The University of North Georgia announced Tuesday that the school will add a women’s track & field team that will begin competition in the 2016-17 season. 

Women’s cross country coach Tom Williams will also serve as the head coach for the new program.

In a press release, UNG director of athletics Lindsay Reeves called the move “a natural progression.”

“It is an exciting opportunity to add track and field to the North Georgia sports lineup,” said Reeves. “The new program will enhance the championship experience for both current and prospective student-athletes. Since reinstating the women’s cross country program in 2012 after a two-year hiatus, we always knew the natural progression would be to bring in track & field student-athletes and continue the growth of our running program.”

UNG will offer 13 intercollegiate sports with women’s track & field entering the fold. North Georgia is now the 10th women’s Division-II track & field program in Georgia.

The Nighthawks will compete next season against Alabama-Huntsville, Augusta, Clayton State, Columbus State, Florida Tech, Montevallo, Nova Southeastern, Shorter and UNC Pembroke for the Peach Belt Conference championship.