Hello Golden Ram Nation!
As I enter my third year as Director of Athletics at Albany State University, I am filled with gratitude, pride, and even greater anticipation for what’s ahead. The energy around Golden Rams Athletics is stronger than ever, and I couldn’t be more excited to kick off the new fall season with you, our dedicated fans and supporters.
The 2024-25 academic year was a powerful testament to our commitment to excellence. We proudly celebrated two Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Championships in women’s cross country and baseball, continuing our tradition of competitive success. But our achievements didn’t stop there. Our student-athletes shone just as brightly in the classroom, with over 100 earning a 3.0 GPA or higher, and 79 named to the SIAC All-Academic Team — an incredible reflection of the balance we strive for in developing well-rounded, successful individuals
NEW BEGINNINGS
Last year's accomplishments have set the stage for an exciting 2025-2026 season. We began the year with new staff, coaches, and partnerships, bringing many fresh faces and promotions to the Department of Athletics.
Titania Lester has been promoted to Head Athletic Trainer, and Al McKendrick has taken on the role of Assistant Director of Athletics for Business Operations. Verniece Graham has been appointed as Senior Woman Administrator. Carlton Clarke was hired as the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for all 11 sports programs, as well as cheerleading. Terica Peay joined us as the Assistant Director of Athletics for Strategic Communications and Marketing, while Marcus Kendrick will serve as the Assistant Director of Athletics of Compliance and Student-Athlete Success. Newly enshrined Hall of Famer, Robert Skinner (former Women's Basketball Head Coach), stepped into his new role as Associate Director of Athletics for Facilities, Operations, and Community Engagement.
Coach Gray, our Head Football Coach, has expanded his staff by adding two new Assistant Coaches, a Graduate Assistant, and a Director of Football Operations. We welcome Damon Frenchers, Ryan Petrasek, Justin McDowell, and Nescotia Harrison to the RAMily. Additionally, Nick Sewak has been promoted to Associate Head Football Coach. Coach Bryant, our Head Softball Coach, added two new coaches in Meegan Brown (volunteer) and Jeff Ellis, who will also serve as Academic Coordinator.
Adrian White has been named Associate Men's Basketball Coach, and Todd Triplet will now serve as the Interim Head Coach for the Women's Basketball Team.
Along with the excitement of new staff additions, we have also begun a partnership with Eggs Up Grill as the sponsor for the Student-Athletes of the Week Award.
Facility Updates
More than $2 million has been secured in external funding for updates, which include the following:
- Upgrades to the ASU Coliseum
- New blue turf installation
- New lockers, wall wraps, and carpet in the football gameday locker room
- New equipment and furniture updates in Sanford Hall, along with brand enhancements
- New pool surface for the East Campus Aquatics Center
- New and improved Volleyball Locker room
- Athletic Training Room upgrades
- New West Campus Softball field scoreboard
- New LED light installation in both the West Campus Arena and HPER Complex
- HPER and West Campus Arena Scoreboard Upgrades (In Progress)
- Baseball and Softball field improvements (In Progress)
How We Finished the 2024-2025 Season:
- Fall
- Football- Finished 3rd
- Volleyball- SIAC 2024 Championship Runner-up/ Eastern Division Champions
- Women's Cross Country- 2024 SIAC Women's Cross Country Champions
- Soccer- Finished 10th in PBC
- Winter
- Men's Basketball - Finished 3rd in Eastern Division/ 5th Overall
- Women's Basketball- Finished 7th in Eastern Division
- Spring
- Women's Tennis- 2025 SIAC Women's Tennis Championship Runner-Up
- Women's Track & Field- 2025 SIAC Championship Runner-Up
- Men's Track & Field- Finished 3rd
- Softball- Finished 2nd in the Eastern Division/ 3rd Overall
- Baseball- 2025 SIAC Baseball Champions
East Campus (504 College Drive, Albany, GA 31705)
- Football
- Women’s Cross Country
- Men’s & Women’s Outdoor Track & Field
- Volleyball
- Cheerleading
- Men's Basketball (Spring Semester)
- Women's Basketball (Spring Semester)
West Campus (2400 Gillionville Road, Albany, GA 31707)
- Men’s Basketball (Fall Semester)
- Women’s Basketball (Fall Semester)
- Softball
- Baseball
- Women’s Tennis
- Women’s Soccer
Thank you for your tremendous support. Be safe and look forward to seeing you on campus.
Go Golden Rams!
Dr. Kristene Kelly
Director of Athletics
#CreatingLegacies
