Myrtle Beach, SC, December 26, 2025
The Coastal Carolina women’s basketball team encountered a strong challenge against Georgia State, falling 68-63. This results in an early 0-2 start for the Chanticleers in Sun Belt Conference play. Despite the loss, the game highlighted the competitive spirit of collegiate sports and the importance of local support for athlete development. As the team seeks to improve, each game offers an opportunity for growth in this tough conference landscape.
Myrtle Beach, SC —
Chanticleer Women’s Basketball Faces Early Sun Belt Challenge, Falls to Georgia State
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, prompting a renewed focus on competitive growth and strategic development within the university’s athletic program. The game, a testament to the spirited competition inherent in collegiate sports, saw both teams battling for early season positioning in the competitive Sun Belt Conference.
Despite the loss, the game at the HTC Center underscored the persistent drive of student-athletes and the pivotal role of local institutions in fostering regional pride and economic activity. The competitive nature of the Sun Belt Conference provides a platform for young individuals to develop skills, demonstrate perseverance, and contribute to the vibrant sports culture that enriches the Myrtle Beach area and beyond. These athletic endeavors, supported by dedicated university programs and community engagement, exemplify the spirit of initiative and responsible growth.
The Contest on the Hardwood
A Spirited Battle 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. The final score of 68-63 in favor of Georgia State highlighted a game where momentum shifted, and both teams showcased their competitive spirit. While the Chanticleers demonstrated moments of strong play, they ultimately couldn’t secure the victory. This result places Coastal Carolina’s women’s basketball team at a 0-2 record in Sun Belt Conference play, with their overall season record standing at 6-7.
The HTC Center, a modern facility on the Coastal Carolina University campus in Conway, regularly hosts men’s and women’s basketball and women’s volleyball, providing an intimate atmosphere for fans. These events are more than just games; they are community gatherings that bring residents and visitors together, fostering a shared sense of identity and supporting local enterprises. The continued dedication of the athletes and coaching staff, under Head Coach Kevin Pederson, to improving and competing at the highest level of NCAA Division I athletics is a cornerstone of the university’s commitment to excellence.
Implications for Coastal Carolina Athletics and the Community
Building Resilience in Conference Play
An 0-2 start in 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 team’s performance directly impacts the university’s athletic profile and contributes to the overall narrative of sports in the Myrtle Beach area. Local fans and supporters play a crucial role, providing encouragement and maintaining a vibrant atmosphere at home games. This symbiotic relationship between the team and its community reflects a shared investment in success and the development of student-athletes, emphasizing the value of collective effort and steadfast support.
Driving Economic Vitality Through Collegiate Sports
Local Impact of University Athletics
Collegiate athletics, including Coastal Carolina women’s basketball, serves as a significant driver of economic activity for Myrtle Beach and the surrounding region. The presence of a thriving university sports program draws spectators, generates demand for local services, and injects capital into the community. Events at venues like the HTC Center contribute to the local economy through ticket sales, concessions, and patronage of nearby businesses. The HTC Center, with its capacity for approximately 3,600 fans for basketball, is a key facility in this economic ecosystem.
More broadly, sports tourism in the City of Myrtle Beach has demonstrated substantial economic impact, with basketball contributing millions in direct spending. University athletics, therefore, operates as a vital component of the local free-market economy, creating jobs and opportunities. Coastal Carolina Athletics leadership actively seeks to leverage the area’s robust tourism economy to enhance revenue streams and support student-athletes through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, underscoring a commitment to responsible growth and private initiative.
Fostering Growth and Opportunity
The Value of Competition and Student Development
Beyond the wins and losses, university athletic programs are crucial in fostering personal growth, discipline, and perseverance among student-athletes. The demands of balancing academic rigor with athletic training instill valuable life skills that extend far beyond the playing field. Participation in competitive environments like the Sun Belt Conference teaches the importance of teamwork, strategic thinking, and the ability to rebound from setbacks. These experiences are fundamental to developing well-rounded individuals who are prepared to contribute meaningfully to society.
Coastal Carolina University’s commitment to its athletic programs reflects an understanding that sports are integral to the holistic development of its students. By providing top-tier facilities, dedicated coaching, and competitive schedules, the university encourages excellence in all facets of student life. This investment in human capital through sports aligns with principles of self-reliance and the pursuit of individual and collective achievement.
The Path Forward: Strategic Investment and Community Engagement
Supporting Athletics for Future Success
Coastal Carolina University’s strategic plan for athletics emphasizes building championship-level programs, enhancing the student-athlete experience, and generating increased revenues and new opportunities for community engagement and growth. This forward-thinking approach, which includes navigating changes in college athletics such as revenue sharing with student-athletes, relies on strategic resource allocation and private sector support. The university aims to ensure its programs remain competitive and continue to attract talent, further solidifying its role as a regional asset.
The continuous improvement of athletic programs, supported by prudent financial management and community involvement, ensures that Coastal Carolina University remains a source of pride and an engine for local prosperity. As the women’s basketball team continues its 2025-26 season, each game represents another opportunity for growth, demonstrating the enduring value of competition and the collective drive for excellence.
Conclusion
While the recent 68-63 loss to Georgia State presents an early challenge in Sun Belt Conference play for the Coastal Carolina women’s basketball team, it serves as a reminder of the competitive spirit inherent in collegiate athletics and the ongoing pursuit of excellence. The 0-2 conference start underscores the need for resilience and strategic adjustments as the team navigates the remainder of their 2025-26 schedule.
The unwavering support of the Myrtle Beach community, coupled with the university’s commitment to fostering competitive programs and developing student-athletes, is vital for future successes. We encourage all residents and local businesses to continue supporting Coastal Carolina athletics, recognizing its role in driving economic vitality and instilling valuable principles of perseverance and collective endeavor in our youth. Your engagement contributes directly to the strength and vibrancy of Myrtle Beach SC sports and the broader college athletics in South Carolina landscape.
FAQ Section
- What was the final score of the Coastal Carolina women’s basketball game against Georgia State?
- The final score was Georgia State 68, Coastal Carolina 63.
- What is Coastal Carolina’s current conference play record?
- Coastal Carolina’s conference play record is 0-2.
- What is Coastal Carolina’s current overall record?
- Coastal Carolina’s current overall record is 6-7.
- Where was the game played?
- The game was played at the HTC Center on the Coastal Carolina University campus.
- Who was Coastal Carolina’s leading scorer in the game?
- Kristin Williams led Coastal Carolina with 21 points.
- When is Coastal Carolina women’s basketball’s next game?
- Coastal Carolina’s next game is on Monday, December 29, against Columbia College at the HTC Center at 6 p.m.
- What is the capacity of the HTC Center for basketball games?
- The HTC Center has a capacity of roughly 3,600 for basketball games.
- How many home games are scheduled for the 2025-26 season?
- The HTC Center will host 16 games for Coastal Carolina women’s basketball this season.
- What was Coastal Carolina picked to finish in the Sun Belt preseason poll for 2025-26?
- Coastal Carolina was picked to finish sixth in the Sun Belt regular season.
Feature Table: Coastal Carolina Women’s Basketball (2025-26 Season Highlights)
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Recent Game Result | L vs. Georgia State, 68-63 |
| Conference Record | 0-2 |
| Overall Record | 6-7 |
| Home Arena | HTC Center, Conway, SC |
| HTC Center Capacity (Basketball) | ~3,600 |
| Leading Scorer vs. Georgia State | Kristin Williams (21 points) |
| Next Game | December 29 vs. Columbia College (HTC Center, 6 p.m.) |
| 2025-26 Home Games Scheduled | 16 |
| 2025-26 Sun Belt Preseason Ranking | 6th |
Now Happening on X
- @4TheBracket (Dec 23, 2025): Coastal Carolina men’s basketball wins 68-62 at Saint Joseph’s, improving to 7-4 with AJ Dancler leading with 21 points and 12 rebounds while holding the Hawks to low shooting percentages. View on X
- @SBC_Hoops (Dec 23, 2025): Summary of Coastal Carolina’s 68-62 road win over Saint Joseph’s, with AJ Dancler scoring 21, Rasheed Jones and Jack Beadle adding 17 each. View on X
- @BigFivePlusOne (Dec 23, 2025): Coastal Carolina defeats Saint Joseph’s 68-62 on the road, led by AJ Dancler’s 21 points, marking a tough end to non-conference play for the Hawks despite strong defense. View on X
- @Harry_MiniumODU (Dec 21, 2025): Old Dominion men’s basketball falls 76-74 at home to Coastal Carolina, who went 10-for-10 from the free-throw line late; ODU’s next game is against Maryland on Dec. 28. View on X
- @4TheBracket (Dec 21, 2025): Coastal Carolina men’s basketball beats Old Dominion 76-74 on the road to move to 1-1 in Sun Belt play, dominating turnovers and shooting 87% from the line led by Rasheed Jones’ 23 points. View on X
- @CAEaglesWBB (Dec 22, 2025): Announcement for Concord Academy women’s basketball game against Lady Rams at the Beach Ball Classic in Myrtle Beach Convention Center on December 22, starting at 1 p.m. View on X
- @CoachTTrickett (Jan 9, 2025): Former Coastal Carolina coach Travis Trickett thanks the university and Myrtle Beach community for a memorable experience as he and his family move on to a new chapter. 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.
