Tarleton State Athletics Mission Statement
PHILOSOPHY
The athletics program at Tarleton State University is structured to develop each student-athlete’s sense of teamwork, sportsmanship, and competitiveness. Embracing these concepts, the philosophy of the athletics program at Tarleton State emphasizes the institution's Core Values of Integrity, Excellence, and Respect.
Tarleton State University endorses a comprehensive athletics program for all student-athletes. The program is characterized by commitment to wholesome athletic competition, a desire for student-athletes to succeed in the classroom as well as on the athletic fields and courts through widespread student participation, and a desire to create a spirit of unity for students, faculty, staff, administration, alumni, and the community. Intercollegiate athletics at Tarleton State University plays an important role in enhancing the University’s vision to be the premier student-focused university in Texas and beyond.
ATHLETICS PROGRAM
Tarleton State University’s athletic program began its four-year reclassification period to NCAA Division I on July 1, 2020. Tarleton State program competes in 17 different sports – 10 for women and seven for men. Tarleton State's 17 intercollegiate sports include:
MEN
• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Football
• Golf
• Indoor Track and Field
• Outdoor Track and Field
WOMEN
• Basketball
• Beach Volleyball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Indoor Track and Field
• Outdoor Track and Field
• Soccer
• Softball
• Tennis
• Volleyball
Tarleton State is committed to equity in opportunity and competition for both its male and female student-athletes, including budgeting, scheduling, and scholarships. By supporting existing programs, the university has increased opportunities for female student-athletes, which have increased participation rates in its women’s programs.
TEXAN CLUB
Tarleton State’s athletic booster club, “The Texan Club”, is an important part of the athletics program. The Texan Club is a top priority for Tarleton State Athletics and the quickest way to make an impact. Gifts to the Texan Club qualify for exclusive benefits fans can’t get anywhere else. Additionally, these gifts help provide crucial student-athlete services such as medical care, nutrition, housing, meals, academic support and much more.
T-CLUB
The T-Club is the official organization for former student-athletes at Tarleton State University. Members receive annual benefits and donations go directly to the program of their choice or the general fund to support student-athlete scholarships.
SAAC
The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) serves as the primary governance arm representing student-athlete interests in NCAA Division I affairs. SAAC members serve as student-athlete liaisons to monitor and discuss happenings on campus, within the conference, and at the national level. Representatives are responsible for gathering feedback and reporting on behalf of their constituents, as well as relaying important events, hot topics and educational information to both Tarleton State and the conference level. In addition to relaying information, the committee speaks on behalf of the student-athlete body throughout the NCAA governance structure.
ATHLETIC COUNCIL
The Athletic Council serves as an advisory body, reporting directly to the university president. The responsibilities of the Athletic Council include reviewing programs and program goals, and the success of athletic programs.
The Athletic Council is composed of the NCAA faculty representative and members of the faculty, staff, administration, alumni, and student body. The chair of the council is appointed by the University President. Ex officio members of the council include the Vice President and Director of Athletics, the Deputy Athletics Director, and the Senior Women Administrator.
IN SUMMARY
Tarleton State University’s mission of the athletic department is to provide an athletic program that offers student-athletes the opportunity to compete at a high level of scholarship athletics while excelling in the classroom and fully engaging in the broader campus. The educational mission of intercollegiate athletics fosters a balanced approach in which student-athletes learn and develop through their desired academic pursuits, in civic engagement with their communities, and in athletics competition. Tarleton State Athletics supports a higher education model that shapes student-athletes who graduate with the skills and knowledge to be productive citizens.
The program shall project a positive image of the University by creating a spirit of unity, and enhance the University’s Core Values by striving to develop moral and ethical thinkers, scholars, and leaders who demonstrate civility and integrity, while contributing meaningfully and responsibly to a global society.
