COLUMBUS, Ga. | Columbus State Athletics and the YMCA of Metropolitan Columbus, GA announced a monumental, jersey-patch partnership, one of the first-of-its-kind in NCAA Division II. The YMCA logo will be featured on the men's basketball game jerseys pending NCAA approval at the January 2027 NCAA convention.
In addition to the jersey-patch, the YMCA will also partner with the Cougars through community engagement and expanded YMCA branding on the scorer's table in the Frank G. Lumpkin Jr. Center.
"This partnership with the Columbus State Cougars and the YMCA brings together two wonderful organizations that touch so many lives in Columbus in a positive way," said Cecil Cheves, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the YMCA of Metropolitan Columbus, Ga. and CSU Foundation Board member. "Both CSU and the YMCA have been working together for many years to develop the mind, body and spirit of young men and women in Columbus, and this partnership deepens that relationship."
"We are incredibly excited to partner with the YMCA of Metropolitan Columbus in a way that represents much more than a logo," said Columbus State Director of Athletics Justin Hay. "The YMCA shares our commitment to developing people, strengthening our community, and using athletics as a vehicle to make a positive impact. Having the YMCA represented throughout our Men's Basketball program will be a visible symbol of two organizations working together to serve Columbus and the Chattahoochee Valley while creating new opportunities and resources that directly support the student-athlete experience at Columbus State."
Founded in Columbus in 1856, the YMCA of Metropolitan Columbus is the third-oldest YMCA in the United States and has served the Chattahoochee Valley for nearly 170 years. The organization provides youth sports, wellness, aquatics, and community programs through its locations across Columbus.
"The YMCA is more than a 'swim and gym.' We're a place where Cougars grow up, volunteer, and work," said Scott Balkcum, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Columbus. "The Y is a place where many first shots are made; we are proud of Columbus State University's tradition of student-athlete excellence and honored to have our Y logo featured alongside its storied Men's Basketball program. We're looking forward to a great school year and season supporting our hometown Cougars."
The partnership carries added significance through basketball's connection to the YMCA. The sport was invented in 1891 by Dr. James Naismith while he was teaching at the YMCA International Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Columbus State men's basketball has established a tradition of championship success, capturing six Peach Belt Conference Tournament championships and earning 14 NCAA Tournament appearances. Under the leadership of Head Coach Robert Moore, the Cougars have reached the second round of the NCAA Division II Tournament in each of the last two seasons, posting a combined 50-14 record during that span.
Through the collaboration, the YMCA and CSU men's basketball will work together to engage local youth, promote healthy living, and strengthen the Columbus community through community service, youth clinics and other volunteer opportunities. Additional details regarding the placement of the YMCA logo on the Cougars' game uniforms will be announced following NCAA Division II approval.
