Albany State Athletics Announces Strategic Realignment
ALBANY, Ga., May 27, 2026 — Albany State University Athletics has announced a strategic realignment of its sport
sponsorship structure, following approval from the University System of Georgia.
The realignment includes the discontinuation of the women's soccer program and the
addition of men's and women's indoor track and field, effective for the 2026–27 academic
year.
Following a comprehensive review of Albany State's athletics offerings, the realignment
was developed with consideration given to conference membership, resource optimization,
and long-term sustainability. The changes are designed to strengthen the department's
structure and better position Albany State Athletics for continued growth and competitive
success.
"This decision reflects our commitment to aligning resources in a way that best supports
the long-term success of our student-athletes and the continued growth of Albany State
University," said university president, Dr. Robert Scott. "While these decisions are
never easy, they are necessary to ensure we are positioned to compete and thrive in
an evolving collegiate athletics landscape."
"This was a difficult but necessary decision as we continue to align our programs
and move the department forward," Dr. Kristene Kelly, Director of Athletics, remarked. "Our priority now is supporting our women's soccer
student-athletes through this transition while continuing to build a stronger foundation
for sustained success."
With this realignment, Albany State will sponsor 12 varsity programs beginning in
2026–27, including five men's programs and seven women's programs, all competing as
members of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC).
Men's sports will include baseball, basketball, football, and indoor and outdoor track
and field.
Women's sports will include cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field, basketball,
volleyball, softball, and tennis.
Albany State Athletics will work directly with women's soccer student-athletes to
provide support and guidance throughout this transition, including academic continuity,
compliance support, and information regarding available NCAA and institutional options.
ASU Athletics Strategic Realignment – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is now the right time to make this decision?
A: This decision reflects an evaluation of our sport sponsorship and a strategic realignment
to better position Albany State Athletics for long-term success. As collegiate athletics
continues to evolve, it is important that our programs align with conference structure,
participation opportunities, and sustainable growth.
Q: What decision was made?
A: Albany State Athletics will discontinue women's soccer and add men's and women's
indoor track and field beginning in 2026–27.
Q: Why women's soccer specifically?
A: Women's soccer presented alignment challenges related to conference affiliation,
scheduling, and long-term sustainability within the department's current structure.
Q: Why add indoor track and field?
A: Adding men's and women's indoor track and field increases participation opportunities,
aligns with our existing outdoor track programs, and strengthens the overall competitive
structure of the department.
Q: When does this take effect?
A: The change will take effect beginning with the 2026–27 academic year.
Q: Will Albany State honor existing scholarships?
A: Yes. Scholarship support for affected women's soccer student-athletes who choose
to remain enrolled at Albany State University will be honored through the 2026–27
academic year, in accordance with applicable NCAA, USG, and institutional guidelines.
Q: Will student-athletes be supported if they choose to transfer?
A: Yes. Albany State Athletics will support student-athletes through the NCAA transfer
process and provide guidance on available options.
Q: Were other sports considered?
A: Yes. All programs were evaluated as part of this process. This decision reflects
what we believe is the best path forward to align resources and strengthen the overall
athletics portfolio.
Q: Is this decision financially driven?
A: This decision reflects strategic alignment, including responsible resource management
and long-term sustainability.
Q: Does this impact conference affiliation or NCAA requirements?
A: No. Albany State will continue to meet conference and NCAA sport sponsorship requirements
and will remain a full member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
(SIAC).
Q: What support is available to affected student-athletes?
A: Albany State Athletics is committed to supporting student-athletes academically,
athletically, and personally throughout this transition. Individual meetings and resources
will be provided to ensure each student-athlete has the information and support needed
moving forward.
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ABOUT ALBANY STATE ATHLETICS
Albany State University is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division
II-level intercollegiate athletic program. The university currently fields teams in
12 sports: women's volleyball, women's tennis, women's cross country, men's and women's
basketball, softball, men's and women's indoor and outdoor track and field, baseball,
and football, with all teams competing in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
(SIAC), except women's soccer.