Golden Eagles Take Flight On East Campus
Student-athletes on Georgia Southern’s East Georgia Campus to Compete Under New Identity in NAIA Competition
Georgia Southern University’s East Georgia Campus in Swainsboro will feature a new athletics name and logo for the Fall ’26 season. Student-athletes will compete as the Georgia Southern Golden Eagles. The program has officially joined the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and will begin competition in the Continental Athletic Conference.
The Golden Eagles represent a culture built on earning success through hard work and perseverance. The program embraces the grind that reveals true commitment to sport and turns that reality into a competitive advantage. More than a team, the Golden Eagles are a family — fostering a campus environment where relentless student-athletes are known, supported and developed as whole people. As a four-year NAIA program, the Golden Eagles are built to fly, transforming the campus from a stepping stone into a launchpad for student-athletes.
“The launch of the Golden Eagles marks a defining moment for our East Georgia Campus. This new identity reflects the resilience, determination and pride that already exist within our student-athletes and our Swainsboro community,” said Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero. “We are not simply changing a name — we are expanding opportunity, strengthening our commitment to student success, and building a program where student-athletes can grow, compete and leave a lasting legacy.”
The new name was selected following information and branding sessions with East Georgia Campus students, student-athletes, coaches, faculty, staff, campus leaders and community held over the last several months.
The Golden Eagles logo features a left-facing eagle head, with a fierce determination that echoes the dedication the coaches, staff and student-athletes exhibit every day. The design glistens with a golden foundation, creating a focal point of distinction while adding to the rich tradition of Georgia Southern’s proud Eagle Nation. The new logo is an extension for Georgia Southern, representing how the institution continues to grow and impact more communities.
Joe Heikkinen directs East Georgia Campus athletics. Heikkinen is a former Division 1 football scholar-athlete at Rice University. He has coached at the collegiate, high school, youth and professional levels with experience in strengthening academic and athletic outcomes. With more than 20 years of professional experience in sales and operations, he has led teams, managed significant budgets and developed sustainable systems.
“I am incredibly honored to join our East Georgia Campus and the greater Eagle Nation at such an exciting time,” said Heikkinen. “The Golden Eagles brand represents more than a new identity. This is about creating pride across campus and throughout our local community.”
The Golden Eagle sports include men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, softball, with plans to add cross country (men’s and women’s) this fall.
— Sandra Bennett