AUGUSTA, Ga. – The Peach Belt Conference is thrilled to announce the addition of Valdosta State University as the newest member of the Peach Belt Conference. Valdosta State will become the conference’s 11th member on July 1, 2027.
 
"We are pleased to become a member of the Peach Belt Conference” said Valdosta State University President Dr. Donald J. Green. “Our move to the PBC creates exciting, accessible in-state rivalries that make it easier than ever for our passionate fans while enhancing academic support for our student-athletes."
 
University leaders made the formal announcement during an October 2^nd press conference in Valdosta, Georgia. Peach Belt Conference Commissioner Diana Kling and Deputy Commissioner Dr. Santiago Pinzon joined Valdosta State President Dr. Donald J. Green, Director of Athletics Troy Katen, and several Blazers coaches, student-athletes and university representatives at the event.
 
“Valdosta State University is an exceptional fit for the Peach Belt Conference, and we could not be more excited about the opportunity to welcome the Blazers into our conference family,” said Peach Belt Conference Commissioner Diana Kling. “Given Valdosta State’s proximity to our existing footprint and its history of competition with many of our member institutions, there is already a strong level of familiarity, and we look forward to the exciting new rivalries that will develop. Valdosta State has a proven record of success, and their addition will bring significant value to the conference—both immediately and for years to come.”
 
Located in Valdosta, Georgia, Valdosta State is a leading public state university within the University System of Georgia, serving more than 11,000 students. VSU offers nearly 200 academic programs leading to associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees, as well as options to add a certification, minor, endorsement or certificate to that degree.
 
“We are thrilled to welcome Valdosta State University to the Peach Belt Conference,” said Dr. Daniel J. Heimmermann, University of South Carolina Aiken Chancellor and Chair of the PBC Board of Directors. “Valdosta State is a renowned university not only for its outstanding athletic programs but for its high-quality academic reputation. Its membership in the PBC will enhance the quality and reputation of the conference in all respects. Finally, I would like to thank and congratulate VSU President Dr. Donald J. Green for his vision and leadership. Welcome, Blazers!”
 
Valdosta State will become the eighth member of the Peach Belt Conference located in Georgia, further solidifying the conference’s footprint in the Peach State. The Blazers’ conference travel distance will average approximately 200 miles, with their closest games at Georgia Southwestern, Middle Georgia and Columbus State.
 
"Joining the Peach Belt Conference is an exciting opportunity to enhance the experience of our student-athletes,” said VSU Athletic Director Troy Katen. “Membership in the PBC will reduce travel and give our student-athletes more time in the classroom. It will also give our families, fans and alumni more chances to cheer on the Blazers. In addition, it will strengthen our recruiting within our regional footprint. The Peach Belt has a long tradition of success, and we look forward to helping raise its profile even further on the national stage. We are grateful to the Gulf South Conference for the many years we have been a valued member. We also want to thank Commissioner Diana Kling and the Peach Belt Conference office for the invitation. We are excited about the future of Blazer Athletics."
 
Valdosta State will bring baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s golf, softball, women’s soccer, men’s and women’s tennis and volleyball to the PBC. These sports will begin conference competition in fall 2027. The Blazers also sponsor cheerleading, dance and football, which are consistently among the nation’s best.
 
“On behalf of the Peach Belt Athletic Directors Council, we are excited to welcome Valdosta State University to the conference,” said Jermaine Rolle, Clayton State Athletic Director and Chair of the PBC Athletic Directors Council. “Valdosta State brings a tremendous tradition of success in Division II athletics and will be a great fit within the Peach Belt. Their addition makes our conference stronger, and we’re looking forward to the opportunities this will create for our student-athletes and institutions. We’re glad to have the Blazers joining us in 2027-28.”
 
Additional information regarding Valdosta State's transition to the Peach Belt Conference, including competition schedules and other details, will be announced as they become available.