Hubbry Logo
Georgia State PanthersGeorgia State PanthersMain
Open search
Georgia State Panthers
Community hub
Georgia State Panthers
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Georgia State Panthers
Georgia State Panthers
from Wikipedia

Sun Belt Conference logo in Georgia State's colors

Key Information

The Georgia State Panthers are the intercollegiate athletics teams that represent Georgia State University, located in Atlanta, Georgia. All GSU teams compete at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I FBS level as members of the Sun Belt Conference, a conference of which they were a charter member. Previously, GSU was a member of the CAA, and prior to that, the ASUN Conference (then known as the Trans America Athletic Conference, or TAAC).

History

[edit]

Prior to conference affiliation

[edit]

Georgia State became a fully accredited NCAA Division I athletics program in 1963, which saw the university give scholarships at the highest level of competition for college athletics. However, sports did exist at GSU prior to becoming an NCAA member; In 1956, the Panthers began a baseball team, the oldest sport played at Georgia State.[2] Prior to joining the NCAA, no scholarships were given and no sports were part of any national affiliate.[3] When GSU did join the NCAA, only basketball, cross country, golf, and tennis were played as NCAA sports[3] (only men's teams were allowed to compete in the NCAA until 1980).[4] In 1975, five women's sports also joined, playing in the New South Women's Athletic Conference, or NSWAC, a conference of the AIAW.[5]

Founding of the Sun Belt Conference

[edit]

In 1976, the Sun Belt Conference was formed with Georgia State being one of its founding members.[6] However, in 1980, the Panthers left the Sun Belt, with the most cited reason being that the conference encouraged its members to play in the largest basketball venue in town; in the case of the Panthers, that was the 16,500 seat Omni Coliseum, an NBA venue where the Atlanta Hawks played.[7] With only a few hundred fans attending each game, this became a joke to media outlets, who purposefully tried to get pictures of the action with a lack of a crowd in the background.[8] After leaving the Sun Belt, the Panthers played as independents for three years before joining the TAAC.

Addition of football

[edit]

Once Georgia State entered the CAA, a recurring question of whether the university should add football was brought up, leading to the commissioning of a feasibility study in 2006. After gauging student and alumni interest, the administration found enough support to continue onwards with the effort, leading to the hire of former Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Reeves as a consultant. This culminated in the official launch of the football program on April 17, 2008.[9] Due to GSU's membership as a part of the CAA, membership into the football division of the conference was sought after, leading to the Panthers being invited to become a football participant for the 2012 season.[10] Due to the addition of men's scholarships (63 full scholarship equivalents for inclusion in the FCS), Title IX regulations required the university to have additional women's scholarships added, leading to the addition of beach volleyball (then called "sand volleyball" and, at the time, a non-NCAA sport).[11]

With the addition of football, a rebrand of athletics took place, changing the logos, fight song, and mascot design.[12][13] The university also decided to go back on one of its previous institutional name rules in making GSU a secondary name for the university.[14] In February 2012, the university announced that it had commissioned a study to find the feasibility of moving up to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), the highest level of collegiate football, citing that the shifts in landscape due to conference realignment offered opportunities that should be carefully considered.[15] The study was conducted by Collegiate Consulting, who concluded that the university was in a good position to move up to the FBS.[16] On April 9, 2012, Georgia State officially accepted an invitation to rejoin the Sun Belt Conference on July 1, 2013.[17]

Relocation to Downtown Atlanta

[edit]

Although the athletic department was housed within the GSU Sports Arena, the limited space available in Downtown Atlanta forced different sports to be played in different areas around Metropolitan Atlanta. A complex in the Panthersville community housed a baseball field, soccer pitch, and softball field, as well as intramural fields, approximately 7 miles from the central campus and not regularly accessible by campus transportation. With the relocation of the Atlanta Braves from Turner Field in Downtown to SunTrust Park, an opportunity for the different Panther athletic programs to relocate to the central campus opened. Georgia State, along with Carter, a real estate company in Atlanta, would bid for the stadium and surrounding lands, eventually purchasing all 68-acres (including the stadium) for $30 million.[18][19] Between the 2016 and 2017 season, Turner Field would be converted to Center Parc Stadium, a football specific stadium with an initial capacity of 25,000 (that will be increased to 35,000 after future renovations).[20] The stadium also hosts the athletics department (which moved from GSU Sports Arena), and will host the School of Hospitality.[21] The purchase also included the surrounding parking lots, including the footprint of Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium, which housed the Atlanta Braves when they first moved to Atlanta, and where Hank Aaron would break Babe Ruth's home run record. The university plans to erect a new baseball stadium in this footprint for the GSU baseball team to play at.[citation needed]

Conference membership

[edit]

Sports sponsored

[edit]
Men's sports Women's sports
Baseball Basketball
Basketball Beach volleyball
Football Cross country
Golf Golf
Soccer Soccer
Tennis Softball
Tennis
Track & field
Volleyball
† – Track and field includes both indoor and outdoor

Men's basketball

[edit]
  • First season: 1963
  • Conference Championships (6)
    • 2000, 2001, 2002, 2014, 2015, 2019
  • Conference Tournament Championships (6)
    • 1991, 2001, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2022
  • NCAA Tournament Appearances (6)
  • NIT Appearances (2)
  • CIT Appearances (2)
  • Retired Jerseys

Women's basketball

[edit]
  • First season: 1975
  • Conference Championships (2)
    • 2002, 2003
  • Conference Regular Season Champions
    • 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004
  • NCAA/AIAW Appearances (4)
    • 1981 (1st Round)
    • 2001 (1st Round)
    • 2002 (1st Round)
    • 2003 (1st Round)
  • WNIT Appearances (1)
    • 2000

Baseball

[edit]
A Panthers baseball player during a 2014 road game
  • First season: 1965
  • Conference Championships (1)
    • 2009
  • NCAA Tournament Appearances (1)
    • 2009
  • Retired Jerseys
    • 30 Mike Hurst (head coach)

Beach volleyball

[edit]
  • First season: 2013
  • AVCC National Championship Appearances (1)
  • NCAA National Championship Appearances (1)

Football

[edit]
A football game between Georgia State and Army in 2022

Golf

[edit]

Men's golf

[edit]

Records for men's golf are incomplete between 1968 and 1988

  • Conference Championships (9)
    • 1998, 2000, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2014, 2017
  • NCAA Regionals
    • 1999, 13th place
    • 2000, 5th place
    • 2001, 18th place
    • 2003, 13th place
    • 2004, 7th place
    • 2005, 4th place
    • 2006, 11th place
    • 2007, 9th place
    • 2008, 17th place
    • 2009, 6th place
    • 2010, 26th place (individual, Tom Sherreard)
    • 2014, 2nd place
  • NCAA Championship
    • 2000, unranked
    • 2004, 11th place
    • 2005, 13th place
    • 2007, unranked
    • 2008, 13th place (individual, Joel Sjoholm)
    • 2014, 23rd place

Women's golf

[edit]
  • Conference Championships (5)
    • 2003, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010
  • NCAA Regionals
    • 2003, 18th place
    • 2005, 17th place
    • 2006, 11th place
    • 2008, 14th place
    • 2009, 9th place
    • 2010, 21st place
    • 2011, 87th place (individual)
    • 2012, unranked (individual)
  • NCAA Championship
    • 2006, 43rd place (individual)

Soccer

[edit]

Men's soccer

[edit]
  • First Season: 1968
  • Conference Championships (6)
    • 1983, 1986, 1987, 1997, 2000, 2018
  • NCAA Appearances (4)

Women's soccer

[edit]
  • First Season: 1994
  • Conference Championships (1)
    • 1997
  • NCAA Appearances (1)
    • 1997

Softball

[edit]
  • First Season: 1985
  • Conference Championships (6)
    • 1989, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 2011
  • NCAA Tournament Appearances (2)
    • 1994, 2011
  • NISC Tournament Appearances (1)

Tennis

[edit]

Men's tennis

[edit]

Records for men's tennis are incomplete between 1984 and 1987

  • First Season: 1959
  • Conference Championships (8)
    • 1989, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2007, 2013, 2017
  • NCAA Appearances (7)
    • 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2007, 2013, 2017
  • Individual NCAA Appearances (2)
    • 2007 (Martin Stiegwardt), 2013 (Victor Valente)

Women's tennis

[edit]

Rivalries

[edit]

Georgia State has Sun Belt rivalries with all of the East Division schools (Coastal Carolina, Appalachian State, Georgia Southern, Troy, and South Alabama). Georgia State's main Sun Belt rivals are Georgia Southern and South Alabama.

Georgia Southern

[edit]

Although Georgia State has only played football since 2010, rivalries have been formed on the basketball court, most notably against Georgia Southern. Both schools participated in the Atlantic Sun Conference (then the TAAC, now the ASUN) between 1983 and 1992.[22][23] Since the rivalry began, the two teams have played each other 51 times (after the 2015–16 season), with Southern holding the series at 34–17.[24] Since both schools can be abbreviated GSU, a point of conflict between the two schools is that both fan-bases claim that their university is, in fact, the real GSU. Georgia State lays claim to the initials as it became a university (and therefore GSU) long before Georgia Southern did (in 1990; Georgia State became a university in 1969).[25][26] Also, Georgia State's URL and official logo's both contain the acronym.[24] Georgia Southern doesn't officially recognize GSU as an abbreviation for the school, actively discouraging it in its identification standards, and generally uses GS in its own branding.[27]

The beginning of the football rivalry was initiated after the hire of former Appalachian State (a major rival of Georgia Southern) athletic director Charlie Cobb to the same position at GSU. During Georgia State's press release introducing Cobb, he revealed that Georgia Southern's athletic director Tom Kleinlein told him "welcome, now the war is on."[28] The two teams met on the gridiron during the 2014 football season at Georgia Dome. During the run up to the game, fans from both teams expressed their dislike for the other over social media outlets such as Twitter, at times trending with tags of "SouthernNotState" and "StateNotSouthern" both of which were used as slogans for shirts given out by both universities.[29] During the period before the game, fans dubbed the matchup as "Modern Day Hate," a play on the rivalry between Georgia Tech and UGA, Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate.[30] The game would go on to draw the second largest crowd of any Georgia State game at 28,427, ending with Georgia Southern beating Georgia State by a final score of 69 to 31.[31] In 2015, Georgia State beat Georgia Southern 34–7, the worst home defeat for Georgia Southern in school history.[32] Currently, Georgia State holds a 3–1 lead in the football series.

In October 2015, it was announced that Georgia State and Georgia Southern would begin a rivalry series spanning all of the sports played between the two schools.[33] Each match-up would be worth a point, except football, which would be worth two, and baseball and softball, to which points would be allocated based on the series winner. Any competition in which all competing teams are ranked, the team that ranks higher would earn that point. Bonus points are awarded if a contest occurs during the conference tournament, with an extra bonus point being awarded if the competition results in one of the schools winning an automatic bid a national tournament.[34] The previous years trophy is awarded during a half-time presentation at the two schools football match-up. After its second year, Georgia State leads the series 2–0.[35]

South Alabama

[edit]

Both Georgia State and South Alabama's football teams were founded and played their first games within a year of each other, with South Alabama's first season starting in 2009 and Georgia State's first season starting in 2010.[36][37] After finishing their first season without a loss, South Alabama faced Georgia State on October 30, 2010, who until that point had a 5–3 record.[38] The game was held at South Alabama's home field, Ladd–Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. The final score, a loss of 34–39, kept South Alabama's perfect record intact while Georgia State fell in their first season to 5–4. This set the stage for the 2011 season game between the two programs.

Georgia State set their home match against South Alabama as their homecoming game.[39] Although South Alabama had already suffered their first loss earlier in the season, Georgia State's record going into the game of 1–5 left the odds in favor of a South Alabama win. However, after seemingly winning the game in regulation time by an interception by Mark Hogan with 8 seconds on the clock, the referees called a false start penalty negating the play. In the second overtime period, Hogan intercepted another ball to win the game, giving one of only three wins on the season, and setting the record at 1–1.

During the 2011–12 offseason, it was announced that Georgia State would join the Sun Belt Conference, the same conference to which South Alabama belonged, setting up yearly games between the two teams.

During the 2014 offseason, South Alabama set their home game against GSU during the 2014–15 season as their homecoming game, announcing the title "Clash of the Claws" to represent the scrimmage, referencing both schools' use of big cats as their mascots.[40]

In 2015, South Alabama visited the Georgia Dome holding a season record of 5–4. A victory by the Jaguars would have granted them instant bowl eligibility. However, Georgia State won the game 24–10. South Alabama would go on to lose the remainder of its 2015 games and be denied a bowl slot.

The series record in football currently stands at 5–4 in Georgia State's favor.

Traditions

[edit]

Nickname and mascot

[edit]

The nickname "Panthers" has existed as the name for all Georgia State teams since 1963, when the university held a student vote to determine what the representing mascot should be. It wasn't until 1989 that an official mascot appeared in the form of Urbie, a crimson panther. This was later replaced in 1993 by an early iteration of the current mascot, Pounce, a blue panther. Pounce's appearance has changed twice since his debut, most recently in 2009 when the current incarnation was presented during a basketball game against Georgia Southern.[41]

The first team name to represent Georgia State was the Owls, used between 1940 and 1947, used as a representation of the schools title at the time of "Georgia Evening College." Between 1947 and 1963, GSU teams went by the name "Ramblers," although no reasoning for why has been presented. The teams were also briefly referred to as the "Crimson Panthers" during the Urbie era.

[edit]
Current Wordmark

The primary athletics logo contains a picture of the newest incarnation of Pounce, the university's mascot. This primary logo is interchangeable with the words Georgia State beneath Pounce.

The secondary logo is an italicized, capitalized GSU in white with blue outlining with a red streak beneath.

The new logos replaced the face of Pounce prior to 2009, as a highly stylized cartoon panther beneath the old Georgia State wordmark.

Facilities

[edit]
  • Men's and women's basketball: Compete at the 8,000 person capacity Georgia State Convocation Center.
  • Football: Since the 2017 season, Center Parc Stadium has been the home stadium for the Panthers. The stadium was previously named Georgia State Stadium from 2017-2020.[42] This is the third incarnation of a venue originally built for the 1996 Olympics and Paralympics as Centennial Olympic Stadium and reconfigured into the baseball-specific Turner Field for Major League Baseball's Atlanta Braves, opening in that form in 1997. Following the Braves' move to the venue now known as Truist Park after their 2016 season, GSU bought Turner Field and adjacent property for a major campus expansion project. In its football form, Center Parc Stadium seats slightly more than 24,000, with possible future expansion to 33,000. Before the move to Center Parc Stadium, the Panthers played at the Georgia Dome, an off-campus facility located less than a mile from the central campus that was demolished in 2017 with the completion of Mercedes-Benz Stadium nearby. The Georgia Dome had a capacity of 71,228, but seating for most GSU home games was set at 28,155 unless overflow was needed. Practice fields owned by the school are located south of the main campus on Martin Luther King Drive.
  • Volleyball: Compete at the GSU Sports Arena.
  • Softball: Compete at Bob Heck field, a school owned off campus facility located east of campus in Panthersville, Georgia.
  • Baseball: Currently competes at the Georgia State University Baseball Complex, a school owned off campus facility located east of campus in Panthersville, Georgia. As part of the Turner Field purchase, the university also acquired the former site of Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium, which had been home to the Braves before the opening of Turner Field and the NFL's Atlanta Falcons before the opening of the Georgia Dome. GSU plans to build a new baseball park on the stadium site, incorporating a preserved section of the former stadium wall marking the landing site of Hank Aaron's 715th career home run, then an MLB record.
  • Men's and women's soccer: Compete at the GSU Soccer Field, a school owned off-campus facility located east of campus in Panthersville, Georgia.
  • Men's and women's tennis: Compete at the Sharon Lester Tennis Center at Piedmont Park, a city owned park to the north of campus in the Midtown neighborhood
  • Men's and women's golf: Compete at Eagles Landing Country Club, a 27-hole golf course in Stockbridge, Georgia.
  • Beach volleyball: Compete at the 340-person capacity Sand Volleyball Complex, located behind the GSU Sports Arena

Facilities master plan

[edit]

On May 7, 2014, Georgia State announced its intentions to purchase Turner Field and the surrounding parking lots after the Atlanta Braves announced that they would move to the new SunTrust Park in Cobb County, west of Atlanta.[43] This would include re-purposing Turner Field into a 30,000 seat stadium that would house the Georgia State Football program as well as the school's soccer programs. It would also include rebuilding a baseball stadium in the footprint of the old Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium that was knocked down after the 1996 Summer Olympics. The plan would maintain the famous Hank Aaron wall that still stands in the Turner Field parking lot.[44] The proposal would also include private dorms, public housing, shopping areas, and academic buildings.

On December 21, 2015, the Atlanta-Fulton County Recreation Authority announced that Georgia State's bid to redevelop Turner Field had been accepted.[45] On August 18, 2016, Georgia State and the Recreation Authority reached a tentative purchase agreement for Turner Field, and the purchase and redevelopment plan was approved by the Board of Regents on November 9, 2016.[46][47] On January 5, 2017, the sale of Turner Field, now renamed Center Parc Stadium, to Georgia State was officially closed, with the stadium conversion project beginning in February 2017.[48] The first phase of construction for Center Parc Stadium was completed in time for Georgia State's 2017 season opener on August 31.[49]

On January 31, 2018, Georgia State officially announced its intention to build a new Arena and Convocation Center that would host the school's basketball games.[50] The arena will be built on land acquired from the city north of the Turner Field site that was converted into a football stadium for the football team.[51]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Georgia State Panthers are the intercollegiate athletic teams that represent , a public research university located in , Georgia. The Panthers compete at the level as full members of the , sponsoring 16 varsity sports across men's and women's programs. The athletics program traces its roots to the university's elevation to status in 1963–64, with women's sports beginning in 1974–75 and football launching as a varsity sport in 2010. The Panthers transitioned football to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) in 2013, achieving their first bowl game appearance in 2015 and securing four bowl victories in six appearances through the 2024 season, including the 2017 . Men's has been a flagship program, earning six Sun Belt Conference tournament championships and six NCAA Tournament berths since 1985, highlighted by first-round upsets over No. 3 seeds Baylor in 1991 and in 2001. In addition to basketball and football, the Panthers field men's teams in baseball, golf, soccer, and tennis, while women's squads include basketball, beach volleyball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. The program emphasizes academic success alongside competition, with student-athletes maintaining high graduation rates and earning multiple conference honors for community engagement and ethical conduct.

History

Origins and early development

Georgia State University's athletics program originated in the mid-20th century, reflecting the institution's evolution from a modest evening school catering to working adults in . Founded in 1913 as the Evening School of Commerce under , the university—initially serving a small commuter population—began developing organized sports in the 1930s and 1940s, with men's emerging as one of the earliest offerings. Under coach Don Floyd, the tennis team achieved an undefeated season in 1940, defeating notable opponents such as and Clemson, which helped establish a foundation for competitive athletics amid the university's growth from 364 students in 1920 to nearly 8,000 by 1955. By the 1960s, as Georgia State transitioned toward full university status, the athletics program expanded its focus on non-revenue sports to support the growing commuter student body. Men's debuted in the 1963-64 season under coach Herbert "Stoney" Burgess, marking the start of scholarship offerings and aligning with the university's accreditation as an program that year. Tennis and cross country also gained prominence, with cross country runner Bruce LaBudde winning the Marathon in 1964, 1966, and 1967, and qualifying for the 1968 Olympic Trials. These efforts mirrored the institution's broader expansion, as enrollment surged to 13,000 by 1969, leading to its designation as and a shift from business-focused college to comprehensive urban institution. The program operated as an independent through the late 1960s and early 1970s, allowing flexibility during this formative period before formal conference affiliation. Key early achievements included the men's team's first winning season in 1975-76 (12-11 record) under coach Jack Waters, featuring a seven-game winning streak that signaled rising competitiveness. Cross country continued to thrive, with coach Tim Singleton's involvement in founding the Peachtree Road Race in 1970, which drew Georgia State runners and boosted the program's visibility in Atlanta's running community. This independent era paralleled the university's institutional maturation, as athletics fostered and community ties for a diverse, urban commuter population expanding rapidly in the post-World War II era.

Sun Belt Conference affiliation

The was founded on August 4, 1976, as a basketball-only league comprising six charter institutions: , the , the , , the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and the . joined as a founding full member, marking the Panthers' entry into organized Division I conference competition after years as a regional independent program. This affiliation expanded the athletics department's structure, providing a stable framework for scheduling and competition across multiple sports. Upon joining the Sun Belt, Georgia State sponsored an initial slate of non-football varsity programs, including men's , , men's , and men's , aligning with the conference's gradual expansion beyond its basketball origins. The move from independent status to conference play introduced regular matchups against regional peers, fostering a more predictable competitive environment and elevating the Panthers' profile within athletics. During its five seasons in the Sun Belt from 1976 to 1981, Georgia State achieved notable early successes, particularly in men's basketball, where the Panthers advanced to the conference tournament championship game three times—losing to in 1976 and 1980, and to in 1978. These appearances highlighted the program's competitiveness in the league's formative years, though no outright titles were secured in basketball or other sports during this period. The affiliation significantly impacted recruiting by attracting talent from the Southeast through guaranteed conference exposure and rivalries that began to solidify, such as those with and , enhancing Georgia State's visibility beyond local independent circuits.

Establishment of football program

In April 2008, Georgia State University announced its decision to establish a Division I FCS football program, marking a significant expansion of its athletics offerings to foster school spirit and campus engagement among its commuter student body. The initiative was approved by the Board of Regents following a feasibility study that projected annual operating costs of around $4.5 million, primarily funded through an increase in student athletic fees from $192 to $227 per semester—a $35 hike approved by student referendum in 2007—and private donations, with initial pledges totaling $1.1 million raised within the first four months of the fundraising campaign. To lead the startup, the university hired veteran coach Bill Curry on June 12, 2008, on a five-year contract; Curry, a former NFL player and head coach at Georgia Tech, Alabama, and Kentucky, assembled an initial staff of six assistants and focused on building infrastructure, including a practice facility near the campus. The program operated as an FCS independent during its launch years of 2010 and 2011, with plans to join the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) for football in 2012. Recruiting strategies under Curry emphasized local talent from the metropolitan area, targeting overlooked high school prospects, junior college transfers, and walk-ons to build depth quickly on a limited scholarship budget of 63 players; the first signing class of 28 recruits was announced in February 2009, prioritizing Georgia natives to cultivate regional ties. Early facilities included the as the primary home venue, providing a professional-level setting for games while the program developed on-campus practice fields; preseason training began on August 4, 2010, with an initial roster of about 90 players. The inaugural 2010 season commenced on September 2 with a decisive 41-7 victory over NAIA's at the , securing the program's first win and setting a tone of competitiveness en route to a 6-5 overall record—the only winning mark in the program's first three FCS seasons. Key games included a 31-6 upset over and a narrow 23-17 win against Lamar to clinch the winning campaign, though losses to FBS opponents like (42-0) highlighted the challenges of a nascent program. In 2012, as a CAA member, the Panthers posted a 3-8 record, with notable efforts in close contests against conference foes like Towson and Old Dominion. Amid plans for rapid growth, Georgia State accelerated its transition to FBS by accepting an invitation to the Sun Belt Conference in 2012, effective for the 2013 season; this move required hiring a new coach experienced in higher-level competition after Curry's retirement in November 2012. Trent Miles, previously head coach at Indiana State, was appointed on December 3, 2012, tasked with elevating recruiting to FBS standards, including signing 27 new players in his first class focused on speed and athleticism. The 2013 inaugural FBS campaign at the resulted in an 0-12 record, with competitive showings in losses to Samford (35-27) and Chattanooga (38-10) underscoring the adjustment to a tougher schedule, while the team pursued criteria for the first time despite the winless outcome.

Relocation to downtown Atlanta

Georgia State University initiated a significant expansion of its downtown Atlanta campus in the early 1990s, transforming its presence in the Fairlie-Poplar Historic District and surrounding areas to better serve its growing commuter student body. This phase included the conversion of the former C&S Bank Building into the J. Mack Robinson College of Business in 1993, which anchored further academic and operational growth in the urban core. The athletics program, already rooted downtown with the GSU Sports Arena since its opening in 1973, followed this university-wide shift by consolidating facilities closer to campus in 2011 through the development of a new multi-sport practice complex at 188 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. This 3.8-acre site, featuring a 21,643-square-foot indoor training facility, marked a pivotal step in aligning athletic operations with the institution's urban expansion. The 2011 practice facility primarily benefited football and men's and women's soccer programs by providing dedicated indoor and outdoor training spaces just blocks from the main campus, reducing off-site travel that had previously scattered operations. For indoor sports like and , the longstanding GSU Sports Arena continued to serve as the primary venue, offering a 3,854-seat capacity that supported competitive play while accommodating academic uses such as classes. This setup enhanced overall program efficiency, allowing coaches and athletes to integrate more seamlessly with resources and fostering a more cohesive athletic identity within the city's fabric. The consolidation positively influenced attendance and urban integration, particularly for football, where proximity to the —less than two miles from the new practice site—enabled convenient access for practices and home games from 2010 to 2016. This arrangement elevated the Panthers' visibility alongside professional teams like the , drawing urban fans and contributing to average game attendances exceeding 15,000 in the program's early years, which helped cultivate local support. However, the shift presented logistical challenges for student-athletes, including navigating heavy city traffic and limited parking for daily commutes to facilities, as well as efforts to expand the fan base beyond the university's commuter demographic in a area often described as quiet on weekends. Initial growth in engagement required targeted outreach to nearby residents and businesses to build traditions in the dense urban environment. A landmark moment in this relocation phase occurred in June 2012, when Georgia State unveiled its comprehensive Athletics Master Facilities Plan during an on-campus event, outlining future downtown investments like enhanced stadium access and multi-use venues to sustain program momentum. This reinforced the commitment to urban athletics, setting the stage for sustained operational improvements and deeper community ties.

Conference changes and modern era

Georgia State has maintained its membership in the Sun Belt Conference since joining in 2013, experiencing stability amid broader conference realignments that did not impact its affiliation through 2025. The Sun Belt Conference announced the addition of Louisiana Tech in July 2025, effective July 1, 2026, to replace Texas State (departing to the Pac-12), maintaining 14 football members and enhancing competitive depth without displacing existing programs like Georgia State. In February 2024, Georgia State hired as head football coach, bringing his experience from the University of Georgia's teams to revitalize the program. The Panthers finished the 2024 season with a 3-9 overall record, including a 1-7 mark in play, prompting a focus on roster development for improvement. As of November 15, 2025, Georgia State holds a 1-8 overall record (0-5 ) through nine games, with three remaining on the schedule. Since joining the , Georgia State athletics has secured multiple conference titles across sports, including the 2015 men's championship, women's regular-season crowns in 2014 and 2016, the 2024 and 2025 championships (third consecutive in 2025), contributing to at least eight championships in various disciplines through 2025. Academically, Georgia State has excelled, with six teams achieving a perfect 100% NCAA Graduation Success Rate in the 2023 report and an overall student-athlete GSR of 90% in 2024, surpassing the national average. The 2020-2021 seasons brought significant disruptions due to , including pauses in men's and activities that led to multiple postponed games and adherence to strict protocols at venues like the GSU Sports Arena. Football continued with limited capacity and safety measures, allowing the program to complete its schedule despite broader pandemic challenges. Post-disruption recovery saw steady resumption of full competition, with improved win totals in key like by 2022 and gradual return to pre-pandemic operational norms across the department. In 2025, ongoing expansion discussions emphasized strategic growth to bolster media rights and competitiveness, positioning the conference as a rising entity. Georgia State's athletics budget benefited from university-wide growth, including a record $136.2 million in for fiscal year 2025, supporting facility expansions like the $15.85 million Summerhill baseball park upgrade tied to enrollment and institutional momentum.

Varsity sports

Baseball

The Georgia State Panthers baseball program was established in 1956 under Herbert "Stoney" Burgess, marking it as one of the university's earliest athletic endeavors. The team has operated intermittently over the decades, with active periods including 1957–1960, 1965–1967, 1970–1972, 1979–1986, and continuously since 1992. Georgia State transitioned to full status for its athletics programs in 1963–64, enabling offerings and elevated competition levels, though baseball's continuity was affected by funding and institutional priorities during the university's growth. The Panthers joined the Sun Belt Conference upon its founding in 1978, competing there from 1979 to 1981 before shifting affiliations; they rejoined the Sun Belt in 2014 and remain active in the league today. In the Sun Belt, Georgia State has recorded multiple tournament appearances, including berths in 2017, 2021, and 2024, often as a mid-tier contender with competitive regular-season showings such as their 2021 tournament advancement after a 9-6 opening win over Louisiana–Monroe. Earlier Sun Belt stints saw the Panthers achieve a third-place finish in 1980 with a 30-25 overall record, while their 1985 campaign featured a 28-17 overall mark and 12-9 conference record, representing one of the program's stronger early performances despite not securing a title. Post-2014 return to the Sun Belt, the team has focused on building consistency, with 2025 standings placing them at 11-19 in conference play and 26-30 overall, underscoring ongoing development in a competitive league environment. Notable coaching figures have shaped the program's trajectory, with Mike Hurst holding the record for most wins (293-432 from 1993–2006) during stints across various conferences, emphasizing player development and postseason pushes. Current head coach Brad Stromdahl, appointed in June 2019 as the 10th in program history, brought prior success from NAIA Georgia Gwinnett College, where he built a national powerhouse; his tenure includes navigating challenges like the 2020 season's COVID-19 cancellation and fostering recent recruiting classes, such as the 2025–26 group of six signees. The team plays home games at the Georgia State Baseball Complex in Decatur, Georgia, a venue with 1,092 seating capacity that opened in 1986 and has hosted key moments, though plans for a new downtown stadium near Pollard Boulevard were approved in 2024 for a 2026 debut. (Note: Used for factual detail verification; primary source is official announcement) Standout alumni include first baseman , selected 35th overall by the Florida Marlins in the 1998 MLB Draft out of Georgia State, who went on to a 12-year major league career with 228 home runs and three nods. More recently, in the 2025 MLB Draft, Kaleb Freeman was picked in the 16th round (466th overall) by the , highlighting the program's pipeline of professional talent amid its Division I resurgence. These draftees exemplify Georgia State's emphasis on producing MLB-caliber players, with over 20 alumni reaching professional levels since the program's modern era.

Men's basketball

The Georgia State Panthers men's basketball program was established in 1963 as part of the university's expansion into intercollegiate athletics at the level. Initially competing as an independent, the team joined the Atlantic Sun Conference (then known as the Trans America Athletic Conference) in 1979, where it achieved early success under coach Bob Reinhart, securing regular-season titles in 1980 and 1982. The program transitioned to the Conference in 1983, marking the beginning of a competitive era that included multiple conference championships and postseason berths. Over its history, Georgia State has compiled a record of 684-843 since the 1973-74 season, with notable periods of resurgence under coaches like from 2011 to 2022, during which the Panthers won five regular-season or tournament titles. The Panthers have made six appearances in the Tournament, in 1991, 2001, 2015, 2018, 2019, and 2022, holding an all-time record of 2-6 in the event with no advancement beyond the first round. Their most competitive showing came in the 2015 tournament, where they pushed No. 3 Baylor to the brink in a 68-60 loss as a No. 14 seed. Additional postseason success includes nine NIT appearances, with the most recent in 2008, highlighting the program's consistent contention. The relocation to in the 1990s enhanced recruiting appeal by providing urban access and proximity to professional opportunities. Since the 2022-23 season, Jonas Hayes has served as , bringing experience from his time as an assistant at Georgia and interim at Xavier, where he led the Musketeers to the 2022 NIT title. In his first three seasons, Hayes has guided the Panthers to a 42-59 record, focusing on defensive improvements and player development amid Sun Belt competition. For the 2025-26 season, the roster features a mix of six returning players, including guards Joah Chappelle and Isaiah Sherrard, and six newcomers such as freshmen Micah Tucker and transfers like James Cooper, aiming to build on last year's 14-19 finish with emphasis on perimeter shooting and rebounding. The team's home games are played at the Georgia State Convocation Center, a 7,500-seat arena opened in that replaced the smaller GSU Sports Arena and has boosted attendance significantly. Post-relocation, the facility has hosted record crowds, including 4,803 fans for a 2018 matchup against , the highest in program history, fostering a vibrant game-day atmosphere in . Notable alumni include , who played for Georgia State from 2011 to 2015 and was selected 28th overall in the by the , appearing in 94 NBA games across four seasons. Other professionals like , who played briefly for the in 1989 after starring for the Panthers from 1985 to 1989, underscore the program's pipeline to professional basketball.

Women's basketball

The Georgia State Panthers program originated as a club team in 1970 before achieving varsity status in 1973, marking the beginning of competitive play at the NCAA level. The program quickly established itself, posting winning records in its first six seasons and competing as a charter member of the Sun Belt Conference starting in 1976, though it departed briefly before rejoining in 1983. Since then, the Panthers have built a competitive legacy within the conference, emphasizing disciplined play and player development. The team has captured five Sun Belt regular-season titles, most notably in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020, with the 2019 championship clinched via a 90-85 road win over Georgia Southern. These successes have led to multiple postseason opportunities, including appearances in the (WNIT) in 2000 and 2014, where the Panthers advanced to the first round in both instances. Earlier conference achievements, such as Trans-America Athletic Conference (TAAC) and Atlantic Sun (A-Sun) titles in 2000, 2002, and 2003, also propelled the program to three NCAA Tournament berths as a 14th, 15th, and 16th seed, respectively. Leadership has been pivotal, with Sharon Baldwin-Tener guiding the team from 2010 to 2018 and compiling an 88-152 record during a transitional period focused on rebuilding. Current head coach Gene Hill, appointed in 2018, has emphasized defensive intensity and team cohesion, leading to a 17-16 overall record in the 2024-25 season and fostering continued competitiveness in the Sun Belt. The Panthers play home games at the GSU Convocation Center, a 7,500-seat arena shared with the men's program since its opening in , providing modern amenities that support both squads' training and competitions. Program records highlight standout individual performances, including Sheryl Martin's 52-point single-game high against in 1983, the highest in women's team history. Entering the 2025-26 season, key recruits such as freshmen guards Savannah Robinson-Holmes, a three-year letterwinner from South Cobb High School, and Grace Lanier have bolstered the roster, contributing to an explosive 108-59 non-conference win over Oglethorpe on , 2025—a performance ranking third all-time for points scored and featuring 26 steals. With a balanced lineup and early momentum (1-1 through November 7), the Panthers are positioned for strong contention and potential postseason return.

Beach volleyball

The Georgia State Panthers women's beach volleyball program was established in 2012 as one of the inaugural NCAA emerging sports for women, with the university announcing its addition in September 2011 and signing its first recruiting class that November. The team competes in the two-person sand format, distinct from traditional six-on-six indoor , and has built a competitive presence in Division I athletics. Initially affiliated with , the Panthers transitioned to the Sun Belt Conference ahead of the 2023 season, where they quickly established dominance by securing the regular-season and tournament titles in their debut year. Under head coach Beth Van Fleet, who has led the program since its early years and earned multiple conference coaching honors, the Panthers have achieved consistent success, including three consecutive championships from 2023 to 2025. The team has earned automatic bids to the NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship in each of those seasons, advancing to the first round in 2023, 2024, and 2025 before falling in opening matches—most recently as the No. 15 seed, losing 0-3 to No. 2 TCU on May 2, 2025. Key contributors include twin sisters Angel and Bella Ferary, who were named to the All-Sun Belt first team in 2024 after combining for the program's most wins as a pair, along with Savannah Ebarb, Destiny White, Aree Keller, and Lila Bordis, all of whom earned all-conference recognition that year for their defensive and blocking prowess. The Panthers play their home matches at the GSU Beach Volleyball Complex, a three-court facility with permanent seating for 350 spectators, located on the university's campus at the corner of Decatur Street and Piedmont Avenue. Built in 2013, the venue has hosted nationally ranked duals and was recognized by Volleyball Magazine in 2020 as the top beach volleyball site in Georgia. In the 2025 season, the roster featured 14 active players, including returners like junior defender Amanda Chambers—who earned the Sun Belt Elite Award—and freshmen additions such as blocker Kate Phelan, expanding depth for tournament play. The team posted a 22-17 overall record, clinching the Sun Belt regular-season title with a 5-1 conference mark before defeating top-seeded Coastal Carolina 4-1 in the semifinals and UNC Wilmington 3-1 in the championship final on April 26. Coastal matchups highlighted the season, with additional wins over UNCW and strong showings in neutral-site tournaments like the Day of Duals, where they swept opponents including Southern Miss.

Football

The Georgia State Panthers football program was established in 2010 as part of the university's expansion into athletics, with its inaugural season played in 2013 after transitioning from club to varsity status. The team competes in the Sun Belt Conference and has played home games at in since 2017. Through the end of the 2024 season, the Panthers compiled an overall record of 54–92, reflecting a program in development with gradual improvements in competitiveness. In 12 seasons of FBS play from 2013 to 2024, Georgia State appeared in six bowl games, achieving a 4–2 record, including victories in the 2017 (27–17 over Western Kentucky), 2020 LendingTree Bowl (39–21 over Western Kentucky), 2021 Camellia Bowl (51–20 over Ball State), and 2023 (45–22 over Utah State). The program has seen four head coaches since its inception. , a Hall of Famer, led the team from 2010 to 2013, overseeing the transition and posting a 0–6 record in the 2013 debut season. Trent Miles served from 2014 to 2017, guiding the Panthers to their first bowl appearance in 2015 while compiling a 13–37 record. Shawn Elliott took over as interim in 2017 before becoming full-time through 2023, achieving a 41–44 mark and the program's first three bowl wins, with notable seasons including 7–5 records in 2017 and 2019. , a Georgia native with prior experience at Georgia and as running backs coach at Auburn, assumed the role in 2024 and continues into 2025, focusing on recruiting and community ties in his first full seasons. A key element of the program's identity is its rivalry with Georgia Southern, known as the Modern Day Hate or Georgia Grown Bowl, which began in 2014 when both schools were in the Sun Belt Conference. The series stands at 3–6 in favor of the Eagles through 2025, with Georgia State securing wins in 2015 (34–7), 2019 (28–27), and 2021 (10–7), while recent matchups have been competitive losses, including a 41–24 defeat on October 18, 2025. This intrastate clash highlights Georgia's growing FBS footprint and draws significant regional attention. In the 2025 season under McGee, the Panthers have faced a challenging , starting with a 63–7 loss at Ole Miss on August 30 that exposed defensive vulnerabilities against SEC competition. Early highlights include a 37–21 non-conference win over FCS opponent Murray State on September 13, providing momentum before play, but the team has struggled overall with a 1–8 record through 11. A recent 40–27 road loss to Coastal Carolina on November 8 featured a strong second-half rally from Christian Veilleux but ultimately fell short due to turnovers and big plays allowed. Notable alumni include NFL draftees such as offensive tackle Travis Glover, selected in the sixth round by the in 2024 after starting 39 games for Georgia State. Other draftees are Robert Davis (sixth round, Washington Redskins, 2017), offensive lineman Ulrick John (seventh round, , 2014), and defensive end Christo Bilukidi (seventh round, , 2012). Career statistical leaders underscore the program's passing-oriented evolution, with Nick Arbuckle holding the record for 7,651 passing yards (2014–2015), Tucker Gregg at 2,265 rushing yards (2018–2022), and Robert Davis with 3,391 receiving yards (2013–2016).

Men's golf

The Georgia State University men's golf program, established in the mid-20th century, competes in the as part of the Panthers' varsity athletics offerings. The team has maintained a consistent presence in collegiate competition, with records dating back to at least the , focusing on developing players through rigorous regional and national tournaments. The program's most prominent achievements include multiple appearances in NCAA Regionals, particularly during the late 1990s and early 2000s, where the team qualified 10 times in an 11-year span leading up to 2008, showcasing strong regional performances such as top-15 finishes in select events. These successes were bolstered by several team championships, highlighting the Panthers' competitive edge in the league. Individual players have also earned conference accolades, contributing to the program's reputation for producing skilled competitors. Since August 2025, Evan Smith serves as head coach, bringing experience from assistant roles at Georgia Tech and prior head coaching stints at St. Andrews University, where his teams advanced to NAIA national championships. Under recent leadership, the team has shown potential for national contention, entering the 2025-26 season ranked No. 165 nationally, with opportunities for improved standings through targeted recruiting and development. Notable alumni include JJ Grey, the first Georgia State golfer to compete in the U.S. Open in 2023, and Gareth Steyn, who earned a spot in the , demonstrating the program's pipeline to professional circuits. The team primarily practices and hosts events at the Bobby Jones Golf Club in , a key facility that supports training on a championship-caliber course.

Women's golf

The Georgia State University women's golf program achieved varsity status in the early 1990s, with official records beginning in the 1991-92 season as part of the university's expansion under initiatives to balance athletic opportunities. The team competed in the Atlantic Sun Conference until 2005, capturing the conference championship that year to earn an automatic bid to the NCAA postseason. Transitioning to the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) in 2005, the Panthers dominated with multiple titles, including victories in 2006 (winning by 22 strokes), 2008, 2009, and 2010, establishing a reputation for consistent excellence. Upon joining the Sun Belt Conference in 2013, the program maintained competitiveness, though it has not yet secured a conference crown in this era. NCAA regional appearances highlight the program's national caliber, with berths in 2005 (Atlantic Sun representative at the East Regional) and subsequent CAA-era qualifications in 2006 (11th at West Regional), 2008, 2009, and 2010, totaling eight under longtime head coach Cathy Mant from 2000 to 2019. Mant's tenure produced 21 team tournament wins and 22 individual medalists, fostering growth amid conference realignments. Post-Mant, coaches Jessica Steward (2019–2022) and Ket Vanderpool (2022–2024) guided the team to strong seasons, including a program-best finish in 2022. As of 2025, Brooks Thomas serves as head coach, leading the Panthers in play with a focus on development and competitive scheduling. Notable players have emerged from the program, including Anna Scott, who in 2005 became the first Panther to advance to the NCAA Championships after tying for fifth at the West Regional (scoring 219, even par) and later competed professionally on the Symetra Tour (formerly Duramed Futures Tour). Other standouts like Nicole Sakamoto (2010 CAA individual champion) and Beatrice Zuil (multiple top-10 finishes) set scoring benchmarks, with the team's lowest 18-hole round of 280 recorded in 2009 at the CAA Championships. These athletes exemplify the program's emphasis on skill refinement and professional pathways. The women's team shares practice facilities with the men's program at the historic Bobby Jones Golf Course in , a public venue renovated in 2020 that provides an 18-hole layout for training and matches. Georgia State hosts women-specific events like the annual John Kirk Panther Intercollegiate at Eagle's Landing Country Club, drawing regional competition and showcasing the program's organizational role in collegiate .

Men's soccer

The Georgia State Panthers men's soccer program was established in 1967 as one of the university's early varsity sports. Over its history, the team has competed in multiple conferences, beginning as an independent before joining the Trans America Athletic Conference (TAAC) in 1983, which later became the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) from 2000 to 2005. The program then moved to the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) from 2005 to 2013, transitioned to the Sun Belt Conference in 2014, briefly competed in the for the 2021 season, and returned to the Sun Belt in 2022, where it remains as of 2025. The Panthers hold an all-time record of 519 wins, 430 losses, and 57 ties through the 2022 season, reflecting steady development in a competitive Division I landscape. Brett Surrency has served as since 2010, becoming the program's winningest leader with 144 victories by the end of the 2024 season. Under Surrency, the Panthers have achieved nine or more wins in 10 of his first 14 seasons, including a 12-4-3 mark in 2022 that secured a strong standing. His tenure emphasizes a physical, competitive style suited to conference play, with the team posting a 135-92-16 record (.556 ) through 2022. In 2025, Surrency announced the roster, which includes a mix of returning players and freshmen, many hailing from international backgrounds to bolster the team's depth and global perspective. The season concluded with a 4-8-6 overall record and 2-4-3 in play, ending in a 3-1 quarterfinal loss to Marshall. The Panthers play their home matches at the GSU Soccer Complex, a state-of-the-art facility opened in August 2021 at 188 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE in downtown Atlanta. The venue features a renovated playing surface, modern locker rooms, an athletic training area, and seating for fans, serving as the primary home for both men's and women's teams and enhancing the program's visibility in an urban setting. Key achievements include multiple conference tournament titles, such as the 2018 championship won via a 4-2 victory over Georgia Southern, which earned an automatic NCAA bid. In 2021, while in the MAC, the team captured the conference tournament to secure its third NCAA appearance under Surrency, advancing to the first round before a loss to . Earlier successes encompass TAAC tournament wins in 1983, 1986, 1987, and 1997, plus an ASUN title in 2000, contributing to NCAA berths in 1997, 2000, 2011, 2018, and 2021. Notable players include forward Aris Briggs, a 2019 United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-American who earned All-Region honors, and defender Michael Nwiloh, who signed a professional contract with in in 2014 after setting defensive records at Georgia State. These milestones highlight the program's growth in producing high-level talent and competing in postseason play.

Women's soccer

The Georgia State University women's soccer program was established in 1994 as part of the university's expansion in athletics. The team competed in the Trans America Athletic Conference (TAAC, now ) from 1994 until transitioning to the Sun Belt Conference in 2013. Early success came in 1997, when the Panthers won the TAAC regular-season and tournament championships, marking the program's first and only conference titles to date. That season culminated in the program's sole NCAA Tournament appearance, where Georgia State advanced to the first round before falling to North Carolina State. Since joining the Sun Belt Conference, the Panthers have established a consistent presence in postseason play, qualifying for the league tournament in seven consecutive seasons from 2019 to 2025. Notable achievements include quarterfinal runs in 2022 and 2023, though the team has yet to secure a Sun Belt title. The program emphasizes competitive balance, with recent seasons featuring strong defensive efforts and individual accolades, such as All-Sun Belt honors for players like forward Aaliyah Faddoul in 2025. Ed Joyce has served as head coach since March 2016, guiding the team through its era with a focus on player development and tournament contention. In the 2025 season, Georgia State compiled a 9-8-2 overall record and 5-4-1 mark in conference play, earning the No. 7 seed in the Tournament. The Panthers' goals for the year centered on building momentum for postseason success, culminating in a first-round appearance where they fell 4-0 to Old Dominion on November 3 at the Foley Sports Tourism Complex. The team plays its home matches at the GSU Soccer Complex, a state-of-the-art facility opened in that is shared with the men's soccer program. Located at 188 Drive SE in , the venue features a competition-grade turf field, dedicated locker rooms, training areas, and team meeting spaces designed to support both programs' needs. Standout players from the program's history include members of the 1997 championship team, such as forward Jill Mayotte Robbins, who contributed to the NCAA bid and later pursued coaching. While no Georgia State women's soccer alumni have earned caps with the U.S. national team, highlighting the program's role in developing talent.

Softball

The Georgia State Panthers softball program, a women's fastpitch team competing in NCAA Division I as part of the Sun Belt Conference since 2013, traces its origins to 1985 when the university hosted its first game at the Bob Heck Softball Complex in Panthersville, Georgia. The team plays its home games at this facility, which features a synthetic turf field and seating for approximately 500 spectators. Over its history, the Panthers have achieved notable success in earlier conferences, including six regular-season and tournament championships: two in the New South Women's Athletic Conference (1989, 1990), four in the Trans America Athletic Conference (1992, 1993, 1994, 1995), and two in the Colonial Athletic Association (2006 regular season, 2011 tournament). These accomplishments led to two NCAA Tournament appearances, in 1994 (as TAAC champions) and 2011 (as CAA tournament champions), though the team posted 0-2 records in both regional rounds. The program has seen several head coaches guide its development, starting with Bob Heck, who led from 1984 to 2008 and again briefly in 2010-2011, compiling a record that included five conference titles and earning induction into the Georgia State Athletics Hall of Fame. Roger Kincaid followed from 2012 to 2021, overseeing the transition to the Sun Belt and mentoring standout hitters. Angie Nicholson served as head coach from 2021 to 2024, recording 50 wins across three seasons before departing. Becca Owens, appointed in June 2024, became the program's fourth head coach and led the team through the 2025 season, which concluded with a 12-41 overall record and 3-21 in conference play. Under Owens, the 2025 coaching staff included assistants Mallory Borden and Alexandra Preston, with the pitching group featuring key contributors like Emily Hodnett, who earned academic honors for her performance. Notable individual achievements highlight the program's offensive prowess, particularly in power hitting. Ivie Drake holds the career home run record with 65 from 2015 to 2018, followed closely by Megan Litumbe with 60 over the same span (2014-2018); both players exemplified the Panthers' emphasis on slugging during the CAA and early Sun Belt years. Callie Alford ranks third with 38 home runs from 2012 to 2015. While the program has produced talented athletes, no Georgia State softball players have been prominently drafted into professional leagues such as Athletes Unlimited or the former National Pro Fastpitch, reflecting the competitive landscape of women's professional softball transitions.

Women's cross country

The Georgia State Panthers women's cross country team competes in the Conference as part of the athletics program. The team has achieved notable success in conference competition, securing its first team championship in 2012 at the league's inaugural meet for the program, held at the E. L. King Farm in . Individual standouts have also claimed titles, including Katherine Showalter in 2012 (17:41.10), Hannah Stefanoff in 2014 (16:57.70), and Lottie Meyberg in 2019 (17:11.70). The Panthers have qualified for the NCAA South Regional championships multiple times, reflecting consistent regional competitiveness in the Southeast. For instance, in , the team earned a No. 9 ranking in the South Region by the USTFCCCA following strong early-season performances. Key runners like Lottie Meyberg have received USTFCCCA All-South Region honors, highlighted by her 2019 conference win and regional qualification. These athletes often contribute to the broader women's program during the indoor and outdoor seasons. Under the oversight of the women's staff, the program is currently directed by Zully Douglass, who assumed the role for cross country and distance events in February 2023 after serving as an assistant. Regional competitions typically occur on Southeast courses, such as the layout in , for the 2025 NCAA South Regional. In the 2025 season, the Panthers opened with a fourth-place team finish at the North Georgia Invitational, led by individual winner Desstinee Frink, before placing 12th of 13 teams at the Sun Belt Championships in . The team advanced to the NCAA South Regional on November 14 in .

Women's track and field

The Georgia State Panthers women's program, a member of the , focuses on both indoor and outdoor competitions, emphasizing events such as sprints, jumps, and hurdles. The team has achieved notable success through individual performances, particularly in sprinting and field events, contributing to the program's competitive presence in regional and conference meets. In recent years, the Panthers have secured individual titles, highlighted by junior Maleah Heard's win in the 100 meters at the 2024 outdoor championships with a time of 11.49 seconds, where she also placed seventh in the 200 meters. At the 2025 Indoor Championships, senior Valissa Brown led the team by finishing second in the with a mark of 6.00 meters, helping Georgia State place sixth overall with 48 points. These performances underscore the program's strength in short sprints and horizontal jumps, with athletes consistently scoring points in conference scoring events. The program has sent athletes to NCAA postseason competition, including four qualifiers for the 2024 NCAA East First Round: Maleah Heard (100 meters and 200 meters), Keniya Walker (hurdles), Valissa Brown (), and Kayli Williams (throws). Looking toward the 2025-26 season, the Panthers are projected to build on this momentum in sprint relays and individual events, with early-season meets like the UAB Blazer Invite and Invitational serving as key preparation opportunities. Conference athlete-of-the-year recognitions have been limited, but individual honors such as Heard's championship align with Sun Belt weekly awards for top performances. The team trains and hosts indoor events at the GSU Sports Arena, which includes a 1/8-mile rubberized running track suitable for multi-event practices and competitions. Outdoor training and meets often occur at nearby venues, such as the Track Complex, shared with regional programs. Coaching duties are integrated with the women's cross country program, promoting a unified distance and field approach under Charnay Ryland, who was appointed in August 2025 after serving in prior roles. Ryland's staff includes assistants focused on sprints and jumps, supporting athletes' progression to national-level events.

Women's volleyball

The Georgia State Panthers women's volleyball program was established during the 1974-75 academic year as part of the university's initial expansion into women's intercollegiate athletics at the level, alongside basketball, soccer, and tennis. The team competed as an independent from 1974 to 1976 before becoming a founding member of the Sun Belt Conference in 1976, where it remained until 1981. Following a period as an independent, the program joined the Trans America Athletic Conference (later renamed the Atlantic Sun Conference) in 1991 and stayed there until transitioning back to the Sun Belt Conference as a full member in 2013. The Panthers play their home matches at the GSU Sports Arena on the campus, where they have compiled a 9-5 record during the 2025 season. The program has experienced notable success in recent years, including an appearance in the 2023 Tournament, where Georgia State faced Arkansas State in the first round. While specific conference titles from the remain documented in archival records, the team has contributed to the Sun Belt's competitive landscape since rejoining, with standout performances in tournament play. Flavia Siqueira serves as the current , having been named to the position in 2024 after previous roles in collegiate coaching. Under her leadership, the 2025 squad has shown defensive prowess, particularly from libero Marta Lazzarin, who ranks fourth nationally and first in the Sun Belt with 5.35 digs per set through mid-season. Lazzarin's contributions have anchored the back row, helping the Panthers achieve a 17-9 overall record and 8-7 in conference play as of November 15, 2025.

Men's tennis

The Georgia State Panthers men's tennis team competes at the level as a member of the Conference. The program has a history of competitive success within the conference, highlighted by multiple tournament championships. In 2013, the Panthers captured the Sun Belt Conference title with a 4-3 victory over Florida Atlantic in a match that lasted five hours. The team repeated as champions in 2017, defeating 4-3 in the final, a contest featuring ranked opponents from both sides. Additionally, Georgia State claimed the inaugural Sun Belt regular-season championship in 2019 after a 4-1 win over Georgia Southern. The Panthers have achieved national recognition through Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) rankings. During the 2017 season, the team entered the ITA National Top 50, reflecting strong dual-match performances that propelled them to the conference title. In the 2025 season, Georgia State recorded 5 dual-match wins against an overall record of 5-16, including a 2-6 mark in play. Derrick Taylor serves as the current head coach, having been appointed in July 2024 after two seasons leading the tennis programs. The team practices and competes at the Clarkston Tennis Center on the Clarkston campus, which features multiple outdoor courts for home matches. Notable include Zack Kennedy and Andrei Duarte, both of whom transitioned to professional circuits after their collegiate careers, competing in ATP Challenger and events.

Women's tennis

The Georgia State women's tennis program began as a varsity sport in 1983 and has since established itself as a competitive force within the Sun Belt Conference. The team has secured multiple conference titles, including the 2009 Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) championship during its time in that league, marking the program's first conference crown. Transitioning to the Sun Belt in 2013, the Panthers claimed tournament championships in 2014, 2016, and 2018, along with the 2022 regular-season title. These successes highlight the program's resurgence in the 2010s, driven by strong team performances and individual contributions. The Panthers earned NCAA Tournament bids in the 2010s, appearing in 2014, 2016, and 2018, with a notable milestone in 2014 when they secured the program's first NCAA win by any women's team, defeating 4-3 in the first round. This victory came after a Sun Belt tournament title and propelled players like Tere-Apisah to further accolades, including an advance to the NCAA singles semifinals that year. The team shares facilities with the men's program, primarily the Clarkston Tennis Center on the university's Clarkston campus and the Sharon Lester Tennis Center at , both featuring multiple lighted hard courts to support training and competition. Under current head coach LeTrone Mason, who took over in recent years, the program continues to build depth through international recruiting, including players like senior Maria Paredes from in the 2025-26 roster, alongside other global talents bolstering the lineup. Women-specific honors from the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) include multiple All-Sun Belt selections, such as second-team singles nods for players like Andreea Stanescu and Grace Carney in 2022, as well as team and individual all-academic recognitions for high-achieving student-athletes like Eva Chivu and Anastasia Grosheva in 2019. Alumni have transitioned to professional circuits, with Tere-Apisah reaching a career-high No. 386 WTA ranking in 2017 and competing on the ITF and WTA tours post-graduation.

Rivalries

Georgia Southern Eagles

The Georgia Southern–Georgia State rivalry, dubbed "Modern Day Hate" as a nod to the storied Georgia–Georgia Tech matchup known as , originated in football with the inaugural game on October 25, 2014, when Georgia Southern defeated Georgia State 69–31 at the . This matchup marked the first FBS-level contest between the two in-state institutions, both transitioning from FCS to the highest division around that time, and has been played annually thereafter as part of scheduling. Through the 2025 season, the all-time football series stands at 6–6, with Georgia State securing victories in 2015 (34–7), 2016 (30–24), 2017 (21–17), 2020 (30–24), 2021 (21–14), and 2022 (41–33), while Georgia Southern has claimed the other six, including a dominant 69–31 debut and recent wins in 2023 (44–27), 2024 (38–21), and 2025 (41–24). Key games highlight the series' intensity, such as Georgia State's 2015 upset in Statesboro, where a strong defensive effort limited Georgia Southern to seven points and propelled the Panthers to their first bowl appearance. Another pivotal moment came in 2017, with Georgia State rallying for a 21–17 road victory via a late interception, underscoring the rivalry's back-and-forth nature. The rivalry features the Georgia Grown Bowl trophy, introduced in 2024 as the Commissioner's Cup to commemorate the in-state clash, which Georgia Southern captured in its debut with a 38–21 win before defending it in 2025 by rallying from a 24–13 deficit in the fourth quarter for a 41–24 triumph. Beyond football, the competition has expanded to other sports, notably men's , where the teams have met over 70 times since , with Georgia Southern holding a 41–30 all-time edge but Georgia State winning seven of the last ten encounters through March 2025, including an 80–72 victory in the 2025 Tournament. Culturally, the intensifies in-state recruiting battles, as both programs vie for Georgia's top high talent, with coaches noting that standout performances in these games can sway local prospects amid the state's talent-rich pipeline.

The between the Georgia State Panthers and the originated in the Sun Belt 's inaugural year of 1976, when both institutions served as charter members alongside schools like Jacksonville and UNC Charlotte. Although Georgia State transitioned to the Trans America Athletic Conference in 1984, the Panthers rejoined the Sun Belt as a full member in 2013, renewing annual competitions across multiple sports. The football matchup, in particular, gained intensity starting that year, as Georgia State's program entered FBS conference play, building on an earlier non-conference in 2010. In football, South Alabama held a 5-4 edge through the 2024 season, but the series stands tied at 5-5 following the Jaguars' 38-31 victory on October 23, 2025, at . One memorable moment came in that 2025 contest, a high-scoring thriller featuring a 17-point Jaguars comeback in the fourth quarter, capped by a fumble return touchdown that sealed the win after a late tie. The men's basketball series has been more lopsided, with Georgia State leading 19-7 all-time, though recent matchups remain competitive, including a 7-3 Panthers edge in the last 10 games through January 2, 2025. Competitions extend to and soccer, where the teams frequently clash in play. In , South holds a historical advantage with 19 wins over Georgia State, though the Panthers swept a three-game series in March 2025. Soccer battles, particularly in women's play, have seen South dominate with a 13-2 record against Georgia State, but the matchups often feature intense conference implications. This travel rivalry is amplified by the teams' placement in the Sun Belt's South Division, requiring lengthy trips—approximately 400 miles between and Mobile—that add logistical challenges to their regular-season encounters.

Traditions

Nickname and mascot

The "Panthers" nickname for Georgia State University's athletic teams was adopted in 1955 following a student body vote, replacing earlier monikers such as the in the 1940s—reflecting the institution's origins as an evening school—and the in the late 1940s. The selection of "Panthers" symbolized the university's growing athletic identity amid its expansion in , with "" as the runner-up in the vote. The mascot Pounce, a stylized , was introduced in 1993 by Real Characters, Inc., to energize crowds at games and support the Panthers' athletic programs, succeeding Urbie—a panther mascot used from 1989 to 1993. In 2009, coinciding with the launch of the university's football program, Pounce underwent a significant redesign to a more dynamic version, debuting during a men's game against Georgia Southern on December 22, where the team secured a 20-point victory. This iteration features a 6-foot-tall figure with white fangs, bold eyebrows, and a 3-foot tail, often dressed in GSU sports uniforms to embody . Pounce plays a central role in university traditions, leading chants and engaging fans at pep rallies, athletic competitions, and community events to foster Panther pride. The mascot also participates in initiatives like the 2014 and hosts the kids' club, while a bronze statue of Pounce—installed in —serves as a where students rub its nose for good luck before games.

Logos and branding

The Georgia State Panthers' visual identity originated in the following the adoption of the Panthers nickname in 1955, with an early featuring a stylized panther head designed to evoke strength and . An early featuring a stylized panther head and print was introduced around 1966, rendered in the university's and gray colors at the time. By the early , a major update shifted the palette to and with accents, aligning with the athletics program's evolving identity; the snarling panther head was placed on horizontal stripes, emphasizing a fiercer, more dynamic look. This change, formalized around 1994, marked the transition to as the dominant color, reflecting the university's push toward a modern, urban athletic brand. In 2009, the Panthers underwent a significant to coincide with the launch of their football program, introducing a more lifelike panther with a sleeker body and aggressive posture, complemented by a "Georgia State" and "GSU" . The mascot received a makeover in the same year, replacing a cartoonish version with a realistic rendering to enhance marketability. By 2015, further simplification occurred, yielding a minimalistic panther head in blue with white outlines, designed for versatility across print and digital media; this version persists as the primary mark today. Uniform evolutions have paralleled these updates, notably with the 2013 debut of new football helmets featuring metallic blue finishes and the panther , offering 12 combination options for games. jerseys followed suit in subsequent years, incorporating the updated script "P" and alternate marks for a cohesive on-court presence. The Panthers' branding adheres to NCAA compliance through Affinity Licensing, the official agency managing trademarks, logos, and symbols since the early , ensuring standardized use across merchandise and promotions. This has supported growing merchandise sales, with peaks tied to football's FBS transition and bowl appearances, though exact figures remain proprietary; outlets like the NCAA Shop and stores distribute licensed apparel featuring the motif. In 2025, digital branding efforts have expanded via the GSU Panthers' Exchange platform, launched in late 2024, which provides athletes with tools for content creation, including branded photography and videos to boost online engagement and NIL opportunities.

Facilities

Primary venues

The Georgia State Panthers athletics program utilizes several primary venues across the Atlanta metropolitan area, with facilities concentrated near the university's downtown campus and in the Panthersville neighborhood. The GSU Convocation Center, opened in September 2022, serves as the home for men's and , featuring a 7,500-seat arena for games within a 200,000-square-foot multi-purpose facility that also supports academic spaces and large events. Prior to the Convocation Center's opening, the GSU Sports Arena, originally built in 1973 and renovated in 2011, hosted basketball games and continues to be the primary venue for women's , with a of approximately 3,000. Located at 125 Decatur Street on the downtown campus, it provides practice space for teams as well. Football games are played at (also known as Center Parc Credit Union Stadium), which opened in 2017 after the conversion of the former site, offering 25,000 seats on "Pete" Petit Field with views of the skyline. Prior to this relocation, the Panthers football team used the as its home from 2010 to 2016, sharing the venue with and other events. Baseball contests occur at the Georgia State Baseball Complex in Panthersville, Decatur, with a of 1,092 and facilities including dugouts and batting cages. Nearby, the women's softball team competes at the Robert E. Heck Softball Complex, established in 1985 at 2401 Wildcat Road in Decatur, known for its well-maintained fields and team support areas. Men's and women's soccer matches are held at the GSU Soccer Complex, opened in 2021 at 188 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE, featuring a lighted artificial turf field, locker rooms, and training areas adjacent to the downtown campus. Tennis teams play at the GSU Clarkston Campus Tennis Center in Clarkston, Georgia, utilizing outdoor courts at the university's Perimeter campus.

Development plans

Following the relocation of its athletic programs to downtown Atlanta, developed a comprehensive Athletics Master Facilities Plan in 2012 to guide future infrastructure growth. The plan emphasized the need for a dedicated football and the relocation of athletic fields from the Panthersville campus to better integrate sports facilities with the urban campus environment. Recent projects have advanced these objectives, including the approval and construction of a new 1,000-seat in the Summerhill neighborhood, set for completion in February 2026 ahead of the 2026 season. As of November 2025, the project is in the design phase with construction expected to begin soon. This facility, located on the site of the former Green Lot along Pollard Boulevard, features a shade structure over the seating, concessions areas, and supporting infrastructure for both and programs. Complementing this, the university is expanding its Summerhill Sports Complex with a lighted multi-purpose field for practices, , and community events, enhancing via shuttle services for students, faculty, and staff. These initiatives are funded primarily through gifts and reserves from the GSU Athletic Association, along with contributions from the Foundation. The baseball stadium project carries a of $15.85 million, sourced entirely from these non-state funds to support targeted athletic enhancements. The overarching goals of these developments include bolstering student-athlete recruiting by providing modern, competitive venues and enabling the university to host championships and regional events, thereby increasing campus engagement and neighborhood vitality.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.