returns 9 of 11 starters. Belmont University elevated its athletic program to NCAA Division 1 level in 1997. PREVIEW Missouri Valley Conference Women's Soccer Arkansas-Little Rock • Little Rock, Ark. Creighton • Omaha, Neb. Drury • Springfield, Mo. Evansville • Evansville, Ind. Illinois State • Nomal, Ill. Southwest Missouri State • Springfield, Mo. Belmont (2000) • Nashville, Tenn.