Bluffton, SC – The University of South Carolina Beaufort Athletics Department is pleased to announce Michael Manning as the new Director of Sports Information.
Manning previously served as the Assistant Women's Soccer Coach with USCB, having been a volunteer assistant with the Sand Sharks beginning in 2011 and being hired full-time in July 2015. In addition to his coaching duties, Manning worked to improve the social media presence of Sand Shark Soccer, organized residential camps and clinics, and worked to increase on-campus visits through ID camps by 200%.
Regarding his hiring Manning said, "I am excited about the opportunity to continue working with USCB Athletics in this new role. Working with athletes is a passion of mine, and this role provides me the chance to have a greater impact on the department and our athletes as a whole. I'd like to thank Quin and his search committee for their belief in me."
Manning's previous experience in coaching, recruiting, promoting, and media technology, along with a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education (English & Social Studies) from Olivet College (Mich.), has equipped him with the knowledge and understanding of communication and its essential role in collegiate athletics.
In combination with his education and experience, Manning most recently filled the vacant SID role over the past two months, serving as the interim SID, along with Assistant Athletic Director
Genia Montford. Manning's coverage of the athletics department during that tenure allowed the coaches, the University, and the community the opportunity to see the possibilities for the future.
Athletic Director
Quin Monahan stated, "It's always nice to hire and promote within, and this time is certainly no different. I am extremely pleased with the decision to hire Mike as our Sports Information Director. I am convinced that his passion, experience, and desire to promote and serve our student-athletes will benefit our department in myriad ways beginning immediately."
Head baseball coach
Jeremy Christian added, "We are excited to have Mike join our University in a new role. He loves our University, our students and our community and understands how important it is to tell the story of our Sand Shark family. We look forward to working with him to promote our program and our student athletes and know that he will give his all for the navy and sand."
Though Manning has assumed the role as SID full-time, he has agreed to assist in the transition, as a search for a replacement assistant women's soccer coach will begin immediately.
Head softball coach
Laura Heberling noted, "I am happy to have Mike as our new SID for USCB Athletics. Mike is very creative and will work hard to make our department, athletic teams, student-athletes and coaches represented in a positive manner."
Monahan continued, "While this was a good hire-from-within, it was hardly a predetermined search. After conducting a number of skype and on-campus interviews, it became quite clear that our best candidate was already on our own campus. Certainly having an understanding of our culture, vision and direction were advantageous to Mike, his ability to clearly articulate, and do so with passion and excitement were key factors in why the search committee and I felt so strongly about offering Mike this position. It's a good day for USCB Athletics!"
