Albany, Ga. – As freshmen move in for the start of the Fall 2025 semester, 24 Albany State University student-athletes are already ahead of the game thanks to their participation in the Summer Success Academy. This six-week residential learning experience gives incoming students an academic and campus-life jump start.
For the first time since the program's inception, ASU Athletics had representation across three sports: football, volleyball, and women's basketball. This year's group of Golden Rams set the bar high, earning an impressive average GPA of 3.4, with six student-athletes achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA.
The Summer Success Academy allows incoming freshmen to complete 6–7 credit hours before their first full semester, helping them acclimate to college-level academics and campus life. Working closely with expert faculty and supported by peer advisors, learning specialists, and tutors, participants engage in a community of learners within and beyond the classroom. They leave the program prepared to navigate their first year with confidence.
"One of the best developments in Summer Success Academy has been adding student-athletes. They arrive early, adjust quickly, balance workouts with classes, and, most impressively, excel academically. They work hard, lead by example, and have become one of our greatest resources. We're excited to expand this partnership." – Dr. Kimberly Burgess, Executive Director of Student Success
"SSA helped me get comfortable with college before the season starts. I learned how to manage my time effectively, utilize campus resources, and establish connections with my professors. Knowing I can succeed in the classroom gives me confidence for the year ahead." – Braylon Jakes, football
"The program made a huge difference for me. I built friendships, learned how to study more effectively, and got ahead in my classes. It feels good to know I'm starting my first season already on the right track academically." – Zora Jackson, women's basketball
"This record participation from our student-athletes is a testament to their commitment to both academic and athletic success," said Kristene Kelly, Director of Athletics. "It also reflects the strong partnership between Athletics and the Office of Student Success in helping our students thrive from day one."
Twenty-four Golden Rams proudly represented their sports in the program, each gaining a valuable academic and personal head start before officially beginning their collegiate careers at ASU this fall.
Stay Connected
For complete coverage of ASU Athletics, follow us on social media @asugoldenrams (Instagram), @ASUGoldenRams (Twitter), ASU Rams Nation (Facebook), or visit the official home of the Golden Rams at
www.asugoldenrams.com.
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 11 sports: women's volleyball, women's tennis, women's cross country, men's and women's basketball, softball, men's and women's track and field, women's soccer, baseball, and football with all teams compete in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), except women's soccer, which participates in the Peach Belt Conference.
