Tarleton Athletics Mission Statement
PHILOSOPHY
The athletics program at Tarleton State University is structured to develop the student-athlete’s sense of teamwork, sportsmanship, and competitiveness. Embracing these concepts, the philosophy of the athletics program at Tarleton State emphasizes the institutions Core Values of Integrity, Excellence, and Respect. Intercollegiate athletics at Tarleton State University provides a range of educational and other lifelong experiences, including:
• Sportsmanship and Integrity
• Sense of belonging
• Physical well-being
• Recognition
• Understanding and compassion
• Emotional intelligence
• Discipline
• Perseverance
• Civic engagement
• Loyalty
Tarleton State University endorses a comprehensive athletics program for all student-athletes. The program is characterized by commitment to wholesome athletic competition, by a desire for the student-athlete to succeed in the classroom as well as on the athletic fields and courts through widespread student participation and by the 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, and began its tenure in the Western Athletic Conference on the same day. Tarleton State’s program competes in 17 different sports – 10 for women and seven for men. Tarleton'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 the women’s programs. It is recognized that effort must be constant and, when appropriate, corrective to insure fairness for all.
TEXAN CLUB
Tarleton’s athletic booster club, “The Texan Club”, is an important part of the athletics program. The funds generated by the organization have helped to continue to hold the athletics program as one of the nation’s best. From the very first year to today, the increase in activity by the Texan Club and the increased number of members, both corporate and individual, has shown to impact the athletics department directly. As the funding has increased, so has the competition level of each of Tarleton’s 17 athletic programs. The Texan Club sponsors many activities throughout the year to raise the awareness and support of Tarleton athletics. From the David Tomlinson Purple and White Pavilion next to the football stadium, to Texan Club monthly lunches to various fundraisers, the Texan Club is proud to spread the word on the Texans. Today, the Texan Club provides funding for athletic scholarships that Tarleton offers in its men’s and women’s programs, as well as recruiting quality athletes, student enhancement, and operations. The Texan Club is truly the foundation for Tarleton’s athletic success.
T-CLUB
The T-Club Letterwinner's Association 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. Since 2011, the organization has grown from four to over 140 members.
SAAC
The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) serves as the primary governance arm representing student-athlete interests in Division I affairs. SAAC members serve as student-athlete liaisons that monitor and discuss happenings on campuses, within conference and at the national level. Representatives are responsible for gathering feedback and reporting on behalf of their conference, as well as relaying important events, hot topics and educational information to both the campus and conference levels. In addition to relaying information across campuses and conferences, the committee speaks on behalf of the entire Division I student-athlete body throughout the NCAA governance structure.
ATHLETIC COUNCIL
The Athletic Council serves as an advisory body and reports directly to the university president. The responsibilities of the Athletic Council include reviewing programs and program goals, the success of athletic programs, and athletic operating budgets submitted annually by the vice president of intercollegiate athletics; reviewing letter award winners as recommended by the head coaches through the vice president of intercollegiate athletics, and various athletic department policies; and assisting with fund raising campaigns, public relations efforts, or other activities integral to a successful athletic program.
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 Vice President for Student Affairs upon recommendation from the vice president of intercollegiate athletics. Ex officio members of the council include the vice president of intercollegiate athletics, senior women’s administrator, athletics compliance officer, and the vice president for student affairs. The membership of the Council will be in compliance with the composition requirements for Athletic Boards as defined by NCAA rules and Tarleton State University policy.
DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS' MISSION
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 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.
