Myrtle Beach, SC, January 1, 2026
News Summary
The Coastal Carolina women’s basketball team is gearing up for two important home games, following a remarkable milestone achieved by their head coach. Coach Kevin Pederson recently celebrated his 500th career win, marking a significant moment in his coaching journey. As the Chanticleers prepare to face Marshall and Georgia Southern at the HTC Center, they aim to strengthen their performance in the Sun Belt Conference. This event also highlights the university’s commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes who excel both academically and athletically.
Myrtle Beach, SC — The vibrant academic and athletic community of Myrtle Beach is buzzing as Coastal Carolina University’s women’s basketball program prepares for a significant week of home games, following a momentous achievement by their Head Coach. This period highlights not only the competitive spirit of collegiate sports but also the dedication to academic rigor, student growth, and institutional excellence that defines South Carolina higher education. University athletics serve as a powerful catalyst for developing leadership skills and fostering profound community engagement, reinforcing the values of discipline and personal responsibility among student-athletes.
The Chanticleers are set to open 2026 with two challenging Sun Belt Conference matchups at the HTC Center, providing an opportunity for the local community to witness top-tier collegiate basketball. These games come on the heels of Head Coach Kevin Pederson reaching his 500th career victory, a testament to his enduring impact on the sport and the lives of countless student-athletes. Such milestones underscore the collective effort and strategic vision contributing to a robust athletic and academic environment in the region.
A Coaching Landmark: Kevin Pederson’s 500th Win
On Monday, December 29, 2025, Head Coach Kevin Pederson achieved a remarkable milestone, securing his 500th career victory as the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers women’s basketball team decisively defeated Columbia College with a score of 103-41 at the HTC Center. This landmark accomplishment places Coach Pederson among an elite group of collegiate basketball coaches, reflecting years of sustained performance, strategic team building, and a steadfast commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the court.
Coach Pederson’s distinguished coaching journey spans multiple collegiate programs in South Carolina, including successful tenures at Anderson University and Lander University before his arrival at Coastal Carolina University. During his time at Lander, he became the winningest coach in program history, leading the Bearcats to numerous Peach Belt Conference championships and multiple NCAA Division II Tournament appearances, including Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight berths. This consistent success is a hallmark of his coaching philosophy, which emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and personal growth, traits vital for athletic excellence and life beyond the game.
Chanticleers Ready for Critical Home Stand
The Coastal Carolina women’s basketball team, currently holding a 7-7 overall record and an 0-2 standing in Sun Belt Conference play, faces a significant challenge as they host two formidable opponents to kick off the new year. The Chanticleers will welcome Marshall (11-3 overall, 2-0 Sun Belt) on Thursday, January 1, and Georgia Southern (9-3 overall, 2-0 Sun Belt) on Saturday, January 3. Both games are scheduled for a 3:30 p.m. ET tip-off at the HTC Center in Conway, a state-of-the-art facility that serves as a central venue for athletic achievements and a hub for campus events.
The Chanticleers’ offensive strategy is notable, as they rank 10th nationally in three-pointers made per game and 20th in three-point attempts per game. Overall, Coastal Carolina averages 76.3 points per game, ranking 53rd in the country. Kristin Williams is a key contributor, leading the team in scoring with an average of 13.9 points per game. Their opponents also feature standout players: Marshall is led by Timaya Lewis-Eutsey with 16.4 points per game, while Destiny Garrett paces Georgia Southern, also averaging 13.9 points per game. The historical series against Marshall has seen the Thundering Herd hold a 7-5 lead, though Coastal Carolina has claimed victory in the last two matchups.
Cultivating Leadership Through Athletics
Coastal Carolina University places a strong emphasis on developing well-rounded student-athletes, extending beyond athletic performance to foster crucial leadership skills and a sense of personal responsibility. Under Coach Pederson’s guidance, the women’s basketball program actively contributes to this holistic development, preparing individuals for success in all facets of life. The university’s commitment is further exemplified through its comprehensive student-athlete development programs, Teal Impact and the RISE Program.
These initiatives are designed to support student-athletes in five core pillars: career development, community engagement, leadership, personal growth, and advocacy. Through intentional, innovative programs and individualized support, Teal Impact and RISE aim to inspire student-athletes to excel as leaders, professionals, and engaged citizens. This structured approach ensures that the discipline learned on the court translates into valuable life skills, contributing to the broader educational and economic ecosystem of South Carolina.
Academic Rigor and Community Impact
At Coastal Carolina University, the pursuit of academic excellence goes hand-in-hand with athletic achievement. Student-athletes are encouraged to maintain high academic standards while competing at the NCAA Division I level, reflecting the university’s dedication to nurturing both intellectual and physical capabilities. This commitment ensures that success in sports is complemented by robust educational outcomes, preparing students for impactful careers and civic contributions.
The presence of university athletics, particularly events hosted at the HTC Center, significantly enriches the Myrtle Beach community. These games draw local residents and visitors alike, generating economic activity and fostering a strong sense of local pride and collective identity. Beyond the immediate economic benefits, the interaction between the university and the community through sports strengthens regional ties, providing shared experiences and creating lasting connections. Coastal Carolina University remains a vital institution within South Carolina higher education, contributing culturally and economically to the state.
A Forward-Looking Vision for Chanticleer Excellence
As the Coastal Carolina women’s basketball team navigates the challenges of the Sun Belt Conference season, the program remains focused on a forward-looking vision rooted in continuous improvement and steadfast dedication. The early season performances, including their 7-7 overall record, set the stage for a period of growth and competitive development. The team’s preseason ranking, picked to finish sixth in the Sun Belt, provides a benchmark for their aspirations within the conference.
Coach Pederson’s leadership, now highlighted by his 500th career win, continues to instill a culture where student-athletes are empowered to achieve their full potential. This vision extends beyond individual games, aiming to build a legacy of success that reflects the values of Coastal Carolina University and contributes positively to Myrtle Beach SC college news. The commitment to athletic and academic excellence positions the Chanticleers as a source of pride and inspiration for the entire community.
Upcoming Games & Team Records
| Date | Opponent | Venue | Coastal Carolina Record (Overall/Conference) | Opponent Record (Overall/Conference) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2026 | Marshall | HTC Center | 7-7 / 0-2 Sun Belt | 11-3 / 2-0 Sun Belt |
| January 3, 2026 | Georgia Southern | HTC Center | 7-7 / 0-2 Sun Belt | 9-3 / 2-0 Sun Belt |
Conclusion
The Coastal Carolina University women’s basketball program enters 2026 with considerable momentum, energized by Head Coach Kevin Pederson’s recent 500th career win and the anticipation of critical conference matchups. This milestone not only honors a career dedicated to excellence but also reinforces the program’s commitment to fostering leadership and personal responsibility in its student-athletes. As the Chanticleers prepare to host Marshall and Georgia Southern, the HTC Center stands as a testament to the university’s integral role in the Myrtle Beach community and its significant contribution to South Carolina higher education.
Readers are encouraged to engage with the vibrant collegiate spirit by attending upcoming games at the HTC Center, exploring the diverse academic and athletic programs offered by Coastal Carolina University, and staying updated on Myrtle Beach SC college news. Supporting the Chanticleers means investing in the development of future leaders and celebrating the positive impact of university life on our regional landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When did Coastal Carolina Head Coach Kevin Pederson achieve his 500th career win?
A: Coastal Carolina Head Coach Kevin Pederson achieved his 500th career win on December 29, 2025, against Columbia College.
Q: What is the current record for Coastal Carolina women’s basketball as they open 2026?
A: Coastal Carolina women’s basketball opens 2026 with a 7-7 overall record and an 0-2 standing in Sun Belt Conference play.
Q: Which teams will Coastal Carolina women’s basketball play at the HTC Center in early January 2026?
A: Coastal Carolina women’s basketball is set to open 2026 with games against Marshall on Thursday, January 1, and Georgia Southern on Saturday, January 3, at the HTC Center.
Q: What are Marshall and Georgia Southern’s current records as they face Coastal Carolina?
A: Marshall holds an 11-3 overall record and a 2-0 Sun Belt Conference record, while Georgia Southern has a 9-3 overall record and a 2-0 Sun Belt Conference record.
Q: What development programs does Coastal Carolina University offer for student-athletes?
A: Coastal Carolina University offers student-athlete development programs such as Teal Impact and the RISE Program, focusing on career development, community engagement, leadership, personal growth, and advocacy.
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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.
