ALBANY, Ga. — After capturing back-to-back conference championships and continuing to establish themselves as one of the premier programs in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), the Albany State Athletics Women's Cross-Country team is preparing for another exciting season under newly promoted head coach
Robert Smith.
Coming off a historic championship campaign, the Lady Golden Rams enter the 2026 season with momentum, experience, and high expectations as they look to continue building upon the program's winning tradition.
Smith, who guided Albany State to consecutive SIAC Championships while earning back-to-back SIAC Women's Cross- Country Coach of the Year honors, now officially takes the reins of the program after playing a major role in the team's recent success. His leadership, energy, and commitment to developing student-athletes have helped create a championship culture that continues to elevate the Lady Golden Rams on the conference and regional levels.
The 2026 schedule features a competitive lineup of meets that will challenge Albany State against strong regional competition while preparing the team for another postseason run.
The season opens on Friday, September 4, as the Lady Golden Rams travel to Valdosta to compete in the VSU Border Clash. Albany State will then head to Oakwood for the UNG XC Invite on September 11 before returning home to host the Willie Laster Invite on September 18 in Albany.
The Lady Golden Rams will continue their challenging stretch with appearances at the FSU XC Invite in Tallahassee on September 25 and the Georgia Tech XC Invite in Atlanta on October 2. Albany State will then compete in the Warhawk Invite in Oakwood on October 8 before turning its full attention toward postseason competition.
The SIAC Championship meet will once again serve as one of the season's premier events as Albany State looks to defend its conference crown and continue its championship streak. The Lady Golden Rams will also have their sights set on the NCAA Regional Championships scheduled for Saturday, November 21.
With a strong returning core from last year's championship roster, Albany State enters the season with both confidence and motivation. The Lady Golden Rams are expected to return eight runners from last year's squad, providing valuable experience and leadership as the program continues its pursuit of excellence.
Coach Smith believes the foundation already established within the program will continue to drive the team forward.
2026 Women's Cross-Country schedule:
| Team Schedule |
| Meet |
Date (s) |
Location |
| VSU Border Clash |
Friday, September 4, 2026 |
Valdosta, GA. |
| UNG XC Invite |
Friday, September 11, 2026 |
Oakwood, GA. |
| Willie Laster Invite |
Friday, September 18, 2026 |
Albany, Ga. |
| FSU XC Invite |
Friday, September 25, 2026 |
Tallahassee, FL. |
| GA Tech XC Invite |
Friday, October 2, 2026 |
Atlanta, GA. |
| Warhawk Invite |
Thursday, October 8, 2026 |
Oakwood, AL. |
| SIAC Championship |
TBD |
Macon, Ga. |
| Regional Championship |
Saturday, November 21, 2026 |
NCAA Regionals |
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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).
