USCB Approved for 3rd Provisional Year by NCAA Division II
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, USCB'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 Shark community. Last year, the Peach Belt Conference allowed all member institutions,
including provisional members like USCB, to participate in postseason play. This rule
change enabled USCB’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, USCB 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 USCB moves into the final year of the provisional process.
Successful completion of this three-year transition will allow USCB 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 USCB approaches its 20th
anniversary as a four-year institution, reaffirming the university's commitment to
providing excellent athletic experiences for its students and community.