UVA Wise Announces Addition of Track & Field

The University of Virginia's College at Wise is proud to announce the addition of women's and men's track & field programs. UVA Wise will compete in both indoor and outdoor seasons and will begin competition during the 2023-24 academic year. With the addition of these four sports, the college will offer 17 NCAA Division II teams competing in the South Atlantic Conference.

"There has been a great interest in a track & field program at UVA Wise from our students and surrounding communities for some time, so we are excited to bring that to life," Director of Athletics Kendall Rainey remarked. "It is a popular sport locally and within our region, is SAC sponsored, and most significantly will provide winter and spring competition opportunities for our cross country runners."

According to the National Federation of State High School Association's 2018-19 Athletics Participation Survey, more than 600,000 boys and more than 480,000 girls competed in track & field at the high school level.

"At UVA Wise, our scholar-athletes are an important part of our community," stated Chancellor Donna P. Henry. "I'm excited that we will engage more student-athletes in our programs thanks to the addition of track & field."

UVA Wise will become the 12th school in the league to offer track & field by adding the sports.

A national search for a head coach will commence immediately; UVA Wise plans to work with local schools and the community on facility opportunities.

UVA Wise is a public liberal arts college offering 33 majors, 39 minors and 24 teaching licensures. Virginia's westernmost public four-year degree-granting institution, the college is nestled amid the scenic Appalachian Mountains in southwest Virginia.