A&M-San Antonio to officially launch in 2020 college-level athletics following today’s Board of Regents approval of fee structure

SAN ANTONIO—Texas A&M University-San Antonio will bring intercollegiate sports to South San Antonio in Fall 2020 with the intended launch of an athletics program. The most recent step in a comprehensive process occurred today with the A&M System Board of Regents approval of a student fee that will directly support the athletics program

The Board of Regents approval triggers the remaining phases in the development of the athletics programming that will include men’s and women’s soccer, women’s softball, and men’s golf. The men’s and women’s basketball and women’s volleyball program will start upon the completion of the on-campus recreation center (currently expected to open in Summer of 2022). The Regents approval of the student fee follows the State Legislature’s approval in April to institute a fee to fund the launch of a new athletics program. The identified mix of men’s and women’s sports was selected based on student input and local and regional interests as well as to ensure compliance with federal Title IX requirements. Title IX contains specific provisions relating to athletic opportunities to assure that athletic programs are operated in a manner that is free from discrimination based on sex.

“Today is a big step for Texas A&M-San Antonio,” said John Sharp, Chancellor for The Texas A&M University System. “An athletics program is integrally linked to a school’s branding and reputation. We hope this will help folks in San Antonio take note of what’s growing here in South San Antonio. Texas A&M-San Antonio is ready to compete.”

The introduction of intercollegiate athletics will be a first for South Bexar County. The program will build upon the tradition and spirit of A&M intercollegiate athletics, enhancing the campus and student life, experience. “Athletics is one of the cornerstones of building intergenerational tradition and cultivating a spirit of community for our students, alumni, faculty, staff and the greater community,” said Cynthia Teniente-Matson, president of A&M-San Antonio.

Throughout the multi-year development process, students have played a key role in bringing athletics to the university, including last April with a student referendum vote to overwhelmingly support an athletics program. Students will benefit from the athletics program that builds an extended network, tradition, and engagement through sports competitions and events, including attending athletic events at no cost and reserved block seating. A&M-San Antonio alumni will be able to purchase tickets at a discount. The funds will support the athletic Page 2 department and facilities including hiring an athletic director, compliance and student-athletics services director, head athletic trainer, and coaches.

More than 150 student-athletes are eventually expected to be enrolled at A&M-San Antonio, supporting its enrollment strategy. “We are pleased that the athletics program will result in additional opportunities for students to consider A&M-San Antonio, introducing another demographic of student-athletes and potential athletics scholarships,” said Brandy McLelland, vice president of enrollment management.

“This is a natural and critical step in A&M-San Antonio’s growth strategy as we enter our second decade as a standalone institution. Athletics positively influences our trajectory as a comprehensive university,” said Teniente-Matson. She cited the broad support from across the legislature, A&M System and Board of Regents and South San Antonio, as well as students.

Having secured the Board of Regents approval for introducing the fee to support athletics, A&M- San Antonio will now seek approval to join the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and its Red River Athletic Conference.

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About Texas A&M University-San Antonio
Established as a standalone university in 2009, Texas A&M University-San Antonio (A&M-SA) is a comprehensive four-year public university that reflects the culturally diverse, heritage-rich community it serves. Situated on nearly 700 acres in South San Antonio, A&M-SA is a Military EmbracingTM institution offering more than 40 undergraduate programs and 14 graduate programs to 6,600 students. A&M-SA holds the HSI (Hispanic-Serving Institution) designation. Visit tamusa.edu for more information.

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