Albany State drops women’s soccer, adds indoor track

ALBANY — Albany State University will discontinue its women’s soccer program and add men’s and women’s indoor track and field beginning with the 2026-27 academic year as part of what university officials are calling a strategic realignment of its athletics department.

The move, approved by the University System of Georgia, follows what Albany State described as a comprehensive review of its athletic offerings, with university leaders citing conference alignment, resource management and long-term sustainability as key factors in the decision.

The change will leave Albany State sponsoring 12 varsity sports, including five men’s programs and seven women’s programs, all competing in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC).

University President Dr. Robert Scott said the decision was made with the future of the athletic department in mind.

“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,” Scott said. “While these decisions are never easy, they are necessary to ensure we are positioned to compete and thrive in an evolving collegiate athletics landscape.”

Women’s soccer will be eliminated after the upcoming academic year, while indoor track and field will be added for both men and women.

Athletic Director Dr. Kristene Kelly acknowledged the difficulty of ending a program but said the move will strengthen the department’s overall structure.

“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.”

According to Albany State officials, women’s soccer faced challenges involving conference affiliation, scheduling and long-term sustainability. The university noted that all athletic programs were evaluated before the final decision was reached.

The addition of indoor track and field will complement Albany State’s existing outdoor track and cross-country programs while creating additional participation opportunities for student-athletes.

University officials stressed that the decision will not affect Albany State’s membership in the SIAC or its NCAA sport sponsorship requirements.

Albany State said scholarship support for women’s soccer student-athletes who choose to remain enrolled at the university will continue through the 2026-27 academic year in accordance with NCAA, University System of Georgia and institutional guidelines.

Athletics department officials also pledged to assist players who wish to transfer by providing support throughout the NCAA transfer process and helping them explore available opportunities.

Men’s sports at Albany State beginning in 2026-27 will include football, basketball, baseball, indoor track and field, and outdoor track and field.

Women’s sports will include basketball, volleyball, softball, tennis, cross country, indoor track and field, and outdoor track and field.

The university said individual meetings and additional resources will be made available to affected student-athletes to help ensure a smooth transition as the changes take effect.