General | 3/10/2026 7:35:00 PM

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Kentucky State University is proud to announce the addition of women's triathlon as its newest NCAA Division II varsity sport. The Thorobreds' women's triathlon team is scheduled to begin official competition during the fall 2026 season during the 2026-27 academic year. 
 
The launch of this program marks a historic milestone for the university and the continued expansion of the sport within the NCAA landscape. 
 
The initiative is made possible through a strategic partnership with the USA Triathlon Foundation and the Dave Alexander Grant, which provides essential funding to develop and sustain women's triathlon programs at the varsity level.
 
"Thanks to the support of the USA Triathlon Foundation, we are excited to expand our athletic footprint into the sport of triathlon," said Director of Athletics Grant Stepp. "As we aim to create new opportunities for student-athletes, expand enrollment opportunities for our institution and build off the legacy created by our past student-athletes in the sports of cross country and track and field, Kentucky State is showing it can be a leader in college athletics opportunities for students.
 
"As a proud HBCU institution, creating new opportunities for our young people adds a new point of pride for our school. I am excited to get into competition next year and provide this new avenue for our young people to compete and represent Kentucky State University."
 
In the final stages of the NCAA Emerging Sports process, Kentucky State joins the momentum of women's collegiate triathlon in adding additional sport opportunities for collegiate student-athletes. The sport is currently awaiting final committee and divisional approvals to become a full NCAA Championship sport.
 
Women's Triathlon becomes Kentucky State's 15th active sport program.  
  
For more information about triathlon as an NCAA Emerging Sport for Women, visit https://www.usatriathlon.org/multisport/ncaa-triathlon. 
 
Interested in helping identify and recruit the next women's varsity collegiate triathlon program? Athletes currently competing in triathlon and those from single-sport backgrounds are invited to compete at the NCAA level. Inquiries may be directed to Tim Yount, USA Triathlon Chief of Sport Development, at tim.yount@usatriathlon.org.
 
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