OVERLAND PARK, KS. (May 6, 2026) — The Heart of America Athletic Conference today announced a conference-wide partnership with GoRout, naming the company the exclusive provider of in-game wearable communication technology for football, baseball, and softball beginning with the 2026 season.

GoRout has served as the official coach-to-player communication provider of the NAIA since 2024, supporting institutions nationwide with wearable-based play-calling solutions.

Through this agreement, all Heart member institutions will gain access to GoRout’s technology at preferred conference pricing, enabling a unified transition to wearable communication across all three sports.

The partnership aligns with the NAIA’s recent football rule change designating wearable technology as the primary method for in-game communication. Wearable communication has also been approved for NAIA baseball and softball for the past three seasons. By adopting a conference-wide solution, the Heart aims to ensure competitive equity, operational efficiency, and accessibility for all member programs.

“The most important piece of this for us was finding a partner we could trust to deliver for our institutions, especially as the association evolves and our ability to access technology is enhanced,” said Heart of America Athletic Conference Commissioner Nik Rule. “Throughout this process, GoRout has demonstrated a level of responsiveness, collaboration, and commitment that reflects what a true partnership should look like. We’ve felt that every step of the way, and we’re proud to have them on our team.”

Unlike traditional in-helmet audio systems, GoRout’s football wearable technology eliminates the need for additional sideline personnel and avoids modifications to player equipment, reducing both operational complexity and safety concerns. Across baseball and softball, the system streamlines communication while eliminating sign stealing, allowing teams to operate with greater tempo and clarity.

Built by coaches, for coaches, GoRout delivers a streamlined communication platform designed to improve execution on game day. As part of the agreement, Heart of America programs will receive:

• 24/7 customer support
• Lifetime replacement warranty on player devices
• Secure, encrypted communication network
• Ongoing software updates driven by coach feedback

“The Heart of America Conference is setting the standard for how leagues can proactively support their member institutions,” said Drew Robinson, Chief Strategy Officer at GoRout. “As the NAIA’s official communication partner, we’re focused on making this transition seamless—delivering a solution that’s efficient, reliable, and accessible for every program across all three sports.”

Beyond game day, GoRout continues to expand its impact across multiple sports. GoRout Scout, the company’s football practice solution, enables teams to script, install, and execute practices with the same speed and efficiency experienced on game day.

More than 4,000 teams nationwide currently utilize GoRout technology across football, baseball, and softball, making it one of the fastest-growing communication platforms in amateur athletics.

About the Heart of America Athletic Conference
The Heart of America Athletic Conference—commonly known as The Heart—is one of the most respected and innovative conferences in small college athletics. Founded in 1971, The Heart is a proud member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and is home to 16 full member institutions across the Midwest. Its members represent a dynamic mix of public and private universities united by a commitment to academic excellence, competitive athletics, and character-driven development.

About GoRout
GoRout is the official coach-to-player communication provider of the NAIA and a leading provider of wearable communication systems for football, baseball, and softball. Through solutions like GoRout Gridiron, GoRout Diamond and GoRout Scout, the company helps teams communicate faster, operate more efficiently, and perform at a higher level. In 2026, GoRout was named one of Fast Company’s Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Sports, further solidifying its position as a leader in modernizing game communication. Trusted by more than 4,000 teams nationwide, GoRout continues to transform the way coaches and players connect.