Edition #1801
September 25, 2026
Interested in advertising a department opening in D2.ticker? Post your department-wide openings on the industry’s leading jobs board, CollegeSports.jobs for inclusion in any of our College.town publications, where tens of thousands of administrators and coaches get news and updates about the industry. Want unlimited job-postings for one year? Inquire with [email protected].
D2 Jobs powered by CollegeSports.jobs... New opportunity at Lawrence (DIII), below. CollegeSports.jobs continues to be the No. 1 jobs site in college athletics. Any job posted on CS.j gets distributed via College.town publications, including D2.ticker (7,100+ subscribers) and Coaches.wire (30,000+ subscribers). Post HERE to maximize the reach of your job openings, while enjoying the most affordable posting price offered in the industry. More bang, less bucks.
Featured Opportunity…
Texas A&M International names LSU Alexandria (NAIA) AD Tyler Unsicker as its next AD. President Christopher Maynard: “We are excited to welcome Tyler to Texas A&M International University and to join our Dustdevil family. His commitment to the academic and athletic success of student-athletes aligns strongly with our values, and we look forward to working together to create even greater opportunities for our student-athletes to succeed, both in competition and in the classroom.” (link)
Mark your calendars, set your alarms and get your popcorn ready: The Protect College Sports Act is set for a final Senate vote on Monday at 5:30pm ET, per Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger. (link)
Front Office Sports’ Amanda Christovich unpacks how House Republicans could eventually make-or-break the passage of the Protect College Sports Act with a large bloc, led by Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI), Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-KY), and Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), having raised strong objections to multiple aspects of the bill’s text throughout the process. “In the time since the earliest criticisms, the PCSA has gone through several new iterations—but the revisions haven’t addressed the concerns these Republicans previously raised.” Conservative lawmakers are continuing a push for a full ban on student-athletes being classified as employees rather than the PCSA's current "neutrality" clause, as well as a 20% cap on international roster spots via the newly proposed TEAM USA Act. GOP concerns also focus on potential litigation risks stemming from the "private right of action" provision, conference realignment limitations and designated HBCU funding. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) noted the chamber will address the legislation when returning from recess following the November midterm elections, though any House amendments would force a time-sensitive Senate return prior to the end of the congressional session. (link)
Salem has applied to join the NAIA and the River States Conference, according to WBOY’s Eric Minor. From Salem’s application, the university is seeking NAIA membership due to the alignment of values, the ability to find a conference home as the Tigers are currently independent, high-quality competition and historical precedence of having previously been a member of the NAIA for nearly eight decades. A Change.org petition to keep Salem in DII has garnered over 1,800 signatures. (link)
Saint Leo elevates VP of Athletics, Wellness and Recreation Marcal Lazenby to VP of Student Life and Athletics. President Jim Burkee: “Marcal brings a deep commitment to our students and to creating a connected campus culture. He understands that the student experience extends beyond the classroom. This new role gives us an opportunity to bring our community closer together, strengthen coordination across campus, and create an even more engaging Saint Leo experience for our students.” (link)
DII CCA releases its 88-page membership study with the help of The PICTOR Group and Church Church Hittle + Antrim. The report includes EADA and historical data, surveys, interviews and more to evaluate the value of DII membership, the landscape of reclassification and divisional strategic implications, which include the division needing to find its place in the changing NCAA; “financial sustainability is a strategic advantage”; “membership stability must be protected”; and the DII educational model is distinctive, with the Life in the Balance mantra being a strategic asset to contrast the changing DI landscape. More…
➤ Key findings: 1.) Division II remains the preferred philosophical and operational fit for the vast majority of its members. 2.) Most threats to membership stability come from forces outside Division II itself, such as institutional closures, mergers, enrollment pressures, and broader financial challenges in higher education. 3.) Reclassifying to Division I requires substantial financial investment and frequently produces mixed results, even for institutions that were highly competitive in Division II. 4.) Division II's long-term strength depends on clearly articulating its distinctive value proposition while adapting to the evolving landscape of college athletics.
➤ On the trend of DII members moving to DI, of the 11 members that are six years into their DI transition: “Median revenues increased over 90% from the final year in Division II, while [median] expenses kept close pace at 82%. Operating and game day expenses more than doubled, and recruiting expenses, athletically related student aid, and head coaches’ salaries all experienced significant growth. Median enrollment growth was essentially unchanged suggesting that, for this group of institutions, the substantial long-term financial investment associated with Division I reclassification was not accompanied by a corresponding increase in median enrollment. … Collectively, the findings indicate that the outcomes of reclassification are highly dependent on the institution's overall goals, available resources, leadership continuity, conference affiliation, and long-term commitment to supporting Division I athletics.”
➤ Actionable recommendations: 1.) Convene Division II leaders to collaborate on key strategies to define a path forward that will strengthen the Division and its member institutions. 2.) Clearly identify a common Division II identity by articulating the educational model of Division II athletics that distinguishes it from other divisions and associations. 3.) Align governance, legislation, and membership expectations with Division II’s stated priorities and renewed identity. 4.) Tell the Division II story as a distinct, stable, and sustainable higher education model. (link, link - full report)
Facility Features…
➤ Emporia State unveils its new FieldTurf at its softball stadium, which will be named Preston Field after a lead gift from the Preston Family Charitable Fund. HC Megan Hill: “Our program has needed a facelift like this to continue being competitive in MIAA with the ability to bring in high level recruits.” Tarkett Sports handled the installation. (link)
➤ This year’s GAC Women’s Volleyball Championship is headed to Enid, OK and Stride Bank Center after the previous host, FireLake Arena in Shawnee, OK, closed for public events at the beginning of the month to serve as a relocation site for child development and after-school programs for the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. (link)
Deal Corner…
➤ The NSIC partners with FanWord to support its content creation efforts. (link)
➤ Florida Tech teams up with Koomba and its digital health platform to support student-athletes with sports psychology, nutrition, and mental performance coaching resources. (link)
Sport Sponsorship…
➤ Sioux Falls will add women’s flag football as its 20th varsity sport starting in 2027-28. (link)
➤ Ursuline is adding men’s bowling as its fifth men’s sport. The Arrows will begin competing in 2027-28. (link)
It’s Personnel…
➤ Cal State LA hires former CCAA Director of Championships Hung Tsai as Assoc. AD for Communications and Game Operations. (link)
➤ Emmanuel (GA) Assoc. AD for Student Success Tyler Gamble is no longer in the role. (link)
➤ West Texas A&M Assoc. AD for Marketing Andrea Doa is headed to Wisconsin (DI) as Asst. Director of Game Day and Fan Experience. (link)
➤ Cal State Dominguez Hills hires Los Angeles Chargers Game Day Communications Assistant Jalyssa Sanchez as Asst. AD for Communications and Sports Information. (link)
➤ Chadron State promotes Men’s Wrestling HC Brett Hunter to Asst. AD for Student-Athlete Development. (link)
➤ Sioux Falls taps Assoc. AD for Sports Medicine & Wellness Emily DeGroot as SWA. (link)
Coaches Corner…
➤ Findlay hires UVA Wise AC Jordan Blackburne as the Oilers’ new Women’s Lacrosse HC. (link)
➤ Franklin Pierce promotes Softball AC James Rines to HC. (link)
➤ Maryville names Nebraska (DI) alum Kayla Verstraete as its new Women’s Bowling HC. (link)
In yesterday’s CFO.ticker: Inside Higher Ed's Johnanna Alonso reports that colleges and universities are expanding investments in campus tour experiences to drive student enrollment as a recent survey by Niche found that 92% of enrollment leaders at small institutions view campus visits as their single most important recruitment strategy. Tour volume at Albion College grew 23% since 2022, which offers an $8K four-year scholarship ($2K annually) to any admitted student who completes a campus tour. VP of Enrollment Management Mandy Konkle explains: “We decided to do this because we know that students aren’t going to choose us if they don’t see us. … So while $2,000 may not seem like a lot to some families for one year, $8,000 over the course of four years is important.” (link); Read more about Red Bull’s $1.7B sports marketing surge and how a global diesel shortage is draining fuel storage capacity in the full edition. (link)
Interested in advertising a job opening in D2.ticker? Click here to submit your position. Post your department-wide openings with CollegeSports.jobs, where thousands of administrators coaches get news and updates about the world of college sports.
(Posted from most recent over the last 30 days)
(NEW!) Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Communications (Lawrence University / Appleton, WI): This position plays a key role in elevating the visibility of Lawrence Athletics through strategic media relations, digital content creation, live streaming management, and statistical services. (DIII) More details HERE.
Live Video Production Coordinator (Black Hills State University / Spearfish, SD): Join an energetic team to enhance fan engagement and student-athlete experience through exceptional game-day productions and digital storytelling. More details HERE.
Athletics Business Associate (University of Illinois Springfield / Springfield, IL): Lead the business and HR operations for athletics, including providing insight into budgets, policies and staff hiring. Serves on senior staff. Has opportunity for athletics administration duties. More details HERE.
Athletic Trainer (University of Kansas / Lawrence, KS): Kansas Team Health and University of Kansas Athletics are seeking qualified candidates to work as part of a medical model and collaborative team while providing care for our Track & Field Program. (DI) More details HERE.
Commissioner (Southern Conference / Spartanburg, SC): Reporting to the Council of Presidents, the Commissioner serves as the Conference's chief executive officer, providing strategic, administrative, and external leadership for member institutions. (DI) More details HERE. What would it cost to move to Spartanburg? Click HERE.
Associate Athletic Trainer Instructor – Department of Kinesiology (St. Edward's University / Austin, TX): The Associate Athletic Trainer position will work in conjunction with the Head Athletic Trainer to coordinate the care of student-athletes on a day-to-day basis. More details HERE.
Assistant Athletic Trainer (St. Edward's University / Austin, TX): The Athletic Trainer position will work in conjunction with the Head Athletic Trainer to coordinate the care of student athletes on a day-to-day basis. More details HERE.
Director of Sports Performance (University of North Georgia / Dahlonega, GA): . The director will lead a high-performance environment that supports the development, health and success of all UNG student-athletes. More details HERE.
Athletic Event & Facility Operations Specialist (Fort Hays State University / Hays, KS): The Athletic Events and Facilities Specialist assists with maintaining & preparing facilities to ensure a safe, clean, & professional environment for student-athletes, staff, & spectators. More details HERE.
Part-Time Assistant Swim Coach (Pennwest - California / California, PA): The assistant coach, in collaboration with the Head Swim Coach assists in the direction and administration of the program in a manner that reflects the athletics’ department program goals. More details HERE.
Assistant Athletic Trainer (University of Texas at Dallas / Richardson, TX): UT Dallas seeks two experienced and energetic athletic trainers who provide education, assessment, treatment and prevention services for athletic-related injuries and illnesses to student-athletes. More details HERE.
Associate Commissioner for Strategic Communications (Southeastern Conference / Birmingham, AL): The Associate Commissioner for Strategic Communications will provide strategic leadership for the Southeastern Conference’s communication efforts. (DI) More details HERE.
Head Athletic Trainer (Jessup University / Rocklin, CA): Will serve student-athletes, and athletic depart.; oversee the day to day operations of athletic training facility and the prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries! More details HERE.
Director of Athletic Communications (Jessup University / Rocklin, CA): The purpose of the Director of Athletic Communications is to oversee and lead the communications and marketing efforts of the athletic department, through both print and digital means. More details HERE.
Assoc. Athletic Trainer (Jessup University / Rocklin, CA): The Associate Athletic Trainer and performs essential athletic training duties and functions to ensure the health and safety of Jessup student-athletes. More details HERE.
Head Men's Volleyball Coach (Jessup University / Rocklin, CA): The Head Coach is responsible for instructing, initiating, developing, and leading a consistently competitive athletic program, including recruiting, scheduling, training, and coaching team members. More details HERE.
Women's Lacrosse Assistant Coach (Northern Michigan University / Marquette, MI): Assist the Head Women's Lacrosse Coach with all assigned duties associated with the intercollegiate women's lacrosse program. More details HERE.
Assistant Women's Lacrosse Coach (Frostburg State University / Frostburg, MD): Full-tIme Assistant Coach for Women's Lacrosse. More details HERE.
Assistant Coach, Women's Basketball (Babson College / Wellesley, MA): Assistant Coach, Women's Basketball at Babson College in Wellesley, MA. Full-time role assisting with coaching and administrative duties. Salary: $53,813 - $59,792. (DIII) More details HERE.
Vice President and Director of Athletics (Tennessee Wesleyan University / Athens, TN): TWU seeks a dynamic and highly relational leader who understands the important role athletics plays in advancing the University's mission, strengthening enrollment, enhancing the student experience. (NAIA) More details HERE. What would it cost to move to Athens? Click HERE.
Head Athletic Trainer (Colorado State University – Pueblo / Pueblo, CO): Provide overall leadership for sports medicine by developing the athletic training vision and strategic direction for CSU Pueblo Sports Medicine. More details HERE.
Jamie and Ellen Pollard Endowed Director of Athletics (Iowa State University / Ames, IA): Iowa State seeks a visionary, strategic leader to serve as its next Director of Athletics and build upon a proud tradition of innovation and competitive excellence. (DI) More details HERE. What would it cost to move to Ames? Click HERE. The D1.dossier for this position is available HERE.
Assistant Athletic Trainer (Frostburg State University / Frostburg, MD): Full Time Assistant Athletic Trainer. More details HERE.
Assistant Athletic Trainer (Adams State University / Alamosa, CO): Assistant Athletic Trainer at Adams State University. More details HERE.
Assistant Director of Sports Medicine/Athletic Trainer (Adams State University / Alamosa, CO): Assistant Director of Sports Medicine/Athletic Trainer. More details HERE.
Assistant Director of Events and Services (Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference / Woodbridge, CT): A full-time position responsible for managing championship operations, conference awards, financial procedures, NCAA grants and as the primary liaison for selected sport oversight across the CACC. More details HERE.
Assistant Coach - Men's Lacrosse (Babson College / Wellesley, MA): Assistant Coach for Men's Lacrosse at Babson College, Wellesley, MA. Full-time role assisting in coaching and recruitment. (DIII) More details HERE.