Troy University Athletics
11/4/2026 1:54:00 PM | General
November 4, 2026
The Trojan Report: A Monthly Update from the Director of Athletics
Opening Message
Grit. Toughness. Determination. Those are just a few of the key characteristics that continually define our teams. All of those characteristics were on full display to a national TV audience as our football program walked into Bridgeforth Stadium and ended JMU's 11-game home winning streak.
Few before that game (and likely during that game) gave our team any chance of winning. But the opinions that mattered the most were gathered together in the visiting team locker room. I'm proud of the character and fight that our coaches and student-athletes showed throughout this battle. When adversity hit, they used it as a rallying moment and refused to let it become divisive. These young men have learned valuable lessons that will serve them well beyond their time as student-athletes. And we cannot wait to welcome them, along with all of our proud alums, back Home for Homecoming this week!
As we prepare to enjoy a week of great activities, I invite all our passionate fans and alums to join us for a tremendous Homecoming celebration. The celebration culminates with a terrific football matchup this Saturday at 3 p.m., as we host Louisiana Tech in a critical SBC West Division showdown. Be sure to get your tickets now at TroyTrojans.com/Ticketsand join us for a great game this weekend.
Basketball Begins
The 2026-27 basketball season is officially underway for our men's and women's basketball programs! Both feature highly talented rosters with several new faces.
Coach Chanda Rigby opens her 15th campaign at the helm and her first full season as our program's all-time wins leader! She'll continue to add to that mark as this young team is brimming with potential.
As this season continues to unfold, I'm excited to see returners such as Detavia Salter and Saniya Jackson help integrate their new teammates, including Maliyah Meeks, Aniya Hubbard, and others you'll soon learn more about, into the exciting culture that is Troy Women's Basketball. Their first home game will be this Thursday, Nov. 5, at 6 p.m. against Thomas University, and we'd love to see you there as part of Homecoming Week.
Coach Adam Howard opens his first season as the head coach for our men's basketball program, but he already knows the championship culture here at Troy.
Similar to the women's basketball team, our men's basketball team will feature several new faces. You'll likely remember Kerrington Kiel and Evan Griffin from our back-to-back Sun Belt Championship teams. You'll definitely enjoy getting to know fantastic players such as Robert Davis, Jr., Jacoi Hutchinson, Donovan Oday and many more throughout this season.
I have enjoyed seeing how quickly Coach Howard has established chemistry within this team, and I know all Trojan Nation will love cheering these guys on throughout the season.
There is still time to secure your Troy Basketball season tickets – be sure to visit TroyTrojans.com/Tickets or give our Ticket Office a call at 334-670-3681, and our staff would welcome the chance to discuss options with you.
Spotlight Story – Justin Powe
Three interceptions. Two pass break ups. Seven tackles. And a pick-6. Yep, that will help lock up a clean sweep of national and conference awards, including the Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week, Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week, Jim Thorpe National Defensive Back of the Week and Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Week!
Congratulations to fifth-year safety Justin Powe for earning this well-deserved honor. He is the nation's top-rated safety, per Pro Football Focus, with an 89.9 grade. He also became the first player since 2017 to record the aforementioned stat line and just the fifth since 1995.
His second interception was the one that flipped the momentum of the game. Trailing 21-7, Powe picked off a pass on the second play of the third quarter and ran it back for a touchdown. Standing on that sideline, I could feel the momentum change in that moment. Our guys had belief coming out of the locker room. And that play showed that it was more than just belief they were playing with. They were ready for their moment and did not back down.
Hat tip to Justin – as well as the entire defense – for playing an extraordinary game up in Harrisonburg. Let's keep the momentum rolling!
Record-Setting Fall for Men's Golf
Our men's golf program had an incredible, record-setting fall. The men won the Argent Financial Classic in Ruston, La., in late September behind a final round of 11-under par to climb two positions and capture the title. First-year golfer Jack Lowery shot an 8-under 64, setting a new school record for the lowest round relative to par.
Jack's record didn't last too long, though. The very next week, Lee Poppell shot a 9-under 63 to break the individual record for the second time in two weeks. The team also shot a 16-under 272 in the final round, setting a new team record.
All of this sets the stage for an exciting spring season ahead for our men's golf program! Coach Clay Bounds and his team return to action on Feb. 7 at The Compadres Collegiate in Cancun, Mexico. I might need to find a way to jump on that flight to join the guys!
Looking Ahead – Big November
Crossover season is officially here, offering plenty of opportunities to see the Trojans in person throughout November! Men's basketball is back home on Tuesday, Nov. 10, to face Loyola-Marymount, then hosts CSUN on Tuesday, Nov. 17, before traveling to the Pensacola Invitational.
Troy Volleyball will host App State next week on Friday, Nov. 13, and Saturday, Nov. 14. The Trojans are in second place in the SBC West Division, and we need your support at these final two home matches of the regular season! Saturday's match will also serve as Senior Day for head coach Josh Lauer's squad.
Women's basketball hosts its home opener on Thursday against Thomas University in Trojan Arena. They return home on Thursday, Nov. 19, to host Longwood, with several road games in between.
Football closes out the regular season with its final two home games on Saturday, Nov. 7, against Louisiana Tech, and Saturday, Nov. 21, against Georgia Southern. Both games are against teams that are currently leading their divisions in the Sun Belt, and both games will kickoff at 3 p.m. Be sure to get your tickets for any and all of these games online at TroyTrojans.com/Tickets.
Thankful Season
As we prepare to enter the Thanksgiving season, it is only fitting that I have the opportunity to reflect on officially hitting the one-year mark serving as the Director of Athletics at Troy University.
As a team, we have accomplished so much together over the past year. Championships have been won. Records have been broken. The seemingly impossible was accomplished as our baseball program hosted a Super Regional and advanced to Omaha.
But, as the great Chanda Rigby is fond of saying, "We do impossible." That's part of our mindset here at Troy. When we rally together, we can accomplish things that others may view as impossible.
So, let's keep showing up. Let's keep pushing forward, together. If you have not already done so, I'd encourage you to join the Trojan Warrior Club. Purchase your season tickets to support our teams. Wear the Troy logo proudly and support our officially licensed retailers. Because no matter what level of support you can provide, it all matters. It all makes a difference. It unifies us all together as #OneTROY.
I have a few reminders around my office in strategic spots to catch my eye and serve as daily reminders. One such item reads: "Gratitude Over Resentment." With a heart of gratitude, I thank each member of Trojan Nation for the opportunity to serve as Director of Athletics for the school we love. It is an absolute honor that I do not take lightly.
And when adversity hits, as it assuredly does for each of us, I hope that you will continue to see that our teams will never back down. Adversity is when we have the opportunity to run to the roar and show our true character. And I choose to view those moments with gratitude, not with resentment.
Go Trojans!
Kyle George
Director of Athletics
The Trojan Report: A Monthly Update from the Director of Athletics
Opening Message
Grit. Toughness. Determination. Those are just a few of the key characteristics that continually define our teams. All of those characteristics were on full display to a national TV audience as our football program walked into Bridgeforth Stadium and ended JMU's 11-game home winning streak.
Few before that game (and likely during that game) gave our team any chance of winning. But the opinions that mattered the most were gathered together in the visiting team locker room. I'm proud of the character and fight that our coaches and student-athletes showed throughout this battle. When adversity hit, they used it as a rallying moment and refused to let it become divisive. These young men have learned valuable lessons that will serve them well beyond their time as student-athletes. And we cannot wait to welcome them, along with all of our proud alums, back Home for Homecoming this week!
As we prepare to enjoy a week of great activities, I invite all our passionate fans and alums to join us for a tremendous Homecoming celebration. The celebration culminates with a terrific football matchup this Saturday at 3 p.m., as we host Louisiana Tech in a critical SBC West Division showdown. Be sure to get your tickets now at TroyTrojans.com/Ticketsand join us for a great game this weekend.
Basketball Begins
The 2026-27 basketball season is officially underway for our men's and women's basketball programs! Both feature highly talented rosters with several new faces.
Coach Chanda Rigby opens her 15th campaign at the helm and her first full season as our program's all-time wins leader! She'll continue to add to that mark as this young team is brimming with potential.
As this season continues to unfold, I'm excited to see returners such as Detavia Salter and Saniya Jackson help integrate their new teammates, including Maliyah Meeks, Aniya Hubbard, and others you'll soon learn more about, into the exciting culture that is Troy Women's Basketball. Their first home game will be this Thursday, Nov. 5, at 6 p.m. against Thomas University, and we'd love to see you there as part of Homecoming Week.
Coach Adam Howard opens his first season as the head coach for our men's basketball program, but he already knows the championship culture here at Troy.
Similar to the women's basketball team, our men's basketball team will feature several new faces. You'll likely remember Kerrington Kiel and Evan Griffin from our back-to-back Sun Belt Championship teams. You'll definitely enjoy getting to know fantastic players such as Robert Davis, Jr., Jacoi Hutchinson, Donovan Oday and many more throughout this season.
I have enjoyed seeing how quickly Coach Howard has established chemistry within this team, and I know all Trojan Nation will love cheering these guys on throughout the season.
There is still time to secure your Troy Basketball season tickets – be sure to visit TroyTrojans.com/Tickets or give our Ticket Office a call at 334-670-3681, and our staff would welcome the chance to discuss options with you.
Spotlight Story – Justin Powe
Three interceptions. Two pass break ups. Seven tackles. And a pick-6. Yep, that will help lock up a clean sweep of national and conference awards, including the Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week, Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week, Jim Thorpe National Defensive Back of the Week and Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Week!
Congratulations to fifth-year safety Justin Powe for earning this well-deserved honor. He is the nation's top-rated safety, per Pro Football Focus, with an 89.9 grade. He also became the first player since 2017 to record the aforementioned stat line and just the fifth since 1995.
His second interception was the one that flipped the momentum of the game. Trailing 21-7, Powe picked off a pass on the second play of the third quarter and ran it back for a touchdown. Standing on that sideline, I could feel the momentum change in that moment. Our guys had belief coming out of the locker room. And that play showed that it was more than just belief they were playing with. They were ready for their moment and did not back down.
Hat tip to Justin – as well as the entire defense – for playing an extraordinary game up in Harrisonburg. Let's keep the momentum rolling!
Record-Setting Fall for Men's Golf
Our men's golf program had an incredible, record-setting fall. The men won the Argent Financial Classic in Ruston, La., in late September behind a final round of 11-under par to climb two positions and capture the title. First-year golfer Jack Lowery shot an 8-under 64, setting a new school record for the lowest round relative to par.
Jack's record didn't last too long, though. The very next week, Lee Poppell shot a 9-under 63 to break the individual record for the second time in two weeks. The team also shot a 16-under 272 in the final round, setting a new team record.
All of this sets the stage for an exciting spring season ahead for our men's golf program! Coach Clay Bounds and his team return to action on Feb. 7 at The Compadres Collegiate in Cancun, Mexico. I might need to find a way to jump on that flight to join the guys!
Looking Ahead – Big November
Crossover season is officially here, offering plenty of opportunities to see the Trojans in person throughout November! Men's basketball is back home on Tuesday, Nov. 10, to face Loyola-Marymount, then hosts CSUN on Tuesday, Nov. 17, before traveling to the Pensacola Invitational.
Troy Volleyball will host App State next week on Friday, Nov. 13, and Saturday, Nov. 14. The Trojans are in second place in the SBC West Division, and we need your support at these final two home matches of the regular season! Saturday's match will also serve as Senior Day for head coach Josh Lauer's squad.
Women's basketball hosts its home opener on Thursday against Thomas University in Trojan Arena. They return home on Thursday, Nov. 19, to host Longwood, with several road games in between.
Football closes out the regular season with its final two home games on Saturday, Nov. 7, against Louisiana Tech, and Saturday, Nov. 21, against Georgia Southern. Both games are against teams that are currently leading their divisions in the Sun Belt, and both games will kickoff at 3 p.m. Be sure to get your tickets for any and all of these games online at TroyTrojans.com/Tickets.
Thankful Season
As we prepare to enter the Thanksgiving season, it is only fitting that I have the opportunity to reflect on officially hitting the one-year mark serving as the Director of Athletics at Troy University.
As a team, we have accomplished so much together over the past year. Championships have been won. Records have been broken. The seemingly impossible was accomplished as our baseball program hosted a Super Regional and advanced to Omaha.
But, as the great Chanda Rigby is fond of saying, "We do impossible." That's part of our mindset here at Troy. When we rally together, we can accomplish things that others may view as impossible.
So, let's keep showing up. Let's keep pushing forward, together. If you have not already done so, I'd encourage you to join the Trojan Warrior Club. Purchase your season tickets to support our teams. Wear the Troy logo proudly and support our officially licensed retailers. Because no matter what level of support you can provide, it all matters. It all makes a difference. It unifies us all together as #OneTROY.
I have a few reminders around my office in strategic spots to catch my eye and serve as daily reminders. One such item reads: "Gratitude Over Resentment." With a heart of gratitude, I thank each member of Trojan Nation for the opportunity to serve as Director of Athletics for the school we love. It is an absolute honor that I do not take lightly.
And when adversity hits, as it assuredly does for each of us, I hope that you will continue to see that our teams will never back down. Adversity is when we have the opportunity to run to the roar and show our true character. And I choose to view those moments with gratitude, not with resentment.
Go Trojans!
Kyle George
Director of Athletics
Thursday, November 05
Thursday, November 05
Wednesday, November 04
Wednesday, November 04