Is Kennesaw State University Baseball D1?
Kennesaw State University Baseball is one of the most successful programs in the South Atlantic Conference (SAC). Based in Kennesaw, Georgia, the Owls have won three SAC championships and have been to the NCAA Division I Baseball Tournament five times. While the program has enjoyed success at the Division II level, many fans are wondering if the team is moving to the Division I level. The answer is yes, but there is still much work to be done before the team can compete at the highest level of college baseball.
History of Kennesaw State University Baseball
Kennesaw State University’s baseball program has been in existence since 1977, when the school first began offering baseball as an intercollegiate sport. The team has had great success at the Division II level, winning the South Atlantic Conference (SAC) championship three times (in 1996, 1998, and 2000). The Owls have also made it to the NCAA Division II Baseball Tournament five times, most recently in 2004.
Kennesaw State University’s Move to Division I
In 2006, Kennesaw State University announced its intention to move its baseball program to the Division I level. This was part of a larger effort by the school to move from Division II to Division I in all sports. The transition was made official in 2011, when the Owls joined the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) as a Division I school.
Kennesaw State University’s Division I Baseball Program
Since joining the ASUN in 2011, Kennesaw State University has been competing as a Division I school in baseball. The Owls have had some success in their first few years as a Division I school, making it to the ASUN Tournament in 2013, 2014, and 2015.
The Challenges of Division I Baseball
Division I baseball is the highest level of college baseball, and it is much different from Division II. The competition is tougher, the facilities are better, and the teams are better funded. In order for Kennesaw State University to be successful at the Division I level, the team will need to make improvements in all areas.
Recruiting
One of the biggest challenges for Kennesaw State University Baseball is recruiting. Division I baseball programs have much higher standards for their players, and the Owls will need to find players that can meet those standards. The team will also need to invest in recruiting trips and other resources to ensure they are getting the best players possible.
Facilities
The facilities at Kennesaw State University are adequate for Division II baseball, but they are not up to the standards of Division I. The school will need to make investments in the stadium, training facilities, and other resources in order to compete at the highest level.
Funding
Division I baseball programs have much higher budgets than Division II programs. Kennesaw State University will need to find ways to increase funding for their program in order to be competitive with other Division I schools. This could include increasing ticket prices, fundraising, or even corporate sponsorships.
Schedule
Division I baseball teams play a much more rigorous schedule than Division II teams. The Owls will need to find ways to schedule games against competitive opponents in order to prepare for the rigors of Division I baseball.
Conclusion
Kennesaw State University Baseball is indeed a Division I program, but there is still much work to do before the team can compete at the highest level of college baseball. The team will need to recruit better players, upgrade their facilities, increase their funding, and schedule competitive opponents. If the Owls can do all of this, they will have a chance to compete in the NCAA Division I Baseball Tournament and become one of the top programs in the country.
Keywords: Kennesaw State University Baseball, Division I Baseball, South Atlantic Conference, NCAA Division II Baseball Tournament, Atlantic Sun Conference, Recruiting, Facilities, Funding, Schedule