Troy University Athletics
The Trojan Report: A Monthly Update from the Director of Athletics (January 2026)
1/22/2026 12:49:00 PM | General
January 22, 2026
The Trojan Report: A Monthly Update from the Director of Athletics
Opening Message
Trojan Nation – a new year is upon us, and things are really starting to heat up in Trojan Arena. Coach Scott Cross and Coach Chanda Rigby have the two highest-rated basketball teams in the Sun Belt, and homecourt advantage has been huge as we are a combined 14-1 in Trojan Arena this season. These next few weeks will be pivotal in our championship pursuits!
Additionally, Coach Rigby is chasing two major career milestones: she is two wins away from 500 career wins and five wins away from breaking Troy's all-time career wins record, set by the legendary Joyce Sorrell.
Speaking of championship pursuits, Coach Gerad Parker and his staff recently put the finishing touches on an incredible recruiting class, both in the early signing period and through the transfer portal.
We're proud to announce that we have two All-Sun Belt First Team members returning to our program this upcoming season in punter Evan Crenshaw and bandit Donnie Smith. Evan was a First Team All-American and Donnie led the SBC in sacks this season.
Add in several talented returning players and one of the highest-rated signing classes in the SBC, and we're very excited about the direction our Sun Belt West Division Champions are heading in as we turn our attention to the 2026 season! There are just 227 days until we kickoff the regular season at home against Sam Houston … and I'll have more firm details for you soon on the rest of our 2026 schedule.
The diamond sports will also enter their respective 2026 seasons with high expectations. Coach Skylar Meade and our baseball program's transfer class ranked among the top 20 nationally and are loaded with talent this season. The same can be said for Coach Eric Newell and Troy Softball, after a highly successful fall and the blending of several talented newcomers into this season's team.
This Month at Troy
January brings new beginnings for everyone and marks the start of our spring seasons. Our men's and women's tennis programs officially have their seasons underway now. Our track & field athletes are competing in their indoor season, and in a few short weeks, our men's and women's golf programs will open the spring portion of their seasons. No matter the day of the week, you can likely find a Troy athletic program proudly carrying the Trojan banner into competition.
Whenever possible, please come join us on campus for our home athletic events and follow along on the road through the Troy Athletics app and our social media platforms.
Spotlight Story – Gary Wilbert
At our recent Senior Staff Retreat, I asked our team to describe what makes Troy special. Every description came back to one word – PEOPLE. I truly believe that you win with people, and I'd like to share with you each month about some of the people who make Troy Athletics such a special place.
One person that many of our faithful supporters likely recognize is Gary Wilbert, Executive Associate Director of Athletics and Chief Development Officer. You've likely interacted with Gary at a game or had him reach out to you about supporting the Trojan Warrior Fund (and thank you for those that do!). But did you ever realize how much he has helped grow our philanthropic donations throughout the years?
In 2025, we saw a 41.65 percent increase in year-over-year philanthropic gifts compared to 2024. This growth can be attributed to a number of reasons, but the top reason is the hustle and hard work Gary puts in day in and day out to support our student-athletes. Next time you see him, be sure to give him a pat on the back. He just helped us break the highest philanthropic number for the sixth consecutive year. Let's go get a seventh consecutive year together in 2026!
Looking Ahead – Softball, Baseball & Basketball
Opening Day just has that special ring to it! Softball will be the first to take the field on Opening Day when they host Middle Tennessee at home on Friday, Feb. 6, at the Troy Softball Complex. They'll be at home for the first three weekends of the season, and we would love to have you join us!
On the flip side, our baseball program will start this season on the road at Mercer for a three-game series on Feb. 13-15, followed by a trip to Dudy Noble Field to take on Mississippi State on Tuesday, Feb. 17.
Our home opener at Riddle-Pace Field will take place Friday, Feb. 20, against Campbell at 4 p.m. in the first of a three-game series against the Fighting Camels. Lock in those season tickets now by visiting TroyTrojans.com/Tickets and make plans to join us!
Later in March, our men's and women's basketball teams will descend upon Pensacola, Fla., for the Sun Belt Basketball Championships. As always, we need a strong showing from Trojan Nation! Games will take place the week of March 3-9 at the Bay Center. Stay tuned for more information in the weeks to come, as we'll need our fans to help give us a homecourt advantage in our home away from home!
Call to Action
As I conclude this first letter, I would like to thank everyone who has reached out with congratulations over the last few weeks and months since I was named the Director of Athletics here at Troy University. I am blessed beyond belief to be entrusted with this position, leading a department that so many are proud of. You make Troy such a special place, and you are an integral part of our continued success.
Internally, I have told our team for months that 2026 is going to be our year. The makings of an incredible year are beginning to come into place as you look at the success of our teams and the momentum that we are building together.
If you haven't been to a game in Trojan Arena yet this season, it is high time we change that. I guarantee you will enjoy your experience cheering on our men's and women's basketball teams, as they are highly entertaining and winning at a high level. We have 12 home games remaining between the men's and women's teams – don't miss your chance to be part of their championship pursuits!
Now is the time to jump on board with us and be part of the excitement in 2026. Whether it be as a season ticket holder, member of the Trojan Warrior Club, sponsorships, single game purchases, or saying "yes" to your friend that's been asking you to come with them as a guest to a game…we've got a place for everyone here at Troy. And we'd love to have you on our team.
Go Trojans!
Kyle George
Director of Athletics
Troy vs. Georgia Southern (Full Highlights)
Friday, January 23
Chanda Rigby Postgame Press Conference - Georgia Southern
Friday, January 23
AD Report - January 2026
Thursday, January 22
Troy vs. Old Dominion (Full Highlights)
Thursday, January 22