Myrtle Beach, SC, January 18, 2026
News Summary
Kristin Williams, a senior guard for the Coastal Carolina women’s basketball team, celebrated a significant milestone by scoring her 1,000th career point. The event took place during a thrilling game against South Alabama, where the Chanticleers emerged victorious with a close score. This achievement highlights the dedication and hard work of student-athletes and showcases the strong athletic culture at Coastal Carolina University. Williams’ accomplishment not only reflects her personal commitment but also serves as an inspiration for her peers and future athletes.
Myrtle Beach, SC —
Chanticleer Star Kristin Williams Reaches 1,000 Career Points
Coastal Carolina women’s basketball celebrates a milestone victory as senior guard Kristin Williams achieves a remarkable personal best, underscoring the spirit of discipline and excellence within collegiate athletics.
The vibrant academic and athletic landscape of Myrtle Beach often shines a spotlight on the dedication and perseverance of its student-athletes. This past Saturday, January 17, 2026, was one such occasion, as the Coastal Carolina University women’s basketball team showcased both competitive spirit and individual brilliance on their home court. Such events not only bring excitement to the campus but also highlight the profound impact of higher education institutions like Coastal Carolina on fostering talent and leadership within the region.
The achievement of significant milestones in collegiate sports resonates beyond the immediate thrill of victory. It reflects years of consistent effort, commitment to team goals, and the robust support systems provided by institutions dedicated to student development. For student-athletes, balancing rigorous academic pursuits with demanding athletic schedules is a testament to personal responsibility and time management, qualities highly valued in any field of endeavor. Coastal Carolina University’s Department of Athletics specifically aims to educate student-athletes on the importance of academic success and earning a degree.
A Historic Victory for Coastal Carolina
The Coastal Carolina women’s basketball team secured a decisive 63-59 victory over South Alabama on Saturday, January 17, 2026. This hard-fought win was a testament to the team’s strategic play and resilience throughout the game. The energy in the HTC Center, Coastal Carolina’s home arena, underscored the competitive spirit that collegiate athletics brings to the Myrtle Beach SC college news landscape, providing engaging events for students, faculty, alumni, and the wider community. Such victories not only uplift the team but also generate enthusiasm and pride across the campus and the surrounding area, demonstrating the unifying power of university sports.
Kristin Williams’ Milestone Achievement
In the course of this significant game, senior guard Kristin Williams etched her name into Coastal Carolina’s athletic history by scoring her 1,000th career point. This personal milestone, achieved through a crucial free throw at the end of the game, represents years of unwavering dedication to her sport and her team. Williams has been a leading scorer for the Chanticleers, averaging 14.2 points per game and excelling in three-point shooting, ranking among the country’s best with 3.3 three-pointers per game. Her accomplishment serves as an inspiring example of what consistent effort, skill development, and discipline can yield in the competitive world of Division I athletics.
The Role of Discipline and Perseverance in Collegiate Sports
Kristin Williams’ journey to 1,000 career points exemplifies the core tenets of collegiate athletics: perseverance, teamwork, and an unyielding commitment to improvement. These experiences extend beyond athletic prowess, shaping young individuals into future leaders. Student-athletes at institutions like Coastal Carolina develop critical life skills such as problem-solving, resilience in the face of challenges, and the importance of collective effort toward a common goal. Coastal Carolina University’s Department of Athletics aims to foster a culture of success academically, athletically, and personally, creating programming to teach personal growth characteristics. These attributes are not only vital for athletic success but are also highly transferable to academic and professional careers, contributing significantly to a robust South Carolina higher education system.
Cultivating Leadership Through Athletics and Academics
Coastal Carolina University’s athletic programs are designed to complement the institution’s academic mission, focusing on holistic student development. The rigorous demands of collegiate sports, combined with academic expectations, necessitate strong organizational skills and a disciplined approach to daily life. This environment fosters leadership qualities, encouraging student-athletes to take initiative, motivate their peers, and act as positive role models both on and off the court. The university’s Student-Athlete Academic Services (SAAS) provides comprehensive support, including academic counseling, advising, and mentoring, to help student-athletes achieve academic, personal, and career goals. Coastal Carolina’s student-athletes consistently demonstrate academic excellence, with a departmental GPA of 3.37 in Fall 2025, marking 23 consecutive semesters above a 3.0 GPA.
Community Impact and University Engagement
The success of teams and individual athletes at Coastal Carolina University extends its positive influence throughout the Myrtle Beach community. Athletic events serve as gathering points, fostering a sense of shared pride and identity, and strengthening local ties. The university actively encourages student-athlete involvement in community service, demonstrating a commitment to giving back to the region. The visible achievements of student-athletes inspire younger generations to pursue their own goals, whether in sports, academics, or other fields, highlighting the university’s role as a cornerstone of regional development and a source of positive Myrtle Beach SC college news. Furthermore, the Teal Impact program, launched in 2025, provides a holistic development and engagement program for student-athletes, focusing on career development, community engagement, leadership, personal growth, and advocacy.
Looking Forward: Sustaining Excellence
As Coastal Carolina University continues to champion its student-athletes, the focus remains on sustaining an environment where both academic and athletic excellence can thrive. The dedication demonstrated by players like Kristin Williams is a testament to the university’s commitment to fostering a culture of high achievement and personal growth. Through integrated programs like Teal Impact and dedicated academic support, Coastal Carolina aims to prepare its student-athletes for success during their time at the university and beyond, as responsible and productive citizens. These moments of distinction reinforce the value of disciplined effort and the pursuit of ambitious goals, inspiring current and future generations of Chanticleers to strive for their best in all their endeavors.
The recent victory by the Coastal Carolina women’s basketball team, highlighted by Kristin Williams’ exceptional 1,000th career point, stands as a clear indicator of the enduring spirit and high standards upheld within Myrtle Beach’s higher education community. It underscores the profound impact that well-supported collegiate athletic programs have on individual student development, team cohesion, and broader community engagement. These achievements are not merely about wins and losses but about the cultivation of character, leadership, and a commitment to excellence that benefits all. We encourage readers to explore the many programs and events offered by Coastal Carolina University and to continue supporting the vibrant college community here in Myrtle Beach.
Game Summary and Player Milestone
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Game Date | Saturday, January 17, 2026 |
| Teams | Coastal Carolina vs. South Alabama |
| Final Score | Coastal Carolina 63, South Alabama 59 |
| Player Milestone | Kristin Williams scores 1,000th career point |
| Method of 1,000th Point | Free throw at the end of the game |
Frequently Asked Questions
- When did the Coastal Carolina women’s basketball team defeat South Alabama?
- The Coastal Carolina women’s basketball team defeated South Alabama 63-59 on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
- Who achieved her 1,000th career point in the game?
- Kristin Williams achieved her 1,000th career point in the same game.
- How was Kristin Williams’ 1,000th career point scored?
- Kristin Williams scored her 1,000th career point with a free throw at the end of the game.
- What was the final score of the game?
- The Coastal Carolina women’s basketball team defeated South Alabama 63-59.
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.


