Skip To Main Content

USCB Athletics

USCBATHLETICS.COM / The Official Site of USCB Athletics

Scoreboard

Scoreboard

NCAA Year 3 - 7.11.24
ASHTON MCNAIR

General Brackin Lambert

NCAA approves USCB for Provisional Year Three

INDIANAPOLIS -- Following the NCAA Division II Membership Committee's meeting earlier this month it was announced that the University of South Carolina Beaufort has been approved for provisional year three, continuing its transition to becoming a Division II member.

"While a daunting and arduous journey, we've become a stronger and more robust institution through this provisional process," said Director of Athletics Quin Monahan. "I've been blessed with a great transition and leadership team, chiefly Genia Montford and Shawn Becker, along with incredible support from the Peach Belt Conference office and Nancy Mitchell with Strategic Edge Consulting."

The 2024-25 academic year will be the Sand Shark's third and final year in the transition process. Provided USCB remains on track and receives NCAA approval next summer, the Sand Sharks will become full NCAA and Peach Belt Conference members during the 2025-26 season.

"We are excited about our advancement into the final year of NCAA provisional membership," Montford said. "There has been a lot of work completed - often behind the scenes - to bring us to this point.  We would like to thank our University Administration, Athletics Administrative Staff, Coaches, and Cross Campus Departments for their efforts and their dedication to the process. Today is a celebration for our entire Sand Shark Family!"

Last year, the Peach Belt Conference announced that all PBC member institutions will now be eligible for postseason play. This immediately impacted USCB as it was able to compete for a league title.

USCB's women's soccer program took full advantage of this new rule earning the fifth seed in the Peach Belt Championship where the Sand Sharks took fourth seeded Lander to overtime before eventually falling in the second round of penalty kicks.
University's making the transition from one classification to NCAA Division II must follow a three-year provisional period, each of which carrying different success thresholds and the implementation of a strategic plan.

During year two, USCB saw the institution under full engagement into the NCAA Division II landscape which includes compliance, governance, and competing in the very competitive Peach Belt Conference in all 13 varsity sports.

"From a Compliance perspective, joining USCB during this process could been a bit of a whirlwind effort with the tasks at hand during the past Year 2 of the provisional membership process," said Becker. "However, the tremendous partnerships we have been able to build with our various campus partners and buy in from those departments across our campus have been nothing short of astounding. There were countless hours spent reframing our interactions and procedures for an improved student-athlete experience in areas that impact our student-athletes that they do not necessarily always see."

"These partnerships with Financial Aid, the Registrar's Office, Admissions, Academic Advising, Counseling & Accessibility Services, and the Bursar's Office will only continue to evolve and strengthen as we move into Year 3 of the provisional membership process."

A successful three-year transition will see the University of South Carolina Beaufort become a full member of the NCAA Division II and Peach Belt Conference and will be eligible to compete for a national championship beginning in 2025-26.

"Another great day in the story of USCB Athletics! To advance to Year 3 of the NCAA Provisional Process, especially as we prepare to celebrate our 20th Anniversary as a four-year institution is a significant milestone and one we are extremely excited about," Monahan said. "As we progress towards full NCAA Division II membership, we remain fully committed to providing our students and our community excellent athletic experiences. It's a great day to be a Sand Shark!"
 


 
Print Friendly Version