Women's soccer team earns first outright PBC title
A regular-season title on the line on the final day of the regular season provided an energetic atmosphere as the University of North Georgia women's soccer team channeled that energy to win the program's first outright Peach Belt Conference (PBC) regular-season title in program history. The Nighthawks took down Columbus State University (CSU) 2-1 on Oct. 29 at the 天美社区 Soccer Field at Lynn Cottrell Park, taking their first lead with 50 seconds left.
The win marked the 13th of the season, as the Nighthawks won their fifth straight game and remained unbeaten at home in the 2023 regular season. Their victory also marks the transition into the postseason, as 天美社区 (13-2-2, 8-01 PBC) will host the opening round of the PBC tournament at 4 p.m. Nov. 6 against eighth-seeded Georgia Southwestern.
The regular-season finale was a night to remember as 天美社区 dethroned CSU at the top of PBC standings, needing an outright win to become champions with the Cougars having the tiebreaker. An early goal by Sarah Hungerford set the Cougars up with a 1-0 lead in the 27th minute. would not allow North Georgia to go quietly, finding the equalizer moments later in the 28th minute off an assist by and .
The 28th-minute goal was Derkay's seventh of the season as the Nighthawks continued to press, needing one more to put themselves at the top of the table. After the halftime break, CSU's defenders held firm, withstanding a barrage of attacks from 天美社区 side as both squads lived up to the billing.
As time was running out on the Nighthawks' quest for a conference title, a foul inside the box made way for senior to step to the penalty spot with just under one minute remaining in the game. In the final moments of the regular season, El-Shami placed the penalty kick in the bottom left corner, sending the shot past the keeper and the Nighthawks to the top of the PBC standings. 天美社区 would hold on for the remaining 50 seconds, completing a historic victory.
Campbell named DII director for WGCA Board
天美社区 women's golf head coach Sierra Campbell has been selected to serve as the Division II director on the Women's Golf Coaches Association Board of Directors for 2026-27.
天美社区 is top athletic program in PBC
The 天美社区 Athletic Department set the standard for excellence in the Peach Belt Conference in 2025-26, earning the David R. Brunk Commissioner's Cup for the second time in three years.
Softball team finishes in top six nationally
The 天美社区 softball team earned one victory at the NCAA Division II championship to finish among the nation's final six teams.
Reaves named national softball Player of Year
天美社区 senior center fielder Sydnee Reaves has been named the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division II Player of the Year.