Albany State is dropping a sport while adding two others.
It was a decision school officials said was necessary as part of what was described as “strategic realignment.”
The university announced this week that it will discontinue its women’s soccer program while adding men’s and women’s indoor track and field, beginning with the 2026–27 academic year, according to a statement on the school’s athletic website.
After conducting a comprehensive review of its sports offerings, Albany State leadership determined that changes were necessary to better align with conference structure, resource allocation, and the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics.
Women’s soccer has competed in the 11-team Martinez, Georgia-based Peach Belt Conference. The Golden Rams finished 0-9-1 in league play and 3-12-1 overall during the 2025 season.
“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 ASU President Robert Scott in a statement.
“While these decisions are never easy, they are necessary to ensure we are positioned to compete and thrive in an evolving collegiate athletics landscape.”
Athletic director Kristene Kelly acknowledged the emotional weight of the move, particularly for those directly impacted.
“This was a difficult but necessary decision as we continue to align our programs and move the department forward,” Kelly said. “Our priority now is supporting our women’s soccer student-athletes through this transition while continuing to build a stronger foundation for sustained success.”
When will the changes at Albany State take place?
Photo: Albany State AthleticsUniversity officials emphasized that the timing of the decision comes after a broader evaluation of how Albany State can best sustain and grow its athletics programs.
“This decision reflects an evaluation of our sport sponsorship and a strategic realignment to better position Albany State athletics for long-term success,” the department noted. “As collegiate athletics continues to evolve, it is important that our programs align with conference structure, participation opportunities, and sustainable growth.”
Starting in 2026–27, Albany State will sponsor 12 varsity sports—five men’s and seven women’s programs—all competing in the SIAC. The addition of indoor track and field is expected to strengthen an area where the program already has a foundation.
“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,” the university stated.
Meanwhile, officials cited ongoing challenges in women’s soccer as a key factor in its discontinuation.
“Women’s soccer presented alignment challenges related to conference affiliation, scheduling, and long-term sustainability within the department’s current structure,” according to the university.
Despite the change, Albany State is making it clear that current student-athletes will not be left without support. The university confirmed that scholarships will be honored for those who choose to remain enrolled through the 2026–27 academic year.
Albany State says it will support women’s soccer players
Albany State will also assist players who decide to explore opportunities elsewhere.
“Albany State Athletics will support student-athletes through the NCAA transfer process and provide guidance on available options,” the department said, adding that academic support and individualized resources will also be available during the transition.
Officials also stressed that this move is not about stepping away from conference or NCAA commitments.
“Albany State will continue to meet conference and NCAA sport sponsorship requirements and will remain a full member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference,” the university confirmed.
In the bigger picture, Albany State sees this as a necessary step toward building a more sustainable and competitive athletics model.
“This decision reflects strategic alignment, including responsible resource management and long-term sustainability,” the department said.
