The Fall 2024 semester was a season of extraordinary success for Augusta University Athletics, marked by record-breaking academic achievements, championship performances, and impactful community engagement. Highlights included the inaugural Athletics Hall of Fame, significant facility upgrades such as renovations to Christenberry Fieldhouse and Jaguar Field, and standout seasons in cross country and volleyball. With over 1,000 volunteer hours from student-athletes and enhanced visibility through key partnerships, Augusta Athletics continues to excel both on and off the field, building a strong foundation for future success.

"We are beyond proud of all the success our teams, staff, and student-athletes had last fall," said Director of Athletics Ryan Erlacher. "Our department focuses significant efforts on comprehensive excellence and it's remarkable to see how well we are executing those strategies. They continue to set a higher standard of excellence in all we do, and I can't wait to see what the spring semester brings."

Academic Excellence

Academics remained a cornerstone of Augusta Athletics, with the department achieving its highest semester GPA in program history at 3.32 for Fall 2024. This milestone underscores the commitment to academic success across all sports. The Jaguars combined for a 3.32 overall grade point average for the fall semester. There were 42 student-athletes with a 4.0 GPA in the fall. One hundred twenty-five student-athletes had a 3.5 or higher, and 212 recorded a 3.0 or higher. Over 75% of Augusta student-athletes earned a semester GPA of 3.0 or higher. 14 out of 15 teams registered a 3.0 GPA or higher. All but one Augusta University team posted a GPA of 3.0 or higher, reflecting a department-wide culture focused on academic student-athlete development.

"Our student-athletes continue to be leaders in the classroom and we are extremely proud of their academic achievements," said Erlacher. "We certainly appreciate all the efforts behind the scenes with our coaches, academic advisors, and leadership making sure our student-athletes have what they need to be successful. Those investments are elevating every aspect of our program, and academic excellence is certainly one we are prioritizing and celebrating."
 

Celebrating Excellence

Augusta Athletics reached new heights in the Fall of 2024, earning recognition as a finalist for the NCAA Division II Award of Excellence for the second consecutive year. This honor highlighted the department's commitment to community engagement, student-athlete well-being, and innovative initiatives through the annual men's basketball Education Day Games. AU hosted over 4,500 Richmond County and Columbia County fifth graders, their teachers, and staff for men's basketball games focused on community, learning, and collegiate experiences.  

Adding to its achievements, Augusta finished the fall ranked 43rd in the LEARFIELD Directors' Cup Division II Standings, reflecting strong performances in men's cross country and volleyball. The men's cross country team excelled with an 18th-place finish at the NCAA National Championships, and volleyball advanced to the NCAA Southeast Region semifinals, continuing their tradition of competitive excellence.

Fall 2024 also marked the establishment of the Augusta University Athletics Hall of Fame, sponsored by the Augusta Sports Council, honoring individuals and teams who have defined the legacy of Jaguar Athletics. The inaugural class was unveiled in August and is set to be inducted at a ceremony on Feb 21. 

Facility Enhancements

Facility improvements were a key priority in Fall 2024, reflecting Augusta Athletics' commitment to providing world-class resources for its student-athletes. Jaguar Field, home to Augusta Baseball, underwent major renovations, including new seating, a new video board, and a state-of-the-art scoreboard generously donated by Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED. These enhancements elevate the gameday atmosphere, providing an unparalleled experience for fans and athletes alike.

 

Another significant development was the launch of the Jaguar House, a new locker room facility for the tennis, cross country, and track and field programs. Located adjacent to the Newman Tennis Center, the facility is designed to provide a home for these teams, featuring dedicated locker rooms, coaches' offices, lounge spaces, and equipment storage. Renovations began in December 2023 and were completed in Fall 2024. Renovations included reimagined interiors with new drywall, flooring, windows, HVAC systems, and a branding overhaul.

"Providing a home for our tennis, cross country, and track programs will significantly elevate the experience those student-athletes are having," said Erlacher. "This project demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that all our programs have the resources they need to thrive."

 

Christenberry Fieldhouse, the home of Augusta University basketball and volleyball, is undergoing a series of transformative upgrades to elevate its status as a premier Division II venue. Recent additions include digital scorer's tables, which enhance the gameday experience with dynamic visuals and new opportunities for fan engagement and sponsorships.

For the first time since opening in 1991, the exterior will be redesigned with a sleek modern look featuring the Augusta Athletics 'Jag Head' logo and bold school colors. Interior enhancements will include the Alvin and Yvette Harris Sports Performance Center, providing state-of-the-art training and conditioning equipment to support student-athlete performance and injury prevention. Additional improvements, such as upgraded sound systems, advanced lighting, and expanded donor mezzanines, will create a world-class environment for fans and athletes while honoring the Fieldhouse's rich history.

Outstanding Athletic Achievements

After a strong fall season, Augusta University is second in the Peach Belt Conference Commissioner's Cup standings, boasting 20.5 of a possible 24 points. The PBC Commissioner's Cup is presented annually to the best overall athletic department based on regular-season final standings, with exceptions for golf, track, and cross country, which are based on PBC Tournament results. The award is presented in late May during the PBC annual meetings.

The men's cross country team continued its dominance by winning its sixth consecutive Peach Belt Conference Championship, tying the league record. The team also earned a runner-up finish at the NCAA Southeast Regional and placed 17th at the NCAA Division II National Championship. Jordan Robertson made history by becoming Augusta's first Cross Country All-American, while five Jaguars received USTFCCCA All-Region honors. Cross Country head coach Jacob Burgamy garnered his third consecutive PBC Coach of the Year honor. 
 

The women's cross-country team also had a strong season, finishing in the top 10 at the NCAA Southeast Regional. Emily McBride and Madison Kennedy earned All-Region recognition for their outstanding performances. Meanwhile, Augusta volleyball excelled, achieving a top-25 national ranking for the first time in program history. The team earned the No. 4 seed in the NCAA Southeast Region Tournament. Three players were named to the PBC All-Conference Team, and senior Sophia Kruczko received AVCA All-American Honorable Mention, highlighting the team's collective and individual achievements.

Women's basketball also achieved a significant milestone, breaking into the top-25 national rankings during the fall. The Jaguars got off to an 8-2 start under third-year head coach Celeste Stewart.

Community Engagement and Growth

Augusta Athletics further solidified its connection to the community through meaningful outreach initiatives. The softball team played a vital role in hurricane cleanup efforts and participated in the Augusta Buddy Walk, supporting individuals with Down syndrome. Women's basketball contributed by volunteering at the Tunnels to Tower event, honoring first responders, and hosting a "Women in Sports" day to inspire young athletes. Men's basketball spent time mentoring young basketball players through outreach. Overall, Augusta student-athletes amassed over 1,000 volunteer hours for the fall. 

The department also expanded its gameday offerings with the introduction of the Augusta University Dance Team, adding a new dynamic to game-day entertainment. Partnerships with WRDW TV and Peachtree Sports Network significantly increased the visibility of Augusta Athletics, ensuring that the excitement and achievements of Jaguar teams reached a broader audience. These efforts reflect the department's ongoing commitment to fostering connections with fans and the local community.

With these accomplishments, Augusta Athletics has set a strong foundation for future success. The achievements of Fall 2024 serve as a testament to the program's commitment to excellence in competition, academics, and community impact, promising an even brighter future for Jaguar Athletics.