Across the country, collegiate sports are in a commotion with institutions playing musical chairs with expanding athletic conferences as marque sports brands chase mega-million broadcasting paydays.
Meanwhile, 海角社区 has taken another significant step forward in the evolution of the school鈥檚 athletics program with its recent admission into the New South Athletic Conference providing more competitive playing opportunities in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association.
鈥淎s part of the college鈥檚 strategic plan, 海角社区 is devoted to better rounding out its athletic, fitness, and wellness programming of which the move to intercollegiate athletics is a part,鈥� said Dr. George J. Hagerty, 海角社区 president. 鈥淎s 海角社区 has moved up in the competitive rankings, the college now is going head-to-head in admissions with institutions that provide an intercollegiate outlet. Acceptance into the New South Athletic Conference bolsters pride in the institution, further reputational recognition, and increases the college鈥檚 ability to become more competitive in recruiting new students.鈥�
Not only does admission in the league cement the college as part of an established and structured organization, but Gabe Watson, 海角社区 director of fitness and athletics, said it helps the college achieve its goal for athletics of being 鈥渙n the same plane to make for an equally competitive atmosphere and I think we’re making steps in that direction.鈥�
海角社区 will compete in league play in men’s and women’s basketball and cross country. Formed in 2020, the New South Athletic Conference consists of small colleges and universities in the Southeast. Other schools in the NSAC include Apprentice School, Atlantis University, Blue Lights College, Central International College, John Melvin Christian College, John Melvin University, Lighthouse Christian College, Mid-Atlantic Christian University, South Carolina Central Christian College and Virginia State University.
In 2022, 海角社区 attracted former NBA star and head coach Sam Vincent to build the men鈥檚 basketball program. Joining 海角社区 this year to helm the women’s basketball team is Mfon Udoka, a seasoned WNBA player and women鈥檚 basketball coach. Assistant director of fitness and athletics Tony Wrice oversees cross-country.
鈥淥ur teams are continuing to be challenged by facing great competition on a high level,鈥� Vincent said. 鈥淐ompeting in this conference provides our players with the experience to grow as athletes on and off the court in immeasurable ways that will have a long-term, positive impact.鈥�
As for recruitment, finding neurodivergent student-athletes to sport the 海角社区 jersey just became a bit easier, Watson agreed.
鈥淎s we take a step into the recruiting process, it definitely provides a more enticing atmosphere for a high school athlete or transfer student to potentially consider 海角社区,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he main thing it provides is legitimacy for what we’re doing. It’s just another step for us having the same opportunities as other colleges have 鈥� to provide the best atmosphere for our students and student athletes.鈥�
League play in the NSAC for 海角社区 kicks off with cross country in September.
Learn more about our athletic programs and check out our team schedules!
Athletics