Myrtle Beach, SC, December 26, 2025
Coastal Carolina University’s athletics department has demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence, achieving a departmental GPA of 3.37 for the Fall semester. This marks the 23rd consecutive semester that student-athletes have maintained a GPA above 3.0. 18 of 19 teams achieved a GPA of 3.0 or higher, showcasing widespread dedication across the program. This accomplishment underlines the university’s focus on fostering well-rounded individuals who excel both academically and athletically, while having a positive impact on the Myrtle Beach community and beyond.
Myrtle Beach, SC —
Chanticleers Set New Academic Benchmarks for Fall 2025
Coastal Carolina University’s athletics department has once again demonstrated a profound commitment to academic excellence, announcing an impressive 3.37 departmental GPA for the Fall 2025 semester. This achievement marks the 23rd consecutive semester that Chanticleer student-athletes have maintained a departmental GPA above 3.0, underscoring a consistent dedication to scholarly pursuits alongside athletic competition. The sustained academic success at Coastal Carolina reflects a culture of diligence and the robust support systems in place for its student-athletes, proving that high-level competition and intellectual rigor can thrive in tandem.
This latest academic milestone not only highlights the individual efforts of hundreds of student-athletes but also positions Coastal Carolina University as a leader in fostering well-rounded individuals. As collegiate athletics navigate an evolving landscape, the emphasis on academic achievement remains a cornerstone, preparing athletes for enduring success both on and off the field. The commitment to holistic development at institutions like Coastal Carolina exemplifies the value of perseverance and the pursuit of excellence in all endeavors.
Sustaining Excellence in Academics Across the Grand Strand
The Fall 2025 semester saw 18 out of 19 Coastal Carolina teams achieve a team GPA of 3.0 or higher, a testament to widespread academic dedication across the athletics program. Notable achievements include the men’s basketball team recording its highest GPA on record with a 3.51, while men’s cross country posted a program-best 3.59, marking the highest GPA among all men’s teams. Men’s golf also achieved its highest GPA outside of the Spring 2020 COVID semester with a 3.55. On the women’s side, women’s basketball earned its highest GPA on record with a 3.40. Indoor track and field (3.66), women’s track and field (3.67), and softball (3.85) each posted program-best GPAs, with lacrosse recording its second-highest GPA at 3.65. Women’s tennis led all women’s teams with an outstanding 3.89 GPA.
Beyond team averages, individual recognition for academic prowess was also significant. A total of 360 student-athletes earned Chauncey’s Honor Roll distinction for achieving a semester GPA of 3.0 or better. Furthermore, 90 student-athletes were named Elite Chants for earning perfect 4.0 GPAs. The Dean’s List included 146 student-athletes, an increase of 10 from Spring 2025, and 78 student-athletes were named to the President’s List, three more than the previous semester. This consistent performance aligns with broader national trends, as Division I student-athletes continue to demonstrate high academic success, with the national four-year Academic Progress Rate (APR) remaining steady at 984. The overall Division I Graduation Success Rate (GSR) also increased to 91% in 2024, reflecting long-term improvements in academic outcomes across the NCAA.
The Economic and Community Ripple Effect
The success of Coastal Carolina University athletics extends beyond the campus, significantly impacting the Myrtle Beach SC sports community and the broader state’s economy. University athletic programs serve as vital cultural and economic anchors, drawing visitors and fostering local pride. Coastal Carolina’s athletic director has highlighted the importance of tapping into the Myrtle Beach area’s tourism economy to generate essential revenue and Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) funds for student-athletes. While some discussions have arisen regarding student athletic subsidies, the overall contribution of collegiate sports to the local economy, particularly through sports tourism events like the Myrtle Beach Invitational and the Myrtle Beach Bowl, is substantial. These events bring in out-of-town teams and fans, generating economic activity that benefits local businesses and services. In 2017 alone, sports tourism generated an economic impact of $158 million and over 165,000 hotel night stays in the Myrtle Beach area.
This dynamic interplay between university athletics and local commerce underscores the power of collaborative efforts. Community support, often through private investment and engagement, is crucial for sustaining and growing these programs. For instance, the University of South Carolina’s athletic programs actively engage in community service, with Gamecock student-athletes contributing thousands of hours annually, demonstrating a commitment to civic responsibility that further strengthens ties between universities and their host communities.
Forging New Paths: Private Initiative and Athlete Opportunity
The financial landscape of college football in Myrtle Beach and across the nation is experiencing transformative shifts, driven by new opportunities for athlete compensation and the increasing role of private investment. The recent House v. NCAA settlement, for example, allows Division I programs to potentially allocate significant funds annually to pay athletes, moving beyond traditional scholarship limits. This shift has spurred a greater need for capital, leading private equity firms to explore investments in college athletics.
Institutions in South Carolina are adapting creatively to this new environment. Clemson University, for example, has established Clemson Ventures, a South Carolina limited liability company that consolidates key revenue-generating assets, including media rights, ticket and merchandise sales, NIL activities, and intellectual property. This model allows for greater financial flexibility and the potential for private investment, supporting the long-term competitiveness of athletic programs. Private equity involvement is seen not just as a source of capital but also as a means to leverage operational expertise, enhance fan engagement, and improve business models, positioning athletic programs for sustained success in a competitive market.
Cultivating Holistic Development for Future Leaders
The remarkable academic performance of Coastal Carolina’s student-athletes is a testament to their personal perseverance and the university’s commitment to holistic development. The philosophy that student-athletes are students first is evident in the support structures provided by institutions to ensure success in both their athletic and academic careers. Initiatives that encourage honesty, openness, equal treatment, and intentional programming contribute significantly to the social support vital for athlete development. This comprehensive approach helps student-athletes build personal brands, develop financial literacy, and gain valuable business experience even before their professional careers begin, emphasizing entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
Beyond the impressive GPAs, these achievements cultivate a generation of leaders equipped with discipline, teamwork, and critical thinking skills. The dual pursuit of athletic and academic excellence prepares them not just for professional sports, but for diverse careers and active roles in their communities. Programs like the “Add More Athletes” initiative advocate for expanding roster spots and creating more opportunities, recognizing the intrinsic value student-athletes bring to university campuses beyond just revenue-generating sports. Their higher GPAs and better retention metrics contribute positively to the overall institutional environment.
Community Strength and Future Engagement
Coastal Carolina University’s athletics department continues to exemplify how dedication to academic rigor can complement and elevate athletic pursuits. The Fall 2025 semester’s strong academic showing, with a 3.37 departmental GPA and 23 consecutive semesters above 3.0, is a source of immense pride for the university and the Myrtle Beach community. This success is not merely a number; it represents the hard work of hundreds of student-athletes, the guidance of dedicated coaches, and the unwavering support of academic staff.
As the landscape of university of South Carolina athletics evolves, the commitment to fostering academic achievement alongside athletic prowess will remain paramount. The engagement of private initiative and community support, along with the strategic development of athletic programs, are crucial for sustaining this momentum. We encourage all members of the Myrtle Beach community to continue their support for Coastal Carolina student-athletes, recognizing their perseverance and contributions to both the academic and economic vitality of our region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What was Coastal Carolina University’s athletics department GPA for Fall 2025?
- Coastal Carolina University’s athletics department achieved a 3.37 departmental GPA for the Fall 2025 semester.
- How many consecutive semesters has Coastal Carolina University’s athletics department maintained a GPA above 3.0?
- The Fall 2025 semester marks their 23rd consecutive semester above a 3.0 departmental GPA.
- How many Coastal Carolina University teams achieved a GPA of 3.0 or higher in Fall 2025?
- 18 of 19 Coastal Carolina University teams earned a team GPA of 3.0 or higher in Fall 2025.
- Which Coastal Carolina University men’s team had the highest GPA in Fall 2025?
- Men’s cross country posted the highest men’s team GPA with a 3.59 in Fall 2025.
- Which Coastal Carolina University women’s team had the highest GPA in Fall 2025?
- Women’s tennis earned the highest women’s team GPA with a 3.89 in Fall 2025.
- How many Coastal Carolina University student-athletes achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA in Fall 2025?
- 90 student-athletes were named Elite Chants with perfect 4.0 GPAs in Fall 2025.
- What is the national four-year Academic Progress Rate (APR) for Division I teams?
- The national four-year Academic Progress Rate for Division I teams remained steady at 984.
- What is the overall Division I Graduation Success Rate (GSR) as of 2024?
- The overall Division I Graduation Success Rate (GSR) for student-athletes has increased to 91% in 2024.
- How much economic impact did sports tourism generate in the Myrtle Beach area in 2017?
- In 2017, sports tourism generated an economic impact of $158 million and over 165,000 hotel night stays in the Myrtle Beach area.
Coastal Carolina University Athletics: Fall 2025 Academic Highlights
| Category | Statistic | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Departmental GPA (Fall 2025) | 3.37 | 23rd consecutive semester above 3.0 GPA. |
| Teams with 3.0+ GPA | 18 out of 19 | Nearly all teams demonstrating academic excellence. |
| Highest Men’s Team GPA | Men’s Cross Country (3.59) | Program-best GPA for Fall 2025. |
| Highest Women’s Team GPA | Women’s Tennis (3.89) | Leading all women’s teams in Fall 2025. |
| Perfect 4.0 GPAs (Elite Chants) | 90 Student-Athletes | Individual academic distinction. |
| Chauncey’s Honor Roll (3.0+ GPA) | 360 Student-Athletes | Significant number of student-athletes recognized. |
| Dean’s List Honorees | 146 Student-Athletes | Increase of 10 from Spring 2025. |
| President’s List Honorees | 78 Student-Athletes | Increase of 3 from previous semester. |
| NCAA Division I National APR (4-year) | 984 | National average for academic progress. |
| NCAA Division I GSR (2024) | 91% | Overall graduation success rate. |
Now Happening on X
- @CoastalSoftball (December 19, 2024): Coastal Carolina softball celebrated achieving the highest GPA in program history, highlighting the team’s academic excellence. View on X
- @CCUChanticleers (December 21, 2024): Coastal Carolina University ranked No. 1 nationally for Week 14 in the NCAA Community Engagement Impact Challenge, with student-athletes completing 11,261 community service hours this fall. View on X
- @4TheBracket (December 23, 2024): Coastal Carolina men’s basketball secured back-to-back road wins, including a 68-62 victory over Saint Joseph’s, holding them to 35% field goal shooting. View on X
- @4TheBracket (December 21, 2024): Coastal Carolina men’s basketball defeated Old Dominion 76-74 on the road to even their Sun Belt record at 1-1, dominating turnovers and free throws. View on X
- @dhpreps (December 21, 2024): Batavia’s Buckley made a standout play in the Myrtle Beach Bowl, featured in college achievers coverage. View on X
- @CoachTTrickett (January 9, 2025): Former Coastal Carolina coach Travis Trickett thanked the university and Myrtle Beach community for their support during his tenure. View on X
- @s_helwick (December 22, 2024): Western Michigan dominated Kennesaw State 41-6 in the Myrtle Beach Bowl, marking their second 10-win season, with standout performances highlighted. View on X
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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.
