Georgia Southwestern

The Georgia Southwestern State University Department of Athletics is located inside the Student Success Center on campus. The Hurricanes compete at the NCAA Division II level as a member of the Peach Belt Conference, sponsoring 10 intercollegiate sports. GSW currently offers five men's sports and five women's sports.

Mike Leeder, Director of Athletics, leads an administrative staff of one senior associate, three associate and one assistant athletic directors with the primary goal of servant leadership of the student-athletes and coaches.

Mission Statement:

The Athletics Department envisions its mission within the context of the principles of the mission statement of the University.

The mission of the Athletics Department is to complement the development of our student-athletes as they prepare for successful careers, leadership roles, productive citizenship, and satisfying quality of life.

The University’s commitment to the optimal development of each student is an integral part of the Athletics Department’s goals and a primary consideration in our service to student-athletes and the University community. The Athletics Department strives to provide an educational experience that fosters the development of the whole person intellectually, physically, emotionally, and socially.

The Intercollegiate Athletics programs shall play a vital role in the student-athletes’ academic pursuits by providing an encouraging environment in which the principles of amateur athletics, sportsmanship, ethical conduct, emotional maturity, and personal responsibility are emphasized. These principles will be promoted within the context of compliance with the University, Conference, and NCAA policies (including equitable opportunity for women and underrepresented minorities or groups). All Athletics Department decisions and activities will be guided by concern for the general welfare of the student-athletes and supporters.