In a momentous decision by the NCAA on July 13, Sul Ross State University (SRSU) has been approved to join Division II athletic competition. This move comes as part of a broader effort to enhance the student-athlete experience, drive enrollment, and improve retention.
SRSU will undergo a three-year provisional period, during which they will spend one more academic year in Division III. The university will become part of the Lone Star Conference in Fall 2024, and upon successful completion of all membership criteria, will be confirmed as full members of Division II by the end of year three.
The President of SRSU, Carlos Hernandez, expressed enthusiasm about the new direction for the university’s athletics. “Our primary goal is to improve enrollment and retention by creating an unforgettable student experience. It’s a great day to be a Lobo!” he exclaimed.
The process began with Athletic Director Amanda Workman, who completed the application in January 2023. She emphasized the university’s commitment to student-athletes and the potential benefits of the shift to Division II.
“We’ll be attracting more students who will be able to continue to participate in sports after high school, and there will be a value add at Sul Ross State. It makes us more competitive on the field and we believe it will increase enrollment and augment retention efforts,” Workman said.
The move to Division II allows SRSU to offer athletic scholarships, amplify regional exposure, and optimize travel schedules, thereby enriching the academic experience for student-athletes. It marks a significant change from their current standing in the DIII American Southwest Conference.
SRSU is no stranger to the Lone Star Conference, having been a member from 1950 to 1976. The university then joined the Texas Intercollegiate Athletic Association and later the ASC in 1996. With this move, SRSU is returning to a familiar ground, reigniting its legacy and setting new aspirations for the future of athletics at the institution.
