State family,

Let me begin by saying a heartfelt "thank you."

Thank you to our WVSU Athletics staff, coaches, and student-athletes. From countless COVID-19 tests, masking during training, and other policies and protocols that were put in place, thank you for doing your part to ensure that we were able to compete and represent WVSU in 2020-2021.

Thank you to the W-Club, our community partners and supporters. It's because of your generosity, that we are able to offer the experience we do to our nearly 300 student-athletes. Thank you for ensuring that every student-athlete has the opportunity to succeed on and off the field.

Thank you to our fans. COVID-19 protocols caused capacity restrictions at our venues, limiting in-person attendance. Whether you watched online or you were in attendance, thank you for your patience and understanding. Our hope is that we are at full capacity at all events this fall to cheer on our Yellow Jackets in person!

Thank you to the leadership from our university administrators. Your guidance has been invaluable as we navigated the unprecedented challenges this year presented. If it weren't for your hard work and diligent leadership, we wouldn't have competed at all and your unwavering support was felt throughout the entire WVSU Athletic Department.

Athletically, this past semester was full of excitement, energy and significant accomplishments. There were so many outstanding moments that we should all be proud of. The Yellow Jackets won four regular season MEC championships, secured a MEC tournament championship, and made two NCAA tournament appearances. This is no small feat, especially given the circumstances.

Academically, the accomplishments were equally impressive. Our WVSU student-athletes combined for a 3.1 grade point average in the spring 2021 term. This marked the sixth consecutive semester that WVSU student-athletes achieved a collective 3.1 GPA or better. Additionally, a record 171 student-athletes, or 63 percent of total student-athletes, earned a 3.0 GPA or higher during the spring semester. Thank you to our outstanding faculty, staff, and coaches who support the student-athletes in these achievements.

For so many of us, myself included, the past year was undeniably challenging. But it reinforced why I am honored to serve our student-athletes and be the Athletic Director at this great university. I am proud of what we have accomplished so far, but I am confident that the best days of WVSU Athletics are ahead of us.

Go State!

Nate Burton
WVSU Athletic Director