Myrtle Beach, SC, January 3, 2026
The Coastal Carolina women’s basketball team kicks off its 2026 schedule with a commendable performance against Marshall, despite a narrow overtime loss. The game showcased the team’s fighting spirit, with significant contributions from players like Kristin Williams and Paige Bradley. As the Chanticleers gear up for upcoming matchups, including a crucial game against Georgia Southern, they continue to exemplify the dedication and talent present within collegiate athletics. This season promises to bring exciting opportunities and challenges as they navigate the competitive landscape of the Sun Belt Conference.
Myrtle Beach, SC — The Coastal Carolina women’s basketball team has launched its 2026 schedule with an intense stretch of Sun Belt Conference play at the HTC Center, reaffirming the university’s commitment to athletic competition and community engagement. The Chanticleers commenced the new year with a hard-fought overtime battle against Marshall on Thursday, January 1, a contest that underscored the competitive fire of collegiate sports. This pivotal homestand continues with a matchup against Georgia Southern on Saturday, January 3, serving as a testament to the perseverance of student-athletes and the positive role university programs play in the regional landscape.
These early 2026 matchups are more than just games; they represent a significant local event, drawing attention to the dedication cultivated within athletic programs and the broader benefits these institutions bring to the Myrtle Beach community. The spirit of self-reliance, strategic development, and the pursuit of excellence are on full display, resonating with the values of responsible growth and spirited competition.
An Overtime Thriller to Start the New Year
Coastal Carolina women’s basketball opened its 2026 calendar with a challenging contest against Marshall at the HTC Center on Thursday, January 1. The Chanticleers, now standing at 7-8 overall and 0-3 in Sun Belt Conference play, battled fiercely but ultimately fell to Marshall (12-3, 3-0 Sun Belt) in an 87-85 overtime decision. This high-stakes game featured 13 ties and 24 lead changes, demonstrating the intense level of play within the conference.
Marshall’s Peyton Ilderton delivered the decisive blow, executing a game-winning steal and layup with just one second remaining in the extra period, sealing the victory for the Thundering Herd. For Coastal Carolina, Kristin Williams continued her impressive scoring run, achieving 20 or more points for the third consecutive game. Tracey Hueston contributed 16 points, while Paige Bradley recorded her second double-double of the season with 11 points and a career-high 13 rebounds. Marshall, entering the week ranked 20th in the CollegeInsider.com Women’s Mid-Major Top-25, extended its winning streak to seven games with this triumph. This early conference clash highlights the demanding nature of the Sun Belt schedule and the need for consistent performance.
The Enduring Value of Collegiate Athletics in Myrtle Beach
The HTC Center stands as a vital hub for sports in Myrtle Beach, SC, providing a state-of-the-art venue that hosts high-caliber collegiate events. The presence of Coastal Carolina women’s basketball not only offers engaging entertainment but also fosters a tangible sense of community strength and regional identity. Through the commitment of student-athletes and the strategic investment in athletic programs, the university cultivates an environment where dedication and disciplined effort are celebrated. The intrinsic value of competition extends beyond the scoreboard, instilling principles of teamwork, resilience, and personal accountability—qualities that benefit individuals and the broader society. Supporting these endeavors reflects a belief in responsible growth and the power of private initiative to build robust local institutions.
Strategic Program Development and Nurturing Talent
The sustained success of any athletic program is built upon strong leadership and a forward-looking approach to talent development. Coastal Carolina women’s basketball is guided by head coach Kevin Pederson, who recently achieved the significant milestone of 500 career wins, a testament to his consistent leadership and strategic acumen. This dedication to long-term program health is also evident in the team’s recruitment efforts. The Chanticleers announced the signing of Tateyoina Harris in May 2025, followed by the additions of Ar’Nayshia Griffin and Audrey Beyer for the 2026-27 season in December 2025. [cite: 6, 8 (original snippets)] Such proactive recruitment ensures a pipeline of promising individuals, demonstrating a commitment to building a competitive foundation through diligent effort and strategic planning. These initiatives underscore the program’s focus on nurturing individual potential within a cohesive team structure, a model for growth and achievement.
Economic Ripples and Community Self-Reliance
Collegiate athletic events serve as powerful economic engines for local communities. When teams like Coastal Carolina host Sun Belt Conference matchups at the HTC Center, they attract fans, families, and visitors who contribute directly to the local economy of Myrtle Beach, SC. These visitors frequent local restaurants, hotels, and businesses, generating revenue and supporting job creation. The consistent schedule of games reinforces the area’s reputation as a destination for sports, thereby stimulating free-market growth and entrepreneurial activity. Furthermore, the robust competition fostered within the Sun Belt Conference elevates the profile of regional sports, encouraging local pride and community self-reliance in supporting the university’s athletic endeavors. The spirit of healthy competition on the court translates into a dynamic and engaged community off it.
Sun Belt’s Competitive Landscape
The Sun Belt Conference is renowned for its competitive women’s basketball programs, making every game a significant challenge and an opportunity for teams to demonstrate their resolve. The 2025-26 season continues to showcase the league’s strength, with several teams demonstrating exceptional performance. Marshall, with their 12-3 overall record and 3-0 conference start, exemplifies this competitive edge. Other formidable teams include Arkansas State, who boasts a 12-3 overall record and an unbeaten 3-0 start in conference play, riding a nine-game winning streak. Troy also began the new year with an impressive 80-54 victory over Louisiana, improving their record to 11-2 overall and 2-0 in the Sun Belt. Georgia Southern, whom Coastal Carolina faces next, holds a strong 9-3 overall record and a 2-0 conference standing, with four players averaging double-digit scoring figures. This challenging environment encourages teams to constantly innovate and adapt, embodying the value of relentless initiative and strategic competition.
The Coastal Carolina women’s basketball team faces significant opportunities and challenges as they navigate the initial phase of their 2026 schedule. The recent overtime battle against Marshall and the upcoming contest with Georgia Southern highlight the demanding yet rewarding nature of Sun Belt Conference play. These games are not merely athletic contests; they are community events that celebrate individual effort, team cohesion, and the positive impact of student athletics on the Myrtle Beach community. We encourage all local residents and visitors to demonstrate their support by attending upcoming games at the HTC Center, cheering on our student-athletes, and actively engaging with the Coastal Carolina women’s basketball program as it strives for excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- When did Coastal Carolina women’s basketball begin its 2026 schedule?
- Coastal Carolina women’s basketball began its 2026 schedule with a game against Marshall on Thursday, January 1.
- What was the result of the Coastal Carolina vs. Marshall game on January 1, 2026?
- Coastal Carolina lost to Marshall 87-85 in overtime on Thursday, January 1, 2026.
- What is Coastal Carolina’s current overall and conference record after the Marshall game?
- Coastal Carolina’s current record is 7-8 overall and 0-3 in Sun Belt Conference play.
- Who are some of the standout players for Coastal Carolina in recent games?
- Kristin Williams has scored 20 or more points for the third straight game, Tracey Hueston finished with 16 points, and Paige Bradley posted her second double-double with 11 points and a career-high 13 rebounds.
- What is Marshall’s record after the January 1st game against Coastal Carolina?
- Marshall’s record is 12-3 overall and 3-0 in Sun Belt Conference play.
- What is Coastal Carolina’s next opponent?
- Coastal Carolina continues conference play with Georgia Southern on Saturday, January 3 at the HTC Center.
- Who are some recent recruits for Coastal Carolina women’s basketball?
- Coastal Carolina women’s basketball signed Tateyoina Harris in May 2025 and announced the signing of Ar’Nayshia Griffin and Audrey Beyer for the 2026-27 season in December 2025. [cite: 6, 8 (original snippets)]
Feature Table: Coastal Carolina Women’s Basketball Early 2026 Schedule & Stats
| Event | Date | Opponent | Location | Result / Status | Coastal Carolina Record | Opponent Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Season Game | Dec. 10, 2025 | UNCG | HTC Center | Begins Six-Game Homestand [cite: 2 (original snippet)] | 5-5 [cite: 2 (original snippet)] | – |
| Regular Season Game | Jan. 1, 2026 | Marshall | HTC Center | Lost, 87-85 (OT) | 7-8 (0-3 Sun Belt) | 12-3 (3-0 Sun Belt) |
| Regular Season Game | Jan. 3, 2026 | Georgia Southern | HTC Center | Upcoming (3:30 p.m.) | 7-8 (0-3 Sun Belt) | 9-3 (2-0 Sun Belt) |
Now Happening on X
- @_EK35_ (Jan 2, 2026): Reflecting on a tough day for both Coastal Carolina men’s and women’s basketball teams at the HTC Center, the user expresses optimism about adjustments by coaches Gray and Pederson, encouraging focus on the next game. View on X
- @JDKristenson (Jan 1, 2026): Live update on Coastal Carolina Chanticleers’ comeback with a 9-0 run against Georgia Southern, keeping the score close in their game. View on X
- @JDKristenson (Jan 1, 2026): Another live update showing Coastal Carolina extending their run to 10-0 against Georgia Southern, maintaining a narrow lead. View on X
- @SCSportsNow (Dec 30, 2025): Recap of Coastal Carolina football’s season-ending loss to Louisiana Tech, finishing with a 6-7 record and transitioning to new coach Ryan Beard for 2026. View on X
- @CoachTTrickett (Jan 9, 2025): Former Coastal Carolina coach thanking the university and Myrtle Beach community for a memorable experience before moving on to a new chapter. View on X
- @CoastalPreps (Dec 27, 2025): Coverage of a high school basketball double-overtime thriller in the Myrtle Beach area, with Socastee Golden Hawks defeating Carolina Forest Hurricanes. View on X
- @BigShotsGlobal (Dec 29, 2025): Announcement of the upcoming BIG SHOTS Prep Myrtle Beach SLAM high school basketball tournament at the John T. Rhodes Myrtle Beach Sports Center in January. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Chanticleers Fall to Eagles in Overtime Clash
Coastal Carolina Women’s Basketball Prepares for Key Home Games
Chanticleer Women’s Basketball Begins New Year with Home Games
Chanticleers Dominate Columbia College in Non-Conference Victory
Carolina Forest Girls Basketball Team Competes in Florida
Carolina Forest High School Wrestling Team Competes at Lexington Knockout Duals
Coach Kevin Pederson Achieves 500 Career Wins at Coastal Carolina
Coastal Carolina Women’s Basketball Hosts Columbia College
SC High School Sports Undergo Major Realignment
Chanticleer Women’s Basketball Faces Georgia State in Tough Matchup
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.
