If you spend any time in the Capital Region, you know that being a fan of the University at Albany Great Danes is a specific kind of vibe. It’s not like being a Duke fan or a Bama fan. There’s no entitlement here. Instead, there’s this gritty, "we’ll show you" energy that defines the school's 18 varsity teams. Honestly, for a long time, UAlbany was just that SUNY school up the Northway that happened to have a decent lacrosse team. But things have changed. A lot.
The transformation from a regional program to a genuine Division I mid-major powerhouse didn't happen overnight. You've got to look at the sheer hardware they've collected since jumping to D-I in 1999. We are talking over 120 America East tournament titles. That’s not a typo.
The "UAlbany Way" and the New Guard
Success starts at the top, and right now, the talk of the town is the massive shift in the football program. After Greg Gattuso led the Danes to a historic FCS Semifinal run in 2023, the program recently hit a major turning point. On January 7, 2026, the university officially introduced Tom Perkovich as the new head coach.
"Coach Perk" isn't coming in as a stranger to winning; he built a literal juggernaut at Susquehanna University with an 84-25 record. Taking over at Bob Ford Field is no small task. You’re following Bob Ford himself—the man who basically birthed the program—and Gattuso, who proved UAlbany could hang with the big dogs in the CAA. Perkovich is stepping into a lineage of stability that most programs would kill for.
It’s weird to think about, but UAlbany has only had three full-time head coaches in its entire history. That kind of continuity is why they don't just "have a good season" and disappear. They build.
Why Basketball at Broadview Hits Different
If you haven’t been to the Broadview Center lately, you’re missing out. The place was recently renovated, and the atmosphere for a Saturday afternoon America East clash is electric. Take the January 10, 2026, game against Bryant. The Great Danes absolutely dismantled them, 71-46.
The defense was suffocating. Bryant shot 27% from the field. 27 percent! Coach Dwayne Killings has been preaching this idea of being "addicted to the process," and you could see it in guys like Amir Lindsey, who dropped 21 points, and Okechukwu Okeke, who dominated the glass with a double-double.
- Amir Lindsey: The sophomore guard is basically the engine of the offense right now.
- Defense: They held Bryant to just 12 points in the second half of that game.
- The Vibe: Broadview only holds about 4,000 people, which means every "Let's Go Danes" chant feels like it's vibrating in your chest.
On the women's side, the dominance is even more consistent. They’ve been a perennial threat in the America East for over a decade. Players like Amaya Stewart and Delanie Hill are currently carrying the torch, keeping the Danes in the mix for yet another NCAA Tournament bid. It’s reached a point where if the women’s team isn’t in the conference finals, something feels wrong with the world.
The Track and Field Dynasty Nobody Mentions
Everyone talks about basketball and football, but if you want to see a real dynasty, look at the track. The UAlbany track and field program is, quite frankly, ridiculous. In 2024, they swept both the men’s and women’s Indoor America East Championships for the 10th time.
The women's team has won 14 straight outdoor titles. Let that sink in. Most programs feel lucky to win two in a row. To do it for nearly a decade and a half requires a level of recruiting and coaching that is frankly unfair to the rest of the conference. Names like Shak Williams and Travis Robinson have become legends in the record books, shattering conference records in the 60m and shot put like it’s just another Tuesday practice.
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More Than Just Lacrosse
We can't ignore the sticks. UAlbany lacrosse put the school on the national map back when the Thompson brothers were highlight-reel fixtures on ESPN. That legacy continues with guys like Jake Piseno, who recently went No. 9 overall in the PLL draft.
But it’s the breadth of the program that’s surprising. Field hockey is regularly ranked in the national top 20. Women’s golf is out here winning MAAC titles. Even women's rowing is being added to the mix. The university has won the Stuart P. Haskell Jr. Commissioner's Cup—awarded to the best overall athletic department in the America East—eight times. That’s the real measure of a Great Dane. It’s not about one lucky team; it’s about a culture where every athlete, from the cross-country runners to the volleyball players, expects to win.
The Reality of Being a Mid-Major
Look, it’s not all sunshine and roses. Being a Great Dane means dealing with the transfer portal, which can be brutal for schools at this level. When a player like Reese Poffenbarger lights it up on the football field, the big-money Power Five schools come knocking. It’s a constant battle to retain talent.
But there’s a loyalty here that’s hard to find elsewhere. You see it in the alumni who show up for the Albany Cup against Siena, screaming their heads off at the MVP Arena. You see it in the "cashless" transition at Casey Stadium, where the school is modernizing to keep up with the big boys.
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How to Actually Follow the Danes
If you're looking to jump on the bandwagon, there are a few things you should know. First, download the UAlbanySports app. It’s the easiest way to manage the digital tickets, which are mandatory now since the venues went cashless.
Second, don't just go to the football games. The "non-ticketed" sports are often where the most insane action happens. You can walk up to a baseball, softball, or track event for free. Some of the best athletes in the country are competing right there on Washington Avenue, and half the city doesn't even realize they don't need a ticket to watch.
What's Next for the Program?
The next twelve months are going to be a litmus test. With Tom Perkovich rebuilding the football roster and Coach Killings trying to turn a "process-oriented" basketball team into a tournament lock, the stakes are high.
There's a specific pride in being a Great Dane. It’s the pride of the underdog that stopped being an underdog a long time ago but kept the work ethic. Whether it's a cold November night at Casey Stadium or a packed house at Broadview for a rivalry game, the Great Danes have proven they aren't just a SUNY standout—they're a national contender.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the Schedule: The Men's Basketball team has a huge home stand coming up at the Broadview Center—go see Amir Lindsey in person.
- Support the GDAC: If you want the program to keep its best players, consider contributing to the Great Dane Athletic Club (GDAC) to help with facilities and scholarships.
- Wear Purple: It sounds simple, but the "Purple Out" games actually matter for recruiting. Fill the seats and make some noise.