Chanticleer Women’s Basketball Faces Georgia State in Tough Matchup

Myrtle Beach, December 27, 2025

The Coastal Carolina women’s basketball team battled against Georgia State, falling short with a score of 68-63. This matchup highlighted the immense competitive spirit in collegiate sports, emphasizing the importance of local university programs in the Myrtle Beach community. The Chanticleers struggled at the beginning of their conference season, now holding an overall record of 6-7. Despite the loss, players displayed determination and resilience, showcasing the rigorous nature of the Sun Belt Conference.

Myrtle Beach, SC —

Chanticleer Women’s Basketball Battles Georgia State in Sun Belt Showdown

Coastal Carolina’s hard-fought contest at the HTC Center on December 20, 2025, underscored the competitive spirit inherent in collegiate athletics and highlighted the broader impact of university programs on the Myrtle Beach community.

The Coastal Carolina women’s basketball team encountered a formidable challenge in their recent Sun Belt Conference matchup, falling to Georgia State with a final score of 68-63 at the HTC Center on Saturday. This outcome marks an early 0-2 start for the Chanticleers in conference play for the 2025-26 season, bringing their overall record to 6-7. Despite the loss, the game exemplified the persistent drive of student-athletes and the pivotal role local institutions play in fostering regional pride and economic vitality.

The competitive nature of the Sun Belt Conference provides a vital platform for young individuals to develop skills, demonstrate perseverance, and contribute to the vibrant sports culture that enriches the Myrtle Beach area. These athletic endeavors, supported by dedicated university programs and community engagement, exemplify the spirit of initiative and responsible growth within the region.

On-Court Action at the HTC Center

The recent Saturday contest against Georgia State saw the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers engaged in a hard-fought battle on their home court at the HTC Center. Coastal initiated a strong start, outscoring Georgia State 17-9 in the first quarter, propelled by four three-pointers. However, the Panthers rallied in the second quarter with an 18-11 run, narrowing Coastal’s halftime lead to 28-27. Georgia State seized the lead early in the second half with a three-pointer and extended their advantage to seven points in the third quarter. Despite finding themselves down by nine points with just over a minute left, the Chanticleers mounted a spirited comeback, scoring 10 points in 43 seconds to cut the deficit to 64-63 with 30 seconds remaining. Ultimately, the Panthers scored the final four points to secure the 68-63 victory.

Individually, Kristin Williams led all scorers for Coastal Carolina with an impressive 21 points, converting seven three-pointers. Tessa Grady contributed 12 points, while Paige Bradley achieved her first double-double of the season with 11 points and 10 rebounds. As a team, Coastal shot 38 percent from the field and 32 percent from long-range.

Navigating the Sun Belt Conference

The 0-2 start in Sun Belt Conference play presents an early challenge for the Coastal Carolina women’s basketball team. The Sun Belt Conference is known for its competitive landscape, and every game offers a test of skill, strategy, and mental fortitude. For the Chanticleers, this early phase of the conference schedule is an opportunity to refine their game, adapt to opponents, and demonstrate resilience. Head Coach Kevin Pederson, now in his fourth season, leads a program that was picked to finish sixth in the Sun Belt preseason poll for the 2025-26 season, indicating a recognized potential for strong performance.

The Chanticleers are recognized as one of the nation’s highest-volume three-point shooting teams, ranking 16th nationally with 9.6 three-pointers per game and 31st with 26.7 three-point attempts per game. Heading into the Georgia State matchup, Coastal ranked 126th overall in the NCAA women’s basketball NET rankings. The team’s next home game is scheduled for Monday, December 29, 2025, against Columbia College (S.C.) at the HTC Center, with tip-off set for 6 p.m. ET.

Athletic Excellence and Regional Growth

The sustained success and strategic development of Coastal Carolina University athletics have significant implications for the local economy and community spirit of Myrtle Beach SC sports. The university’s growth, including a record enrollment, naturally expands its alumni and donor base, generating new revenue streams that further invest in the region. A thriving athletic program attracts visitors, boosting local businesses and tourism, reinforcing the symbiotic relationship between the university and the Grand Strand. Coastal Carolina University had a substantial economic footprint last year, contributing $565.8 million to the state’s economy. This financial influence extends through various channels, including employment, local expenditures, and the ripple effect of a thriving academic institution within the regional economy, directly benefiting residents and enterprises throughout the Grand Strand area.

Investing in Future Success: Facilities and NIL

Coastal Carolina University is solidifying its role as a regional powerhouse through significant advancements in its athletic infrastructure and student-athlete development. The official completion of a state-of-the-art Indoor Practice Facility in Conway in August 2025, an expansive 93,000-square-foot structure, is set to revolutionize training for various sports. This investment underscores CCU’s dedication to competitive excellence and community ties.

Furthermore, the university launched the comprehensive Teal Impact Student-Athlete Development & Engagement Program in January 2025. This program focuses on five core pillars: career development, community engagement, leadership, personal growth, and advocacy, preparing student-athletes for success beyond their athletic careers. These initiatives reflect a broader vision of fostering responsible growth and leveraging private initiative to achieve institutional goals, benefiting not only the student body but also the economic and social landscape of Horry County.

In a free-market approach to supporting student-athletes, the Coastal Sports Collective was established in March 2024 to enhance Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities. A strong NIL program is considered crucial for Coastal Carolina Athletics to remain competitive, helping to attract and retain talented student-athletes. By encouraging Teal Nation supporters to recognize the hard work of student-athletes through expanded NIL opportunities, the collective aims to strengthen CCU’s competitiveness while growing the economic impact of the area.

Community Engagement and the Spirit of Competition

The ongoing commitment to athletic programs at Coastal Carolina University extends beyond the playing field, fostering a robust connection with the local community. The spirit of competition, evident in challenging matchups like the one against Georgia State, instills valuable lessons in teamwork, discipline, and perseverance among student-athletes. These traits resonate throughout the broader Myrtle Beach community, inspiring a collective drive for excellence.

The energetic atmosphere generated by Chanticleer athletics not only provides entertainment but also serves as a unifying force, drawing residents and visitors to support local talent. Such engagement is a testament to community self-reliance and the shared commitment to developing responsible citizens and competitive programs. The continued support for Coastal Carolina women’s basketball and other university sports programs contributes to the overall vibrancy and economic health of the region.

The recent game against Georgia State underscores the dynamic nature of collegiate sports within the Sun Belt Conference. As Coastal Carolina women’s basketball navigates its 2025-26 season, the focus remains on competitive growth, supported by strategic investments in facilities, student-athlete development, and community engagement. These efforts are not only crucial for athletic success but also for the continued economic and social prosperity of Myrtle Beach and the broader state of South Carolina. We encourage readers to stay engaged and continue their support for Chanticleer athletics, recognizing the vital role these programs play in shaping future leaders and strengthening our local community.

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Frequently Asked Questions

• What was the score of the Coastal Carolina women’s basketball game against Georgia State on December 20, 2025?
  Coastal Carolina fell to Georgia State 68-63.
• What is the Coastal Carolina women’s basketball team’s current overall record?
  The team’s current overall record is 6-7.
• What is the Chanticleers’ record in Sun Belt Conference play?
  The Chanticleers are 0-2 in Sun Belt Conference play.
• Who were the leading scorers for Coastal Carolina in the game against Georgia State?
  Kristin Williams led with 21 points, Tessa Grady had 12 points, and Paige Bradley contributed 11 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double.
• When is the next Coastal Carolina women’s basketball home game?
  The next home game is against Columbia College (S.C.) on Monday, December 29, 2025, at 6 p.m. ET at the HTC Center.
• What is the economic impact of Coastal Carolina University on South Carolina?
  Coastal Carolina University generated an economic impact of $565.8 million on South Carolina last year.
• When was the new Indoor Practice Facility at Coastal Carolina University completed?
  The state-of-the-art Indoor Practice Facility was officially completed in August 2025.
• What is the Teal Impact program?
  The Teal Impact Student-Athlete Development & Engagement Program, launched in January 2025, focuses on five core pillars: career development, community engagement, leadership, personal growth, and advocacy for student-athletes.
• What is the Coastal Sports Collective?
  The Coastal Sports Collective was established in March 2024 to enhance Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities for student-athletes.

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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.