As you may know, there is a lot to celebrate at Texas State University right now including the exciting start of a new season of Bobcat Athletics!

This is our final year in the Sun Belt Conference before we make our historic move to the Pac-12, and we want to finish strong. Our student-athletes and coaches have been preparing for this moment, and now more than ever, they need your energy, presence, and pride.

Our fall sports calendar is heating up, and we have plenty of opportunities to cheer on our teams together. Let’s pack the stands, show up loud, and demonstrate that TXST fans are ready for the national stage. Together, let’s make this final Sun Belt season one to remember.

TXST Soccer has already kicked off its 2025 season and is off to a great start (including victories over our TXST Mexico Bobcats and a professional soccer team in Querétaro)! You can catch their upcoming home matches—Oklahoma on September 4 and Baylor on September 7—for free at the Bobcat Soccer Complex.

TXST Volleyball returns to Strahan Arena at the University Events Center on September 11 to face Arizona State and begin their pursuit of another Sun Belt Conference Championship.

Bobcat Football kicks off the season at UFCU Stadium on Saturday, August 30 at 7 p.m. against Eastern Michigan. Tomorrow, join Beth and me at the third annual Back the Bobcats Block Party in San Marcos, held on the eve of Saturday’s football home opener. Block Party festivities begin at 6 p.m. on North Street (between Hopkins and Hutchison), near Zelicks. Enjoy live music, food and drinks, vendors, and games. The Bobcat spirit rally begins at 7 p.m. with special appearances by Boko, the Bobcat Marching Band, Texas State Strutters and Cheer, and members of the Bobcat Football team. This free, family-friendly event is open to all ages.

Earlier this week, I reached out to our students to share the importance of Bobcat pride and positive fan behavior. I encouraged them to support their fellow students by attending competitions and demonstrating that TXST leads the way in college sportsmanship. Our goal is for every athletic event to reflect the best of our community in safety, civility, and school spirit.

I know many of you also take pride in attending athletic events, alongside the many cultural and social activities offered across our campuses. We show our Bobcat pride by wearing maroon and gold, and I’ve been inspired by the creative ways many of you live that tradition each and every day. You’ve inspired me to wear our school colors every day too, as a symbol of the pride I feel for TXST.

Wearing our TXST gear and attending games are just a couple of the ways we come together as a community. When I met with our student-athletes and coaches over the summer, they repeatedly told me how much they value the support of their fellow Bobcats, especially those who show up at their competitions. That support helps create the electric home-game atmosphere that gives our teams an edge. Together, we help make TXST the “Best in the Sun Belt.”

To stay connected with TXST Athletics, follow them on social media: Facebook, Twitter (X), Instagram, YouTube, and stream most games live on ESPN+. You’ll also find individual team accounts with even more updates. When you post, tag @txstatebobcats and @txst, and use hashtags like #EatEmUp and #TXST to show your Bobcat spirit.

To purchase discounted tickets for your family or explore the latest news, scores, highlights, podcasts, and more, visit TXST.com.

Thank you for everything you do to make TXST a great place to learn, work, live, and serve. I look forward to seeing even more maroon and gold across our campuses this year.

Go Bobcats!

Sincerely,

Kelly Damphousse, Ph.D.

President