Greetings, Ramily!!!
It's an honor to serve as your new Director of Athletics at Albany State University, and what an incredible first 100 days it has been! As we embark on this journey together, our vision is clear: #CreatingLegacies. We are committed to building a future where excellence is the standard, where our athletes, students, and supporters can be proud of the legacies we create. 
 
Invest in Champions - November 7th Giving Day 
Mark your calendars for November 7th, our Giving Day, where we invite you to join us in investing in champions and creating legacies. Our goal is to raise $25,000, and your support will make a monumental difference. You can give to any team of your choice or to the general athletics Ram Fund.
 
Athletics Fall Competition (Completed Sports)

• Soccer and Cross-Country have concluded their seasons. 
  • Cross-Country secured a commendable third place at the annual SIAC Championships. 
  • Soccer faced challenges, but they did show improvement over last year. 

Campus/Academic Enhancements 

• We've introduced fueling stations on both campuses, ensuring our athletes have the best nutrition to perform at their peak. 
• We reintroduced the Eta Chapter of Chi Alpha Sigma, the national student-athlete honor society which recognizes student-athletes who have reached junior status and have a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or above. We will host a formal induction ceremony in the Spring 2024.
• We've solidified a valuable partnership with Dougherty County Public Schools, fostering community engagement and growth. 
• During Homecoming, we announced a robust partnership with Talley and Twine, a distinguished brand co-founded by ASU alumni. This collaboration not only celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit of our own graduates but also promises exciting opportunities for the advancement of ASU athletics.

Upcoming Events 

• Don't miss the Fountain City Classic! Purchase your tickets now and be part of this exciting tradition. 
• Join us in Jonesboro, GA for the volleyball championships on November 9-10. With a 16-3 SIAC record, our team is poised for success.  

Football Update 
We're closely monitoring the potential for football's participation in the SIAC Football Championship. Stay tuned for updates as we still have a chance to participate in this game. 
 
Volleyball Update 
The Golden Rams are currently (16-3) in the SIAC and have 2 more regular season games before the conference tournament.
 
New Additions to the Team 
We welcome talented individuals who are dedicated to our mission: 

• Shaquana Miller, Assistant AD for Student-Athlete Success and Compliance/ SWA 
• DuJuan Sharp, Head Strength & Conditioning Coach 
• Charlie Holliday, Interim Head Athletic Trainer  

We've also partnered with the Master's of Athletic Training program to provide much-needed coverage through certified ATs who are members of our esteemed ASU faculty. 
 
Support Our Athletes 

• Whenever a team visits your city, we invite you to support our athletes and show your ASU pride. Our RAMily loves to hear your cheers in the stands! 
• Our victory over Morehouse College in the HBCU NYC Classic was an incredible achievement. It included a charter plane trip, playing in an NFL stadium game, and an unforgettable experience for 11 first-time flyers. We are changing lives and creating legacies. 

Fall Competitions and Upcoming Seasons 

• Baseball, Softball, and Tennis showcased their skills in fall games and tournaments with impressive results. 
• Men's and Women's basketball commence on November 10th, with exciting challenges ahead. If you're in town, join us for the men's basketball SIAC/Gulf South Challenge on November 10^th and 12^th. 

How You Can Help 

• Consider making a donation to your favorite sport or directly to the Ram Fund. No contribution is too small, and every dollar counts. 
• Remember, even the smallest donation can make a significant impact.
• Stay connected with us on social media and spread the word about ASU Athletics. 

Facility Enhancements 
Our commitment to excellence extends to our facilities: 

• Enhancements to the East campus Baseball and Softball fields are nearly complete. 
• The track resurfacing project is near completion, ensuring top-notch facilities for our athletes. 

Thank you for welcoming me into the RAMily and for your unwavering support. We are continuously striving for improvement, and together, we will continue #CreatingLegacies at Albany State University. 
 
Sincerely, 
Kristene Kelly, Ed.D.
Director of Athletics