KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has proudly announced that the 2008 Women's Soccer National Championship will return to Daytona Beach, Fla. The event will be held at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University from December 1-6.

"The success of NAIA national championship events is dependent on great partnerships. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and Daytona have a tremendous track record as advocates and fans of the NAIA and are committed to the student-athlete experience," said NAIA President and CEO Jim Carr. "I look forward to the 2008 women's soccer event and thank Embry Riddle for carrying on the rich tradition of the NAIA."

"The NAIA is extremely excited to have the Women's Soccer National Championship returning to Daytona Beach. Embry-Riddle has proven to be a successful host and meets the expectations and standards of the NAIA," said Becki Almeida, NAIA Manager of Championship Sports. "I believe I can speak on behalf of the players, coaches and fans in saying that everyone involved will enjoy another successful tournament at Embry-Riddle in 2008."

The 25^th annual tournament returns to Daytona Beach for the second consecutive year.  Embry-Riddle also hosted the NAIA Men's Soccer National Championships in 2005 and 2006.

"We are excited about this great opportunity for Embry-Riddle and the Daytona Beach community to provide a once-in-a-lifetime, positive experience for all the student-athletes, coaches and fans of NAIA women's soccer once again. We are committed to running a first-class tournament at the highest level and putting on an event that everyone thoroughly enjoys" said Embry-Riddle Athletic Director Steve Ridder. "Our goal is to make this a special experience for all, especially for the student-athletes."

Women's soccer was added to the NAIA championship event program in 1984-85, as a four-team event, expanding to a six team event in 1990-91. In 1994-95, the championship event involved nine teams. The women's soccer championship became a 12-team event in 1996-97 and a 16-team event in 2000-01. Beginning with the 2003 Championship, the NAIA expanded to a 20-team, single elimination women's soccer national championship.

The national championship tournament will feature over 500 student-athletes and coaches from the United States and Canada. The fifth-seeded Martin Methodist (Tenn.) women's soccer team captured the program's second national title in three seasons with a 2-1 win over No. 3 Azusa Pacific this year.  To learn more about the NAIA visit www.naia.org.