Staff reports
The University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) has been approved for provisional year three in its transition to NCAA Division II membership, following the NCAA Division II Membership Committee’s recent meeting. This marks the final phase before achieving full membership status.
Quin Monahan, USC Beaufort’s Director of Athletics, expressed gratitude for the support and leadership that have facilitated this progress, particularly highlighting the contributions of Genia Montford, Shawn Becker, the Peach Belt Conference staff, and Nancy Mitchell from Strategic Edge Consulting.
Montford emphasized the collective effort and dedication from various departments within the university, noting that this milestone is a celebration for the entire Sand Sharks community. Last year, the Peach Belt Conference allowed all member institutions, including provisional members like USC Beaufort, to participate in postseason play. This rule change enabled USC Beaufort’s women’s soccer team to compete in the Peach Belt Championship, where the Sand Sharks advanced to the second round of penalty kicks against Lander.
The transition to NCAA Division II requires a three-year provisional period, each with distinct benchmarks and strategic goals. In the second year, USC Beaufort engaged fully with the Division II landscape, focusing on compliance, governance, and competition within the Peach Belt Conference across 13 varsity sports.
Shawn Becker highlighted the robust partnerships formed with various campus departments, which have been essential in enhancing the student-athlete experience. These collaborations will continue to strengthen as USC Beaufort moves into the final year of the provisional process.
Successful completion of this three-year transition will allow USC Beaufort to become a full NCAA Division II and Peach Belt Conference member, eligible to compete for national championships beginning in the 2025-26 academic year.
Monahan underscored the significance of this advancement as USC Beaufort approaches its 20th anniversary as a four-year institution, reaffirming the university’s commitment to providing excellent athletic experiences for its students and community.
