ODESSA, Texas (November 11, 2026) – The University of Texas Permian Basin Athletics Department is excited to announce the addition of a women's track (distance only - 400 meter and above), which will begin competition in the Spring of 2028. With the launch of this new program, UTPB's NCAA-sponsored sports will increase from 14 to 16 with both indoor and outdoor track. This is the first program addition since football and men's and women's golf were introduced in 2016.

The immediate entry into LSC track will allow the Falcons to compete for additional NCAA Championship berths and in-season and postseason awards, both on the academic and athletic side.

UTPB's Vice President for Athletics, Scott Larson, said, "Women's track is a natural fit for UTPB. It reflects our commitment to growth, to student-athlete success, and to building a department that offers meaningful opportunities both within athletics and in the classroom. We can't wait to begin recruiting and see this program take shape."

The university is currently accepting applications for a full-time coach for women's cross country and track to build a competitive roster beginning competition by Fall of 2027.

The new UTPB women's track program will be limited to distance events only (400 meters and above).

The addition of track is designed to enhance UTPB's existing women's cross country program, offering distance runners the opportunity to compete year-round. Beginning in the 2027-28 academic year, the Falcons will compete in cross country during the Fall, indoor track during the Winter, and outdoor track during the Spring.

UTPB will join a strong track cohort in the Lone Star Conference with the Falcons representing the 11th women's indoor track program and the 14th women's outdoor track program in the conference. UTPB will join Angelo State, Dallas Baptist, Eastern New Mexico, Lubbock Christian, Midwestern State, Oklahoma Christian, St. Edward's, Texas A&M-Kingsville, UT Tyler, and West Texas A&M as programs with both indoor and outdoor women's track. Cameron, UT Dallas and Western New Mexico sponsor only a women's outdoor track program.