Boone, N.C., January 8, 2026
The Coastal Carolina University women’s basketball team secured a pivotal victory against Appalachian State, winning 69-53. This marks their first win in the Sun Belt Conference and breaks a four-game losing streak. The team’s strong performance comes at a crucial time as they aim to improve their conference standings and gain momentum for the remainder of the season. The victory reflects the players’ commitment and preparation, highlighting the competitive spirit of Coastal Carolina athletics. Their overall record now stands at 8-9 and 1-4 in conference play.
Myrtle Beach, SC —
Chanticleers Secure First Sun Belt Victory with Decisive Road Win Over Appalachian State
The Coastal Carolina University women’s basketball team notched a significant milestone on Wednesday night, capturing their first Sun Belt Conference victory of the season with a commanding 69-53 triumph over Appalachian State. This road win in Boone, N.C., at the Holmes Convocation Center, marks a pivotal moment for the Chanticleers as they navigate the competitive conference schedule, demonstrating resilience and the fruits of dedicated athletic development. The decisive performance underscores the team’s commitment to competitive excellence and injects renewed momentum into their season.
This victory moves Coastal Carolina’s overall record to 8-9 and their conference standing to 1-4, breaking a challenging four-game conference losing streak that saw previous contests decided by narrow margins. For Appalachian State, the loss drops their record to 7-7 overall and 0-4 in Sun Belt play. The Chanticleers’ ability to perform under pressure and secure a vital conference win highlights the value of strategic preparation and focused execution within collegiate athletics, reflecting the personal perseverance cultivated in university programs.
Game Recap and Strategic Dominance
Breaking the Conference Skid with Authority
Coastal Carolina entered the contest at 7-9 overall and 0-4 in conference play, determined to reverse their early Sun Belt fortunes. Their opponents, Appalachian State, held a 7-6 overall record and stood at 0-3 in the conference prior to the game. The Chanticleers’ 69-53 victory showcased a strong offensive and defensive effort, effectively halting their three-game road losing streak and marking a critical turning point in their season. This win was particularly significant given that Coastal Carolina’s prior four conference losses had been by a combined total of just 20 points, indicating their capacity for competitive play even in defeat.
Key Players and Team Performance
The Chanticleers have established themselves as one of the nation’s leading teams in three-point shooting, ranking 14th across the country with an average of 9.5 three-pointers made per game and 26th in attempts with 26.7 per game. This offensive strategy often creates opportunities for high-scoring performances. Throughout the season, Kristin Williams has been a consistent offensive force for Coastal Carolina, leading the team with an average of 14.3 points per game. Appalachian State’s offensive efforts are typically spearheaded by Daisia Mitchell, who averages 11.0 points per game for the Mountaineers. Coastal Carolina’s season average points per game stands at 75.2, placing them 62nd nationally, while their defense allows an average of 64.3 points per game. In comparison, Appalachian State averages 67.3 points per game and holds opponents to 55.5 points per game. The recent series history between these two teams shows Appalachian State leading 16-9, though Coastal Carolina secured a notable 88-51 victory in their last encounter on February 28, 2025.
Implications for the Chanticleers’ Season
Building Momentum for Sun Belt Competition
This hard-fought victory provides the Coastal Carolina women’s basketball program with much-needed momentum as they continue their Sun Belt schedule. Having been picked to finish sixth in the Sun Belt preseason coaches poll released on October 20, 2025, the team has a clear objective to climb the conference standings and demonstrate their competitive strength. Successfully securing a road win against a conference rival reinforces the team’s confidence and serves as a testament to their collective effort and strategic adjustments. The competitive nature of the Sun Belt Conference means every win is crucial for positioning ahead of tournament play, highlighting the spirit of healthy competition.
Coastal Carolina University Athletics and Local Economic Vitality
The success of university athletic programs, such as Coastal Carolina women’s basketball, extends far beyond the scoreboard, contributing significantly to the economic and community landscape of the Myrtle Beach area. Coastal Carolina University (CCU) is a key economic driver, generating an impressive $565.8 million for South Carolina’s economy last year. These economic contributions are further amplified by strategic investments in university infrastructure, including a new state-of-the-art Indoor Practice Facility, a substantial 93,000-square-foot structure completed in August 2025 in Conway, South Carolina. Such enhancements not only provide student-athletes with top-tier training resources but also attract talent and events, reinforcing Myrtle Beach SC sports as a vibrant sector.
The Role of Support and Development in Sports Success
Private Initiative and Responsible Growth
Coastal Carolina University is strategically expanding its capabilities through significant investments in both athletic and academic facilities, aimed at fostering student growth and benefiting the broader community. These initiatives underscore the university’s commitment to responsible growth and the effective deployment of resources. Furthermore, the university actively seeks to leverage the area’s robust tourism economy to generate revenue and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities for its student-athletes. This emphasis on private initiative and entrepreneurial engagement is exemplified by organizations like the Coastal Sports Collective, established in March 2024, which supports NIL efforts to help attract and retain top talent for Coastal Carolina University athletics.
Community Engagement and Athletic Development
The success of college basketball in South Carolina is deeply intertwined with community support and ongoing development efforts. Sports tourism is a vital and growing component of the Myrtle Beach economy, having generated $158 million in economic impact and over 165,000 hotel night stays in 2017 alone. Events featuring Coastal Carolina athletes contribute to this vibrant sports tourism scene, drawing visitors and fostering local pride. CCU’s commitment to managed growth is evident in its increasing enrollment, with Fall 2023 figures reaching 10,829, a 14 percent increase over the previous decade. This growth in the student body naturally expands the alumni and donor base, strengthening the university’s capacity to invest further in its athletic programs and facilities.
The recent win for Coastal Carolina women’s basketball is more than just a notch in the win column; it’s a testament to the perseverance of student-athletes, the strategic vision of university leadership, and the supportive Myrtle Beach SC sports community. As the Chanticleers continue their Sun Belt women’s basketball campaign, every game offers an opportunity to showcase their progress and contribute to the region’s dynamic athletic landscape. We encourage all residents and fans to continue supporting Coastal Carolina University athletics and witness firsthand the dedication and competitive spirit embodied by these exceptional student-athletes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the final score of the Coastal Carolina vs. Appalachian State women’s basketball game?
The final score was Coastal Carolina 69, Appalachian State 53.
When and where did the game take place?
The game took place on Wednesday night, January 7, 2026, in Boone, N.C. at the Holmes Convocation Center.
What does this win mean for Coastal Carolina’s season record?
This win brings Coastal Carolina’s overall record to 8-9 and their Sun Belt Conference record to 1-4.
What was Coastal Carolina’s conference record before this game?
Coastal Carolina’s conference record before this game was 0-4.
What is Appalachian State’s current overall and conference record after this game?
Appalachian State’s overall record is 7-7 and their conference record is 0-4 after this game.
Who is a leading scorer for Coastal Carolina women’s basketball?
Kristin Williams leads Coastal Carolina in scoring with 14.3 points per game.
What is the economic impact of Coastal Carolina University on South Carolina?
Coastal Carolina University generated $565.8 million for South Carolina’s economy last year.
Coastal Carolina vs. Appalachian State Women’s Basketball Match Summary
| Category | Coastal Carolina Chanticleers | Appalachian State Mountaineers |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 69 | 53 |
| Date | January 7, 2026 | January 7, 2026 |
| Location | Boone, N.C. (Holmes Convocation Center) | Boone, N.C. (Holmes Convocation Center) |
| Overall Record (Post-Game) | 8-9 | 7-7 |
| Conference Record (Post-Game) | 1-4 (Sun Belt) | 0-4 (Sun Belt) |
| Pre-Game Conference Streak | L4 | L3 (in Sun Belt) |
| Season PPG Average | 75.2 | 67.3 |
| Season Opponent PPG Average | 64.3 | 55.5 |
| Leading Scorer (Season Avg.) | Kristin Williams (14.3 PPG) | Daisia Mitchell (11.0 PPG) |
| National 3-Pointers Per Game Rank | 14th (9.5 3PG) | Not specified in search results for this game |
Now Happening on X
- @CoachTTrickett (Jan 9, 2026): The coach thanks the Coastal Carolina University family and the Conway & Myrtle Beach communities for the special experience during his time there, as he and his family prepare for a new chapter. View on X
- @BigShotsGlobal (Jan 7, 2026): Campbell University joins the Big Shots Myrtle Beach Slam, featuring Hall of Famer Chris Clemons, the school’s all-time leading scorer with over 3,225 points. View on X
- @BigShotsGlobal (Jan 7, 2026): Coastal Carolina University is welcomed to the Big Shots Myrtle Beach Slam, with praise for Coach Justin Gray and his staff at the event. View on X
- @JevanMcCoskeyTV (Jan 7, 2026): Coastal Carolina men’s basketball aims for a strong bounce-back week in the Sun Belt Conference, with insights from the Chanticleers to be featured on WBTW News13. View on X
- @JevanMcCoskeyTV (Jan 3, 2026): Georgia State defeats Coastal Carolina 89-71, with the Chanticleers outscored by 27 points in the second half where the Panthers scored 64 points. View on X
- @jwedrasc (Jan 3, 2026): North Myrtle Beach boys basketball, led by young freshmen like Mason Walker and Caden Bass, enters region play ready to compete in the competitive Beach Region. View on X
- @bradymweiler (Jan 3, 2026): Georgia State beats Coastal Carolina 89-71, improving to 5-11 overall and 2-2 in Sun Belt play behind a strong second-half shooting performance from deep. View on X
- @JDKristenson (Jan 1, 2026): Coastal Carolina Chanticleers go on a 9-0 run against Georgia Southern, leading 45-43 in the game. 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.
