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Texas State Softball Announces Plan to Join Pac-12

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, August 28th 2025 at 23:06 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Texas State Softball Aims to Join the Pac‑12: A Strategic Move Toward Elite Competition

In a bold announcement that could reshape the softball landscape in the South, Texas State University said Wednesday that it intends to transition its softball program from Conference USA (C‑USA) to the Pac‑12 as an associate member. The announcement, which came from the university’s Office of Athletics, comes at a time of heightened conference realignment across college sports and follows the Pac‑12’s recent expansion talks with a number of potential newcomers.

Why Texas State? The Strategic Rationale

The decision to target the Pac‑12 reflects a desire to elevate the program’s profile, attract higher‑caliber recruits, and compete against the best teams in the country. In a brief statement, Texas State’s athletic director, Dr. James S. “J.C.” Anderson, said: “Softball has become one of the flagship sports for our university, and we want to give our student‑athletes the best possible platform to showcase their talents. Joining the Pac‑12 as an associate member will allow us to compete in a conference known for its high level of play, stronger media exposure, and increased recruiting pipelines.”

Dr. Anderson highlighted the “financial upside” of the move as well. The Pac‑12’s media deals with CBS Sports and ESPN generate significant revenue for member schools, and while an associate membership typically does not come with a full share of the revenue, the increased visibility and potential for higher attendance could offset the additional travel costs.

The Path to Pac‑12 Membership

Texas State’s plan is not yet formal; the university is still awaiting formal acceptance from the Pac‑12’s leadership. According to the Pac‑12’s official website, a potential associate member must submit an application that includes a comprehensive cost‑benefit analysis, a proposal for scheduling, and a demonstration of compliance with NCAA regulations. If approved, the program would begin play in the 2025‑26 academic year.

Pac‑12 Commissioner Jody Allen has already indicated that the conference is “open to exploring new opportunities,” especially as the league looks to expand its footprint and maintain competitiveness against powerhouses such as the SEC and Big Ten. In a statement on the conference’s website, Allen wrote, “We’re always interested in adding teams that bring competitive spirit and fan interest to our member schools. We’ll be reviewing Texas State’s proposal over the coming months.”

The associate membership model is not unprecedented. The Pac‑12 has added several sports as associate members in the past, such as women's rowing and beach volleyball, to broaden its competition slate and offer more opportunities for student‑athletes. In Texas State’s case, the university’s softball team would be the only Texas‑based institution in the Pac‑12 for women’s softball, potentially creating a unique marketing angle for the conference.

A Program on the Rise

Texas State’s softball team has enjoyed a period of consistent success over the past decade. Led by Head Coach Amanda Kinkead, who took the helm in 2004, the team has made three consecutive NCAA tournament appearances (2019‑2021) and captured the C‑USA tournament championship in 2022. The program’s recent season finished with a 38‑21 record, and the team earned a berth in the NCAA Regionals for the third straight year.

Kinkead expressed enthusiasm about the move: “We’ve built a culture of excellence here at Texas State. Transitioning to the Pac‑12 will present new challenges, but it will also give our players a chance to prove themselves against some of the best talent in the country. That’s exactly the environment we want for our student‑athletes.”

Recruits from Texas and neighboring states have already shown interest in the program’s new conference affiliation. “Playing in the Pac‑12 is a huge draw for me,” said junior pitcher Kayla Hernandez, who was recruited out of Dallas. “The level of competition, the travel to places like Seattle and Los Angeles, and the exposure—this is a dream.”

Challenges on the Horizon

The transition will not be without hurdles. Travel logistics will shift dramatically. While C‑USA teams are largely clustered in the Midwest and Southeast, Pac‑12 teams span from California to Washington. The distance from San Marcos, Texas, to Seattle is roughly 1,500 miles—a trip that could stretch the program’s budget and time away from campus. Texas State’s budget office has already begun modeling the financial impact, estimating an increase of $200,000 annually in travel costs, offset by projected increases in ticket sales and sponsorships.

Additionally, Texas State will need to negotiate scheduling agreements. Associate members often have to fit into the existing conference calendar, which can be tight. The Pac‑12 will need to ensure that Texas State’s addition does not disrupt the scheduling balance among its full members.

A Broader Realignment Trend

Texas State’s move is part of a larger wave of conference realignment that has shaken college sports in recent years. The SEC added Texas A&M and Missouri; the Big Ten welcomed Nebraska; the ACC added Syracuse and the University of Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, the Pac‑12 has been looking to strengthen its membership against the backdrop of the University of Arizona’s rumored move to the Big 12.

“Every conference is in a state of flux right now,” noted Dr. Anderson. “Our goal is to position Texas State at the forefront of that change, ensuring that we remain competitive and relevant in the national conversation.”

Looking Ahead

The university has set a tentative timeline for the next steps. By July 2025, Texas State expects to have completed the formal application process and, contingent upon Pac‑12 approval, to begin its first season as an associate member in the fall of 2025.

The move will be closely watched by other schools and fans alike. If Texas State’s softball team can navigate the logistical challenges and secure Pac‑12 acceptance, the program could become a trailblazer for associate memberships in the region—and a powerful new voice in one of college softball’s most storied conferences.