ALBANY, Ga. – 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.