A New Chapter Begins: One More Step Forward Together
7/1/2026 2:00:00 PM | General
An open letter from Ryan Ivey
Dear Bulldog and Lady Techster Family,
Today marks a defining moment in the history of Louisiana Tech Athletics.As of today, Louisiana Tech University is officially a member of the Sun Belt Conference.
This is more than a change in conference affiliation—it is the beginning of a new chapter for our student-athletes, coaches, alumni, fans, and everyone who believes in what Louisiana Tech represents.
For generations, Bulldog and Lady Techster fans have embraced the rivalries that make college athletics special. The return of annual matchups against familiar regional opponents will reignite traditions, shorten road trips for our fans, create unforgettable atmospheres in our venues, and provide our student-athletes with the opportunity to compete on some of the biggest stages in our region.
These are the games that matter to our communities, strengthen our brand, and remind us why college athletics remains one of the most unique experiences in the world.
Our move to the Sun Belt positions us for greater long-term stability and alignment. We are joining a conference with strong institutional partners, passionate fan bases, outstanding competitive opportunities, and a shared vision for the future of intercollegiate athletics. It creates new opportunities to grow our revenues, strengthen our national visibility, enhance the student-athlete experience, and continue investing in championship-level programs.
Most importantly, this move reinforces our commitment to providing Louisiana Tech student-athletes with every opportunity to compete, graduate, and succeed while proudly representing our university, community, region and state.
None of this happens without you.
Every ticket purchased, every gift made, every road trip taken, every conversation promoting Louisiana Tech, and every time you wear the red, loyal blue and Columbia blue contributes to the momentum we are building together. The strength of this department has always been found in the people who believe in it.
Earlier this year, we launched our One More campaign as a reminder that championships, meaningful progress, and lasting success are rarely achieved through one giant leap. They are built by consistently giving one more effort, making one more investment, taking one more step, and believing one more time.
Today, as we begin our journey in the Sun Belt Conference, that message carries even greater meaning.
We're asking every Bulldog and Lady Techster supporter to join us.
Attend one more game.
Bring one more friend.
Purchase one more season ticket.
Make one more gift.
Wear your Louisiana Tech gear one more day each week.
Share our story with one more future Bulldog or Lady Techster.
Together, those individual actions become transformational momentum for our department, our university, and our student-athletes.
The future of Louisiana Tech Athletics has never been brighter. We are entering a conference that reflects our ambitions while carrying forward the proud traditions that define our university. There is important work ahead, but I have never been more confident in where we are going or in the people who will help us get there.
Thank you for believing in Louisiana Tech.
Thank you for believing in our student-athletes.
Thank you for taking this next step with us.
The next chapter starts today.
One More. Together.
Go Bulldogs and Lady Techsters!
Ryan Ivey
Vice President & Director of Athletics
Louisiana Tech University
Wednesday, July 16
Tuesday, May 06
Friday, April 25
Saturday, January 11
