What an exhilarating Fall 2024 semester it has been! As we approach the end of this academic term, I want to highlight the numerous successes and accomplishments of our department.
 

This semester truly exemplifies the resilience, determination, and excellence that are hallmarks of Hornet Nation.
 

Firstly, in academics, our student-athletes continue to set the standard high. An impressive 71% of our students achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, culminating in a departmental GPA of 3.3. One of the standout moments was witnessing 35 of our students proudly walk across the stage at the commencement ceremony. With the unwavering support of Hornet Nation, our students have excelled in the classroom! Additionally, our students collectively volunteered an astounding 1,340 hours in the community, yielding an economic impact of $44,882.

The impact of our engagement with the community, corporate partners, and sponsors significantly enhances the student-athlete experience. This fall, we welcomed two new sponsors to our athletics program, securing six-figure agreements that will further elevate our capabilities.
 

Coach Beene kicked off the year with a triumphant SWAC championship in Women's Cross Country, along with being named SWAC Women's Cross-Country Coach of the Year. He added yet another championship ring, marking his 60th SWAC title as a Head Coach and Assistant Coach. Our women's team also made waves in the NCAA D1 Regionals.
 

Coach Chatmon wrapped up the fall season with a competitive ranking of 25th in the National Polls, achieving eight victories over National top 25 opponents. We recognized two SWAC Bowlers of the Week and two SWAC Newcomers of the Week during this period.
 

Coach Robinson led his team to a third consecutive winning season, finishing at 7-5. Under his guidance, the team clinched the MCC, PCC, and TDC titles, earning eight All-SWAC selections. We also boasted the top-ranking defense, with Special Teams leading the FCS in blocked kicks, and six Players earned Player of the Week honors.

Coach Penny Lucas-White navigated her young team to a .500 record in conference play and a spot in the SWAC tournament for another year. The potential and tenacity displayed this season have been nothing short of impressive, with two Preseason All-SWAC selections, two All-SWAC selections, and two SWAC Players of the Week.

Coach Jodie Smith successfully guided the Women's soccer team to the SWAC tournament, where three players earned second-team All-SWAC honors, along with two SWAC Player of the Week recognitions.

Coach Quincy Heard's women's team triumphed at the SAS HBCU Golf Invitational, while the Men's team showcased their talent by finishing in the top half of the tournament.

As we look ahead, our Women's and Men's basketball teams are gearing up for conference play starting in January. Coach Freda Freeman-Jackson has already celebrated one SWAC Player of the Week and one All-SWAC Preseason Selection. Meanwhile, Coach Tony Madlock's men's team has claimed three SWAC Players of the Week and three All-SWAC Preseason Selections, featuring an incredible performance hitting 17 three-pointers in overtime to secure a win against UT-Martin.

I'd also like to extend special congratulations to our staff members who welcomed three new baby Hornets into our family this fall—two boys and one girl! Kudos to Coach Ty Levette, Jerel Calhoun, and Jamie McQueen on this joyous occasion.

This fall, we honored our very own Coach Ritchie Beene during the annual Hall of Fame Ceremony—a fitting tribute to a true treasure of Alabama State University.

We are thrilled to welcome Coach Jennifer Constuble and our Women's Flag Football program to the Hornet family, with her hiring announced on December 15, 2024.

Thank you to each member of our department. You are all vital to Alabama State University and the legacy we are creating together. As we strive for excellence, let us embrace our aggressive spirit and live out our mantra: Be Prepared, Be Professional, Perform at a High Level, and Dominate!
 

I eagerly anticipate cheering on our sports teams during the winter and spring semesters as we celebrate your continued successes.

Wishing you all a joyous holiday season filled with rest, reflection, and time with your loved ones.

 

Go Hornets,

Dr. Jason Cable