Chanticleers Battle Hard Against JMU in Sun Belt Opener

Myrtle Beach, SC, December 18, 2025

Coastal Carolina women’s basketball narrowly lost to James Madison in their Sun Belt Conference opener, with a final score of 71-68 at the HTC Center. The Chanticleers showed resilience, leading most of the game and showcasing a competitive spirit against the reigning champions. Tessa Grady led the scoring for Coastal Carolina with 19 points. Despite the close contest, the game highlighted the team’s potential and determination as they look ahead to their upcoming matches in the conference.

Myrtle Beach, SC —

Chanticleers Battle Hard, Fall to JMU in Sun Belt Opener

Coastal Carolina women’s basketball delivered a spirited performance in their Sun Belt Conference opener on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, narrowly falling to the James Madison Dukes with a final score of 71-68 at the HTC Center. The hard-fought contest showcased the competitive drive of the Chanticleers, who led for a significant portion of the game against the reigning regular season Sun Belt champions.

Despite the close defeat, the game underscored the enduring spirit of collegiate athletics and the personal perseverance exhibited by the student-athletes. Three Chanticleers achieved double-digit scoring, led by Tessa Grady with an impressive 19 points, demonstrating individual excellence within a challenging team effort.

Close Contest Reflects Regional Athletic Vigor

Chanticleers Display Competitive Spirit

The matchup against James Madison, a team that entered conference play with a formidable 20-game regular season league win streak, was a testament to Coastal Carolina’s resilience. The Chanticleers maintained a lead for the majority of the game, showcasing their capability to contend with the league’s top programs. The game featured 13 lead changes and eight ties, indicating a back-and-forth battle for supremacy. However, a pivotal three-pointer from JMU’s Zakiya Stephenson with just 23 seconds remaining ultimately sealed the victory for the Dukes. James Madison’s defense proved critical in the final minutes, holding Coastal Carolina without a made field goal for the last 3:41 of the game. Tessa Grady’s 19 points led the Chanticleers, with Kristin Williams adding 18 points and Kinsea Grimes contributing 16 points to the effort.

Myrtle Beach’s Growing Sports Landscape

Economic Impact of Collegiate Athletics

Collegiate athletic events, such as the women’s basketball opener at the HTC Center, play a vital role in fueling the local economy of Myrtle Beach, SC. Sports tourism has emerged as a significant and expanding sector, generating substantial direct spending for the region. In 2023, sports tourism contributed over $174.2 million in direct spending to the City of Myrtle Beach, with basketball events alone accounting for $13.1 million. These figures highlight the positive economic impact derived from responsible growth in the sports sector, supporting local businesses and generating tax revenues. The consistent hosting of high-profile events at venues like the HTC Center and Brooks Stadium, which will host the Myrtle Beach Bowl Game on December 19, 2025, underscores the community’s strategic investment in facilities that attract both local enthusiasts and visitors from afar. This engagement fosters a vibrant local economy and exemplifies community self-reliance through strategic development.

Investing in Athletic Development

Private Initiative and University Programs Drive Success

The success and growth of Coastal Carolina University athletics are significantly bolstered by a combination of university initiatives, private investment, and robust community efforts. The “Support Her” Women’s Athletics Endowment, a generous initiative led by 1985 alumni David Sage and his family, stands as a testament to private initiative. This endowment provides crucial long-term funding for all 13 women’s sports programs, including basketball, ensuring resources for scholarships, upgraded facilities, and enhanced training. The Sage family has also launched a matching challenge, encouraging broader community participation to amplify the endowment’s impact. This private commitment inspires others to contribute to the university’s athletic future, fostering a culture of giving back that directly benefits student-athletes.

Community Efforts and Strategic Partnerships

Further demonstrating community and private support, the Chanticleer Athletic Foundation (CAF) Impact Fund provides essential unrestricted gifts that support over 450 student-athletes. These funds cover scholarships, academic resources, personal development programs, sports nutrition, and equipment, creating a comprehensive support system for Coastal Carolina’s athletes. Additionally, a long-standing sponsorship renewal with TD Bank Group, extending through April 2043, signifies a major corporate commitment to Coastal Carolina University Athletics. This partnership, which is TD’s largest sponsorship in South Carolina, continues to support athletic scholarships and contributed to the establishment of the TD Bank Sports Complex, showcasing the power of sustained private investment in public institutions. The Coastal Sports Collective also highlights the critical role of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) programs in recruiting talented athletes and maximizing the competitive ability of Coastal Carolina University athletics, offering valuable financial support and business education to student-athletes. Landmark donations, such as a recent private gift for the baseball program, are also expanding scholarship funding for entire rosters and leading to facility enhancements, with benefits extending to the softball team as well.

Path Forward in Sun Belt Play

Embracing the Challenge of Conference Competition

The opening loss to James Madison places Coastal Carolina at 0-1 in Sun Belt Conference play, with an overall record of 6-6. This result sets the stage for the Chanticleers to embrace the inherent challenges and opportunities for growth within a competitive conference landscape. The experience of facing a strong opponent like JMU early in the conference schedule provides invaluable insights for strategic adjustments and continued team development. The spirit of competition is a cornerstone of collegiate sports, driving athletes to refine their skills and work collectively towards future successes. The team’s ability to hold a lead for much of the game against the Dukes indicates their potential for a successful conference run, requiring sustained effort and tactical discipline. The Chanticleers are scheduled to continue Sun Belt play against Georgia State on Saturday, December 20, at the HTC Center, presenting an immediate opportunity to regroup and demonstrate their competitive resolve.

The recent women’s basketball contest against James Madison underscores the vibrant and competitive environment of collegiate athletics at Coastal Carolina University. The dedication of student-athletes, coupled with significant private investment and robust community support, continues to elevate the profile of Myrtle Beach as a premier sports destination. Encouraging local involvement is paramount to sustaining this momentum. Readers are invited to attend upcoming games at the HTC Center, support the Chanticleer Athletic Foundation, and engage with Coastal Carolina athletics. Your continued enthusiasm and backing are crucial in empowering these young athletes and reinforcing the strength of our local community. Stay engaged and cheer on our Chanticleers as they navigate their Sun Belt Conference season, embodying the spirit of responsible growth and personal excellence that defines our region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When did Coastal Carolina women’s basketball play JMU?
A: Coastal Carolina women’s basketball played JMU on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.

Q: What was the final score of the game between Coastal Carolina and JMU?
A: The final score was JMU 71, Coastal Carolina 68.

Q: Where was the game played?
A: The game was played at the HTC Center.

Q: Who was Coastal Carolina’s leading scorer in the game?
A: Tessa Grady led Coastal Carolina with 19 points.

Q: How many Chanticleers scored in double figures?
A: Three Chanticleers scored in double figures.

Q: What is Coastal Carolina’s record after the game?
A: Coastal Carolina’s record is 6-6 overall and 0-1 in the Sun Belt Conference.

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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.