San Antonio, Texas, February 10, 2026
Texas A&M University-San Antonio is significantly expanding its athletics program by adding six new varsity sports for the upcoming academic year. This expansion, the largest in the university’s history, aims to enhance student engagement and contribute to the university’s competitive landscape in Texas. The new teams will include men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track and field, as well as men’s and women’s cross country. This initiative demonstrates a commitment to fostering a vibrant campus culture and providing more opportunities for student-athletes.
Texas A&M-San Antonio Expands Varsity Sports Program
Exciting Growth for Student-Athletes with New Teams
San Antonio, Texas – Texas A&M University-San Antonio is embarking on a significant expansion of its athletics program, with the addition of six new varsity sports for the 2026–27 academic year. This marks the largest expansion in the university’s history, and it is set to enhance student engagement while contributing to the university’s competitive landscape in Texas.
As part of this new initiative, the university will introduce men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track and field, as well as men’s and women’s cross country teams. With this addition, the total count of varsity programs at Texas A&M-San Antonio will reach 12, joining existing teams in men’s and women’s soccer, men’s golf, softball, and basketball. The expansion signifies a commitment to fostering a vibrant campus culture and providing more opportunities for student-athletes.
Leadership and Strategic Plans
Dr. Darnell Smith, the athletic director, has highlighted the enthusiasm surrounding this expansion, emphasizing the benefits it brings in terms of participation opportunities for student-athletes and the overall enrichment of campus life. He notes that athletics can unify and invigorate the community, encouraging interaction between the university and its community.
President Salvador Hector Ochoa pointed out the strategic implications of this expansion, framing it as a part of Texas A&M-San Antonio’s vision to become a destination campus and the preferred choice for students across Bexar County and the broader Texas region. This aligns with a growing trend among universities to emphasize sports as a part of a comprehensive educational experience.
Facilities Supporting Growth
The expansion of the athletics program coincides with recent developments at the university, including the approval of a new Student Recreation Center by the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents in November 2022. This facility is designed to support various programs and significantly enhance student life, featuring a gymnasium, fitness and weight rooms, and locker facilities.
Coaching Developments
In anticipation of the new sports teams, Texas A&M-San Antonio has already begun searching for a head coach to oversee the cross country and track and field programs. This leadership role will be crucial in establishing the teams and cultivating talent among student-athletes. The appointed coach will play a vital part in building rosters and fostering a competitive spirit within the new programs.
Impact on the Community
The introduction of these new sports offers the potential to engage a wider array of students and community members, enhancing connections through sports and athletic events. With an increasing number of varsity programs, Texas A&M-San Antonio is likely to see enhanced school spirit, increased attendance at events, and growth in community support.
Conclusion
Texas A&M University-San Antonio’s planned expansion of its athletics program signifies an important step toward enriching student life and enhancing the university’s profile across Texas. By adding new sports teams and focusing on strategic growth, the institution is reinforcing its commitment to providing a comprehensive educational experience that includes both academics and athletics. Community support for such initiatives could further propel Austin and its surrounding areas toward a robust economic future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What new varsity sports is Texas A&M University-San Antonio adding for the 2026–27 academic year?
The university is adding men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track and field, as well as men’s and women’s cross country, bringing the total number of varsity programs to 12.
When will the new sports teams begin competition?
The new teams are set to begin competition in the 2026–27 academic year.
Has the university appointed a head coach for the new programs?
The university has initiated a search for a head coach to oversee both the cross country and track and field programs. Once appointed, the head coach will begin assembling rosters for the upcoming school year.
How does this expansion align with the university’s strategic goals?
President Salvador Hector Ochoa highlighted that the expansion aligns with the university’s plan to become a destination campus and the school of first choice for students across Bexar County and all of Texas.
What recent developments support this expansion?
The addition of these sports follows the construction of a new Student Recreation Center, approved in November 2022, featuring a gymnasium, fitness and weight rooms, and locker rooms, supporting various university programs and enhancing student life.
Key Features of the New Athletic Programs
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| New Sports Teams | Men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track and field, men’s and women’s cross country |
| Total Varsity Programs | 12, including existing teams in men’s and women’s soccer, men’s golf, softball, and men’s and women’s basketball |
| Head Coach Search | Initiated for cross country and track and field programs; roster assembly to begin upon appointment |
| Strategic Alignment | Supports the university’s goal to become a destination campus and the school of first choice for students across Bexar County and all of Texas |
| Recent Developments | Construction of a new Student Recreation Center approved in November 2022, featuring a gymnasium, fitness and weight rooms, and locker rooms |
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