Southern Conference News

Fan Voting For 2026 SoCon Hall of Fame Is Open

Southern Conference — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Southern Conference announced today that fan voting for the 2026 SoCon Hall of Fame is open and available online.

Fans may visit votes.soconhallnominees.com to submit their choices through Wednesday, September 18, at 5:00 pm ET. For supporting information on this year’s finalists, click here.

The collective fan vote will count as one vote in the final tabulation. The 2026 SoCon Hall of Fame class will be announced by the league office in October.

The Southern Conference Hall of Fame was first approved in 2008, with the inaugural class inducted the following year in Spartanburg. Sports icons Arnold Palmer and Jerry West were part of that inaugural class, and many more legends have been enshrined in the years that followed.

To be eligible for selection, athletes must have competed in a SoCon-sponsored sport for a minimum of two years and must be at least five years removed from attending the institution. Coaches and administrators must have been a part of the conference for a minimum of five years.

Furman's Ryu named SoCon women's golfer of the week

Southern Conference — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Furman University junior Audrey Ryu has been named the Southern Conference Women’s Golfer of the Week for the period of September 3–10, as announced by the league office. This marks the first weekly honor of the 2025–26 season.

Ryu delivered a standout performance at the Cougar Classic in Hanahan, South Carolina, climbing four spots on the leaderboard to finish tied for seventh. She posted rounds of 68, 70, and 71, finishing with a four-under-par 209 in her season debut.

A native of Dublin, Ohio, Ryu enters her junior year as the reigning SoCon Women’s Golf individual champion. She concluded last season ranked No. 101 nationally, with a 71.8 scoring average.

Furman’s women’s golf team placed 10th out of 18 teams in the Cougar Classic, their season-opening tournament. The Paladins now turn their attention to hosting the Lady Paladin Invitational, welcoming 15 collegiate teams to the Furman University Golf Club.

Also nominated: Makenzie Cooper (Chattanooga), Olivia Wood (Chattanooga), Arisa Piyamanit (ETSU), Sadler Miller (Western Carolina), Delaney Wade (Wofford), Sofia Pedrero (Wofford)

*Chattanooga & Wofford submitted co-nominees.*

2025-26 SoCon Women’s Golfer of the Week

Sept. 10 Audrey Ryu

SoCon Men's Golfer of the Week Announced

Southern Conference — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Western Carolina redshirt sophomore Tyler Jones was named SoCon Men’s Golfer of the Week for tournaments played between September 3-10, the league office announced Wednesday.

Jones (Jacksonville, NC / Jacksonville HS) played in his first tournament with the Catamounts after transferring from Charlotte this past offseason and was terrific. He finished third overall at the 2025 Golfweek Fall Challenge, carding a score of 11-under par for the tournament. Playing on the 7,013-yard (Par 72) True Blue course in Pawley’s Island, SC, Jones opened on a tear, posting six birdies in the first round to pace the field with a 66. He birdied three of the first four holes and finished at 4-under par on the front nine. He followed with a solid 70 on the second day and finished with a 69 in the final round. Jones led the tournament in Par 5 scoring (4.33) and finished fifth in the field with 15 birdies. His three-day score of 205 tied Jones for the seventh-best tournament scoring effort in Western Carolina history.

Western Carolina finished fifth at the Golfweek Fall Challenge, just three strokes behind fourth-place Nevada, and two strokes ahead of Central Arkansas and Tennessee Tech. The Catamounts are back in action next week, hosting the JT Poston Invitational in Waynesville, NC (Sept. 14-16). Also nominated: Evan Rogers (Chattanooga), B.J. Boyce (UNC Greensboro), Richard Saunders (ETSU), Cole Hanson (Mercer), Ben Jordan (Wofford).

2025-26 SoCon Men’s Golfer of the Week
Sept. 10 Tyler Jones, R-So., Western Carolina (Jacksonville, NC)

SoCon women’s soccer players of the week announced

Southern Conference — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Mercer forward Morganne Eikelbarner and Samford goalkeeper Peyton Hull have been named the Southern Conference women’s soccer offensive and defensive players of the week, respectively, for all competition from Sept. 2-8.

Eikelbarner started in both matches for Mercer last week as the Bears were victorious in each contest. The native of Plano, Texas, logged the first goal of the match in the Bears’ 3-2 triumph over Sept. 4. Three days later, the senior, who spent the previous three seasons at Oklahoma, recorded her first career hat trick as Mercer defeated Gardner-Webb, 5-0, on Senior Day.

Hull posted a pair of shutouts while playing all 180 minutes inside the net for Samford last week. On Sept. 4, the redshirt sophomore saved seven shots during a 3-0 win at Georgia State. In the team’s 2-0 win over Western Kentucky on Sept. 7, the product of South Bend, Indiana, had one save. Hull now has four shutouts this season, which is tied for the SoCon lead in the category.

Mercer (4-2) hosts Winthrop on Thursday and Jacksonville State on Sunday. Samford (3-2-1) plays at Belmont on Thursday and at UAB on Sunday.

Also nominated for offensive player of the week: Alice Williamson (The Citadel), Reagan Fitzgerald (ETSU), Bri Pinasco (Furman), Sam De Luca (Samford), Caroline Richvalsky (Chattanooga), Ava Robitaille (Western Carolina), and Julia Grier (Wofford)

Also nominated for defensive player of the week: Ella Parker (ETSU), Abbey Marak (Chattanooga), and Mary Mueth (Western Carolina)

2025 SoCon Women’s Soccer Offensive Players of the Week

Aug. 19 Reagan Fitzgerald, Jr., F, ETSU

Aug. 26 Paige Thomas, So., F, Chattanooga

Sept. 2 Gabriela Vatrano, So., MF, Western Carolina

Sept. 9 Morganne Eikelbarner, Sr., F, Mercer

2025 SoCon Women’s Soccer Defensive Players of the Week

Aug. 19 Caroline Ekern, Sr., GK, Chattanooga

Aug. 26 Reese DeJong, So., GK, Furman

Sept. 2 Caroline Ekern, Sr., GK, Chattanooga

Sept. 9 Peyton Hull, R-So., GK, Samford

SoCon Men's Soccer Players of the Week Announced

Southern Conference — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – UNC Greensboro forward Steven Hernandez and Mercer keeper Henry Hampshaw have been named Southern Conference men’s soccer offensive and defensive players of the week for matches from September 1-8.

Hernandez (Winston-Salem, NC / Glenn HS) came through with his best performance of the season in No. 12 UNC Greensboro’s 4-3 win over Dayton (RV) Saturday night. The redshirt junior scored twice, opening the match with a goal for an early 1-0 lead at the 4:35 mark off an assist from Enzo Dovlo. With the score level in the late stages, Hernandez slotted a shot past the Flyers’ keeper in the 89th minute for the game winner. Hernandez finished the night with four shots (three on goal), helping the Spartans own a 25-7 shooting advantage in the win.

Hampshaw (Holmfirth, England / Honley HS) played all 180 minutes between the posts for Mercer last week, saving four shots in a 1-0 shutout win over Georgia State and making four saves in a 1-1 draw vs. No. 22 South Florida. The win over Georgia State was the first for Mercer since 2016, as the Bears had gone 0-7-2 in the previous nine matchups with the Panthers. Hampshaw has played all 540 minutes in goal for the Bears this season, recording a pair of shutouts and 19 saves. His two clean sheets are tied for the lead among SoCon keepers.

UNC Greensboro (4-0-1) is back in action Saturday, hosting South Carolina at 7:00 pm ET. Mercer (2-2-2) embarks on a long road trip, traveling to face Air Force on Thursday at 9:00 pm ET, and wrapping up the trek with a match at No. 24 Denver on Sunday at 5:00 pm ET.

Also nominated for Offensive Player of the Week: Diego Hernandez (Furman), Nathan Simes (Wofford), and Tolu Adeyemi (Mercer).
Also nominated for Defensive Player of the Week: Jakob Andersson (Wofford).

2025 SoCon Men’s Soccer Offensive Players of the Week
Aug. 26 Enzo Dovlo, Jr., F, UNC Greensboro (Paris, France)
Sep. 2 Landon Hill, Jr., MF, Furman (Lewis Center, OH)
Sep. 9 Steven Hernandez, R-Jr., F, UNC Greensboro (Winston-Salem, NC)

2025 SoCon Men’s Soccer Defensive Players of the Week
Aug. 26 Ivan Horvat, R-Fr., GK, Furman (Bratislava, Croatia)
Sep. 2 Sami Lachekar, Sr., D, UNC Greensboro (Metz, France)
Sep. 9 Henry Hampshaw, So., GK, Mercer (Holmfirth, England)

SoCon volleyball players of the week announced

Southern Conference — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Southern Conference named its volleyball players of the week on Monday for matches played Sept.1-7. Samford outside hitter Kaleigh Meritt was named the Offensive Player of the Week and Wofford middle blocker Annemarie Rakoski was named Defensive Player of the Week, while Western Carolina’s Katie Boney was tabbed Setter of the Week. The players of the week are selected by the league office.

Meritt averaged 4.75 kills per set for Samford in a pair of matches last week at the Tennessee Invitational. The Bulldogs topped Winthrop in five sets on Thursday, before having a setback against Tennessee the next day. The redshirt junior tied her career high with 32 kills versus Winthrop. Meritt also had 15 digs, three aces and a block in the contest. The native of Evansville, Indiana, logged six kills, four digs and a solo block versus Tennessee. Meritt is third in the SoCon in kills this season with 69.

Rakoski anchored the Wofford defense at the net during the Tennessee Invitational, averaging 1.57 blocks per set. In a four-set setback versus Tennessee on Thursday, the senior had a team-high seven blocks and two kills. The next day, the product of Atlanta, Georgia, logged four blocks and a kill in a sweep of Winthrop. Rakoski leads the league in solo blocks this season with seven.

Boney, who won the honor for the second consecutive week, led the Western Carolina offense at the Blue Ridge Volleyball Classic in Asheville, North Carolina. On Friday, the junior began the weekend with 30 assists, five digs and an ace in a setback against Charleston. On Saturday, Boney recorded a career-high 50 assists, 12 digs, three blocks and two aces in a reverse sweep versus Bradley. Later that day, the native of Brookhaven, Georgia, finished with a double-double in a setback against Charlotte, logging 32 assists and 12 digs. Boney has 246 assists this season, which leads the SoCon and is eighth in the NCAA.

Samford travels to North Alabama on Sept. 9, before playing in the Tennessee Tech Tournament on Sept. 12-13. The Bulldogs will face Radford, Wichita State and Tennessee Tech. Wofford hosts Elon on Sept. 12, and travels to Clemson on Sept. 13. Western Carolina welcomes UNC Asheville on Sept. 9. The Catamounts play in the UNA Volleyball Classic against North Alabama on Sept. 12, and Alabama on Sept. 13.

Also nominated for offensive player of the week: Makayla Bays (ETSU), Sophia Henry (Mercer), Allie Sweet (UNCG), Samantha Kranzler (Western Carolina) and Bradley Brown (Wofford)

Also nominated for defensive player of the week: Whitley Rammel (ETSU), Aubri Martin (Mercer), Siena Smiejek (UNCG), Emma Sorensen (Samford) and Eda Yalçinkaya (Western Carolina)

Also nominated for setter of the week: Bailey Gohlke (ETSU), Emily Navarro (Furman), Jessica Dunn (Mercer), Gabby Seeds (UNCG), Shea Bruntmyer (Samford) and Maddy Frazier (Wofford)

2025 SoCon Volleyball Offensive Players of the Week
Sept. 1 Allie Sweet, So., OH, UNCG
Sept. 8 Kaleigh Meritt, R-Jr., OH, Samford

2025 SoCon Volleyball Defensive Players of the Week
Sept. 1 Chloe Nussbaum, So., LIB, UNCG

Sept. 8 Annemarie Rakoski, Sr., MB, Wofford

2025 SoCon Volleyball Setters of the Week
Sept. 1 Katie Boney, Jr., Western Carolina

Sept. 8 Katie Boney, Jr., Western Carolina

SoCon names football players of the week

Southern Conference — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – On Monday, the Southern Conference Football Players of the Week presented by Southern Recognition were awarded for all games played so far this season. The Citadel wide receiver Javonte Graves-Billips was named the Offensive Player of the Week, Wofford defensive back CJ Coombes was named the Defensive Player of the Week and Bulldogs defensive back Bradlee Jones was named the Special Teams Player of the Week. The awards are selected by the league office.

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK Javonte Graves-Billips, Gr., WR, The Citadel, Mobile, Ala.
Graves-Billips scored two touchdowns in the Bulldogs’ 40-13 win at Samford on Saturday. The native of Mobile, Alabama, registered a career-best 139 receiving yards on six catches in the contest. The graduate student’s first touchdown was a 43-yard score in the second quarter, and the second came from 13 yards out in the fourth quarter. Graves-Billips is currently fourth in the SoCon in receiving yards.

Other nominees: Markell Quick (Chattanooga) and Collin Shannon (VMI)

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: CJ Coombes, So., DB, Wofford, Bellefonte, Del.
Coombes had five tackles, including an assisted tackle for loss, and a 72-yard interception returned for a touchdown in the Terriers’ 14-10 setback against Richmond. The sophomore’s pick-six, which was the 10th-longest in school history, was the first interception returned for a touchdown for Wofford since 2018. The Bellefonte, Delaware, native is currently tied for fourth in the SoCon in tackles this season with 17.

Other nominees: Tyrik McDaniel (The Citadel), Billy Lewis (Furman), Jaden Mosley (Samford) and Isaiah Grevious (VMI)

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Bradlee Jones, Jr., DB, The Citadel, Greenwood, S.C.
Jones returned a fake field goal 59 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of The Citadel’s win on Saturday. Samford attempted a fake with the score sitting at 20-6 but threw an unsuccessful lateral, which was dropped and scooped up by the junior for a score. The product of Greenwood, South Carolina, also had seven tackles, including one for a loss, and a pass breakup in the contest. Jones currently leads the league in solo tackles this season with 12.

Other nominees: Nate Brackett (ETSU), Jake Garner (Samford), Jaden Nelson (Chattanooga) and Kouri Crump (VMI)

2025 SoCon Football Players of the Week
Offensive
Sept. 1             Devontae Houston, Gr., RB, ETSU
Sept. 8             Javonte Graves-Billips, Gr., WR, The Citadel

Defensive
Sept. 1             Taylen Blaylock, Gr., DB, Furman

Sept. 8 CJ Coombes, So., DB, Wofford

Special teams
Sept. 1 Ian Williams, Gr., PK, Furman

Sept. 8 Bradlee Jones, Jr., DB, The Citadel

Furman’s Knight and Walter Named SoCon Cross Country Runners of the Week

Southern Conference — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Furman University’s Chris Knight and Tessa Walter have been named the Southern Conference Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Runners of the Week, respectively, for all competition held between August 29 and September 2.The Paladins kicked off their 2025 season at the Eye Opener meet hosted by USC Upstate in Spartanburg, South Carolina on August 29.Knight, a junior from Signal Mountain, Tennessee, claimed the top spot in the men’s 8K race with a time of 24:44, leading the Furman men to a dominant 15-point team victory.Walter, a newcomer from Colorado Springs, Colorado, placed third overall in the women’s 5K with a time of 17:21. She was the top Southern Conference finisher in the race, helping the Furman women secure a runner-up team finish.Furman continues its 2025 campaign on September 13 when it hosts the Furman Invitational.Also Nominated – Men:
Garrett Hawkins (ETSU), Buck Ledford (Mercer)Also Nominated – Women:
Sophie Beach (ETSU), Mary Grace Parker (Mercer)2025 Southern Conference Men’s Cross Country Runner of the Week
September 3 – Chris Knight, Furman2025 Southern Conference Women’s Cross Country Runner of the Week
September 3 – Tessa Walter, Furman

SoCon women’s soccer players of the week announced

Southern Conference — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Western Carolina midfielder Gabriela Vatrano and Chattanooga goalkeeper Caroline Ekern have been named the Southern Conference women’s soccer offensive and defensive players of the week, respectively, for all competition from Aug. 26-Sept. 1.

Vatrano came off the bench in both of Western Carolina’s games last week against North Carolina State and Tennessee. On Aug. 27, the sophomore had a goal and an assist in the team’s 3-2 victory at NC State. The native of Denver, North Carolina, scored her goal in the 40th minute, tying the game at 1-1, and got her assist on the game-winning goal in the 86th minute on a score by teammate Sofia Goclowski. The win for Western Carolina marked the first victory for the program over a Power Four team in two seasons and was the first win against an ACC opponent since 2015.

Ekern, who also won the honor on Aug. 19, earned her third shutout of the season at Austin Peay on Aug. 28, which was a 1-0 win for the Mocs. The senior from Knoxville, Tennessee, had two saves in the contest, bringing her season total to 15. Ekern recorded the 17th shutout of her career versus Austin Peay, moving her into sole possession on the Mocs’ all-time list in the category.

Western Carolina (2-3-1) plays at Longwood on Thursday, and at Winthrop on Sunday. Chattanooga (4-1) travels to Tennessee Tech on Thursday, before hosting North Alabama on Sunday.

Also nominated for offensive player of the week: Maddie Massie (Furman), Payton Nutzman (Mercer), Brooklyn Miller (Samford), Nicole Solete (Chattanooga) and Julia Grier (Wofford)

Also nominated for defensive player of the week: Reese DeJong (Furman), Peyton Hull (Samford) and Mary Liese Grier (Wofford)

2025 SoCon Women’s Soccer Offensive Players of the Week

Aug. 19 Reagan Fitzgerald, Jr., F, ETSU

Aug. 26 Paige Thomas, So., F, Chattanooga

Sept. 2 Gabriela Vatrano, So., MF, Western Carolina

2025 SoCon Women’s Soccer Defensive Players of the Week

Aug. 19 Caroline Ekern, Sr., GK, Chattanooga

Aug. 26 Reese DeJong, So., GK, Furman

Sept. 2 Caroline Ekern, Sr., GK, Chattanooga

SoCon Men's Soccer Players of the Week Announced

Southern Conference — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Furman midfielder Landon Hill and UNC Greensboro defender Sami Lachekar have been named Southern Conference men’s soccer offensive and defensive players of the week for matches from Aug. 26-Sept. 1.

Hill (Lewis Center, OH / Olentangy Berlin HS) helped the nationally-ranked Paladins to a 1-0-1 mark last week, including a 1-1 draw with No. 8 Duke on Sunday. In the home opener against North Greenville, Hill notched his first goal of the season on one shot in an easy 6-2 victory. In the top 25 matchup against the Blue Devils, Hill found the net on a header off the underside of the crossbar, giving Furman an early 1-0 lead. The Paladins moved up to No. 9 in this week’s Top Drawer Soccer national poll.

Lachekar (Metz, France / Université de Lorraine) was a key performer in the nationally-ranked Spartans’ 1-0-1 effort on the road in the Sunshine State. The senior defender played all 180 minutes in a 2-1 win over UCF and a 1-1 draw at South Florida. He scored his second career goal in the match at South Florida and was part of a defensive effort over the final 15 minutes that kept the score level. Against UCF, he helped the Spartans’ defense hold the Knights to a single goal – on a penalty kick – in a 2-1 victory. UNCG moved up to No. 22 in this week’s Top Drawer Soccer national poll.

Furman (2-0-2) is back in action on Thursday, hosting Davidson at 6:00 pm. UNC Greensboro (3-0-1) plays at home on Saturday (Sept. 6), hosting No. 25 Dayton at 7:00 pm.

Also nominated for Offensive Player of the Week: Rowen Choi (VMI), Nathan Simes (Wofford), and Arnaud Tattevin (UNCG)

2025 SoCon Men’s Soccer Offensive Players of the Week
Aug. 26 Enzo Dovlo, Jr., F, UNC Greensboro (Paris, France)
Sep. 2 Landon Hill, Jr., MF, Furman (Lewis Center, OH)

2025 SoCon Men’s Soccer Defensive Players of the Week
Aug. 26 Ivan Horvat, R-Fr., GK, Furman (Bratislava, Croatia)
Sep. 2 Sami Lachekar, Sr., D, UNC Greensboro (Metz, France / Université de Lorraine)

SoCon announces men’s basketball scheduling matchups with ASUN

Southern Conference — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The matchups between men’s basketball teams in The Southern Conference and the Atlantic Sun Conference were announced on Tuesday.

The games are part of the second year of the two conferences’ scheduling alliance where each SoCon team will compete against ASUN opponents. This agreement comes in response to the emphasis placed on NET rankings for postseason prospects and an ever-changing landscape in college athletics which, for many, has made it difficult to fill a full schedule with quality opponents. The games will take place in November.

"We are excited to continue the SoCon vs. ASUN Challenge for a second consecutive year. This innovative partnership exemplifies how conferences can work together to create meaningful competitive opportunities that benefit student-athletes, coaches, and enhance the college basketball landscape,” SoCon Commissioner Michael Cross said. “We appreciate the coaches and administrators from both leagues embracing this collaborative approach to make it a reality. In today's challenging scheduling environment, creative solutions like this scheduling partnership are essential. By working together, we've created quality matchups for our institutions and are competing with regional rivals that energize our fan bases and provide valuable exposure for our programs. The success of last year's inaugural challenge demonstrated that when conferences partner strategically, we can overcome obstacles and elevate the competitive experience for everyone involved. We look forward to another outstanding showcase of basketball by both conferences."

One of the marquee matchups between the two leagues this season comes on Nov. 22, when North Alabama travels to Chattanooga. North Alabama shared the ASUN regular season title last season with Lipscomb, while Chattanooga won the SoCon regular season and concluded its campaign with an NIT championship.

“After an incredibly successful first season, I could not be more excited for the continuation of our partnership with The Southern Conference," ASUN Commissioner Jeff Bacon said. "Commissioner Cross and the Athletic Directors in both the ASUN and SoCon continue to recognize the value of high-quality regional games on our campuses, and I look forward to many more opportunities to work together to ensure elite experiences for our student-athletes”

This games that are set to be played during the 2025-26 season are listed below.

11/9 – Lipscomb at Mercer

11/14 – Citadel at West Georgia

11/15 – ETSU at North Alabama

11/15 – Austin Peay at UNCG

11/15 – Samford at Central Arkansas

11/15 – Chattanooga at Florida Gulf Coast

11/15 – Jacksonville at VMI

11/15 – Wofford at Bellarmine

11/16 – Stetson at Western Carolina

11/19 – Florida Gulf Coast at Samford

11/19 – North Florida at Wofford

11/20 – UNCG at Queens

11/22 – Mercer at Eastern Kentucky

11/22 – North Alabama at Chattanooga

11/22 – VMI at Stetson

11/22 – Western Carolina at Lipscomb

11/23 – Queens at Furman

11/24 – Bellarmine at The Citadel

11/29 – Central Arkansas at ETSU

ABOUT THE SOUTHERN CONFERENCE

The Southern Conference is headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina, consisting of 10 full member schools across six states in 20 sponsored sports. Nine other institutions serve as affiliate members in the SoCon-sponsored sports of wrestling and rifle. The SoCon is celebrating its 104th anniversary in 2025. The fifth-oldest NCAA Division I college athletic association, the SoCon contested the first-ever collegiate conference basketball tournament in 1921, tackled freshman eligibility in 1922, became the first conference to adopt the 3-point field goal in basketball in 1980 and developed women’s championships in 1984.

SoCon volleyball players of the week announced

Southern Conference — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Southern Conference named its volleyball players of the week on Monday for matches played Aug. 29-31. UNCG outside hitter Allie Sweet was named the Offensive Player of the Week and Spartans libero Chloe Nussbaum was named Defensive Player of the Week, while Western Carolina’s Katie Boney was tabbed Setter of the Week. The players of the week are selected by the league office.

Sweet averaged 4.64 kills per set as UNCG opened the season going 3-0 in the Spartan Classic. The Spartans defeated Queens in four sets and Sacred Heart via sweep on Friday, before topping Gardner-Webb in four sets on Saturday. Against Queens, the sophomore logged a career-high 27 kills, seven digs and a pair of blocks. Later that day, she finished with six kills and 12 digs in the contest with Sacred Heart. The native of Woodstock, Georgia, concluded her weekend with the sixth double-double of her college career versus Gardner Webb, finishing with 18 kills and 11 digs. Sweet also recorded six blocks, one assist and one ace over the weekend.

Nussbaum, a sophomore, anchored the UNCG defense during the Spartan Classic, averaging 6.64 digs per set. In the opener against Queens, she finished with 26 digs and seven assists. The product of La Cañada Flintridge, California, had 14 digs and a pair of assists versus Sacred Heart. Nussbaum recorded her first career double-double in the contest with Gardner-Webb, logging 33 digs and 10 assists.

Boney paced Western Carolina’s offensive effort during the Florida Atlantic Invitational in Boca Raton, Florida, leading the Catamounts to a 2-1 record. The junior began her season with a career-best 51 assists, six digs and a block in the team’s five-set comeback win over Texas Tech on Friday morning. In the second match of the day, the native of Brookhaven, Georgia, had 48 assists, six digs and two blocks in a four-set victory against Kent State. On Saturday, Boney completed the weekend with her first double-double as a Catamount in a setback versus FAU, recording 35 assists and 10 digs.

UNCG travels to Buis Creek, North Carolina, for the Fairfield Inn and Suites Dunn Campbell Invitational on Sep. 5-6. The Spartans will face Norfolk State, Gardner-Webb and Campbell. Western Carolina will play in the Blue Ridge Volleyball Classic on Sept. 5-6, taking on the College of Charleston, Bradley and Charlotte during the tournament.

Also nominated for offensive player of the week: Makayla Bays (ETSU), Tennyson Gorman (Furman), Charlotte Thompson (Mercer), Kaleigh Meritt (Samford), Sydney Jackwin (Chattanooga), Zoe Zudans (Western Carolina) and Bradley Brown (Wofford)

Also nominated for defensive player of the week: Luci Lippelgoos (The Citadel), Kennedy Seekford (Furman), Aubri Martin (Mercer), Ally Cordes (Samford), Caiti Barthel (Chattanooga), Courtney Graham (Western Carolina) and Annemarie Rakoski (Wofford)

Also nominated for setter of the week: Jessica Dunn (Mercer), Izora Gragg (UNCG), Shea Bruntmyer (Samford), Ashley Reynolds (Chattanooga) and Taylor Pecht (Wofford)

2025 SoCon Volleyball Offensive Players of the Week
Sept. 1             Allie Sweet, So., OH, UNCG

2025 SoCon Volleyball Defensive Players of the Week
Sept. 1             Chloe Nussbaum, So., LIB, UNCG

2025 SoCon Volleyball Setters of the Week
Sept. 1             Katie Boney, Jr., Western Carolina

SoCon names football players of the week

Southern Conference — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – On Monday, the Southern Conference Football Players of the Week presented by Southern Recognition were awarded for all games played so far this season. ETSU running back Devontae Houston was named the Offensive Player of the Week, Furman defensive back Taylen Blaylock was named the Defensive Player of the Week and Paladins kicker Ian Williams was named the Special Teams Player of the Week. The awards are selected by the league office.

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Devontae Houston, Gr., RB, ETSU, Roanoke, Ala.
Houston scored a pair of touchdowns in the Buccaneers’ 45-17 victory over Murray State on Saturday. The product of Roanoke, Alabama, rushed for 128 yards on 14 carries, marking the fourth time in his ETSU career that he surpassed 100 yards rushing. The graduate student’s first score came in the first quarter from the 1-yard line, and his second was in the third quarter from the 7-yard line. Houston’s big game helped ETSU rush for 392 yards, which is the team's highest single-game total since 2021.

Other nominees: Owen Sweeney (VMI) and Patrick Boyd Jr. (Western Carolina)

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Taylen Blaylock, Gr., DB, Furman, Houston, Texas
Blaylock recorded six tackles, including two tackles for loss, a pass breakup and an interception during is first start with the Paladins, which was a 23-21 win for Furman over William & Mary on Saturday. The graduate student returned his interception 43 yards for a touchdown on the opening drive of the game, giving the team the early lead. The native of Houston, Texas, ended the game with a flurry, logging a tackle for a loss and a pass breakup on back-to-back plays with 1:56 left in the game, forcing a turnover on downs and sealing the win.

Other nominees: Cale Williams (The Citadel), Ty Anderson (ETSU), Malik Thornton (Samford), Kam Baah-Slay (Chattanooga), Kouri Crump (VMI), Hayward McQueen Jr. (Western Carolina) and Brandon Maina (Wofford)

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Ian Williams, Gr., PK, Furman, Charlotte, N.C.
Williams scored 11 points in Furman’s win. The Charlotte, North Carolina, native made three field goals from 50, 42, and 32 yards out, accounting for all of the team’s points in the second half after the Paladins fell behind 21-14. The graduate student also recorded six kickoffs, five of those ending in touchbacks, and six punts, which included a 61-yard boot in the first quarter. Williams was named the Stats Perform FCS National Special Teams Player of the Week on Monday for his performance against William & Mary.

Other nominees: James Platte (The Citadel), Brayden Smith (Mercer), Noah Jones (Samford), Heath Jehu (Chattanooga), Christian Lowery (Western Carolina) and Colby Alexander (Wofford)

2025 SoCon Football Players of the Week
Offensive
Sept. 1             Devontae Houston, Gr., RB, ETSU

Defensive
Sept. 1             Taylen Blaylock, Gr., DB, Furman

Special teams
Sept. 1             Ian Williams, Gr., PK, Furman

SoCon Football Preview

Southern Conference — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Note: The following was written by Scott Keeler, who worked as a reporter at the Greenville News for more than 25 years and continues to cover the Southern Conference. “Keeler’s Corner” will appear throughout the season.

Keeler can be found on Twitter @Scott_Keeler

Welcome to the 2025 preseason edition of “Keeler’s Corner!” In a conference that has seen six different league champions over the past six seasons, there should be plenty of wildly entertaining games every Saturday this fall in The Southern Conference. Here’s my look at each team as we get set for the opening week of the season throughout the league. Teams are listed by ranking and then alphabetically. Rankings are listed with the AFCA FCS Coaches’ Poll first and then the Stats Perform FCS Poll.

No. 11/11 MERCER

Talk about a debut. In Mike Jacobs’ first year as Mercer head coach in 2024, he guided the Bears to the most wins in school history (11), their first SoCon championship and their deepest FCS playoff run. After receiving an opening round bye as one of the top eight seeds, the Bears defeated Rhode Island in the second round at home, before falling to eventual national champion North Dakota State on the road in the quarterfinals.

The tools are there for a strong encore as Mercer returns 12 starters including seven on defense. That unit is led by preseason SoCon Defensive Player of the Year Andrew Zock. The defensive end earned league Freshman of the Year honors last season after posting seven sacks and 14.5 tackles-for-loss.

“Obviously, Andrew Zock has become a known commodity in the conference, but I think the depth of our defensive line will be greater this season,” Jacobs said.

Quarterback DJ Smith, who completed 73 percent of his passes, threw for more than 1,300 yards and nine touchdowns while also rushing for four touchdowns last season, is among the five returning starters on offense. Three of his protectors up front on the offensive line are also returning starters.

“DJ battled some injuries midway through last season and was probably a little more banged up than people realized,” Jacobs said. “What DJ brings back is an extremely accurate passer, a senior, and somebody who has command of our offense.”

Jacobs believes that Smith has had healthy competition with a trio of freshmen quarters. Those include two redshirt freshman transfers, JP Pickles from UTEP and Jake Wilson from Purdue, along with early enrollee Braden Atkinson.

Two more new faces who could make an immediate impact on offense for the Bears are running back Octavius Ison and wide receiver Adonis McDaniel. Ison ran for 795 yards and four touchdowns at Charleston Southern last season, while McDaniel had 1,000 yards receiving for Lenoir-Rhyne.

“I’d argue that our wide receiver room, from top to bottom, is as deep as anybody in the conference, if not the country,” Jacobs said.

Non-conference game to watch: This was going to be a recap of Mercer’s season-opening showdown with No. 7-ranked UC-Davis last Saturday in the FCS Kickoff Classic in Montgomery, Ala. I still will recap it, even though Mother Nature left the game as a “no contest” with no winner decided and no stats counting. The Bears trailed 23-3 in the second half before their running game suddenly came to life. Ison had a 69-yard touchdown run and Smith later scored from a yard out to cut the lead to 23-17 going into the fourth quarter. With 7:46 left to play, Mercer had a first down at the Aggies’ 48-yard line when lightning halted play. After a lengthy delay due to continued lightning strikes, the game never resumed and was eventually called off.

No. 19/18 WESTERN CAROLINA

If there’s one team not lacking in motivation going into the 2025 season, it’s Western Carolina. After compiling a school-record 5,665 yards of total offense last year on its way to sole possession of second place in the SoCon at 6-2 - the most league wins in school history, the Catamounts were snubbed by the FCS Playoff selection committee. Adding salt to the wound was the fact that Western was not listed among the “first four” left out of the field.

Last year marked the Catamounts’ third consecutive winning season, something the program had not accomplished in 30 years. Still, none of those have been enough to put Western back into postseason play for the first time since reaching the Division I-AA (FCS) national championship in 1983.

The Catamounts had second-half leads in four of their five losses last season, including third-quarter leads at FCS blueblood Montana and SoCon champion Mercer and a fourth-quarter lead at FBS Power Four program N.C. State. If they could’ve found a way to win just one of those games, it would’ve been awfully hard to leave them out of the playoffs. All that has led to a mantra for the program this season: “No excuses.”

“We were talented enough to win those games. We’ve got to learn how to finish,” said Western coach Kerwin Bell. “Now, we’ve got to make sure that doesn’t happen again. … We lost some players just like everybody else, but I think we’re talented enough to go make a run.”

Among returning players this season, it appeared like the best 1-2-3 punch in terms of quarterback, running back and wide receiver in the SoCon would be the Catamounts with Taron Dickens, Branson Adams and AJ Colombo. Unfortunately for Western, Colombo was lost for the season due to a knee injury suffered in the spring. The other two are back though and looking to build off last season.

Dickens, the preseason SoCon Offensive Player of the Year, went 3-1 as a freshman starter last season when Cole Gonzales was injured. With Gonzales transferring first to Oklahoma and then to Pitt, Dickens looks to take over the full-time reins at quarterback in Cullowhee. Dickens completed 74 percent of his passes for 1,428 yards with 12 touchdowns and three interceptions. Adams rushed for 749 yards and four touchdowns in 2024.

Defensively, Western will try to pick up where it left off, especially down the stretch last season. The Catamounts were second in the country in interceptions with 21 in 12 games.

“I think you’re going to see a defense that can be in the top half of this league, maybe top three,” Bell said. “I think the one thing you’ve got to have to win a championship is big body kids that can play. I think we’re more talented than we’ve ever been with our O-line and D-line, as far as physically gifted guys who are big.

“There’s no way we’re not one of the most talented teams in this conference, but now, can we do it mentally? Can we be mentally tough and grind out a tough win? We didn’t do it last year. Can we do it this year? That’s going to be the key.”

Non-conference game to watch: at Wake Forest, Sept. 6. No trips to Montana this season as Western’s non-conference slate is filled with intrastate matchups. While the Catamounts face solid FCS competitors in Gardner-Webb, Elon and Campbell, it will be interesting to see how they fare against the Demon Deacons after standing toe-to-toe with N.C. State last season. Mileage-wise, this season’s schedule is a polar opposite of last year’s. Western won’t leave the state until its game at Wofford on Oct. 4. It won’t leave the Carolinas until a game at Chattanooga on Nov. 1.

Receiving Votes/RV ETSU

There will be new faces all along the home sideline in Johnson City this season. After turning ETSU around from a 3-8 mark in 2023 to a 7-5 record in his only season last fall, Tre Lamb left for Tulsa. Chattanooga native Will Healy was hired as the Bucs’ new coach last December.

A bunch of new players will take the field for the Bucs’ new coach. ETSU brought in 25 transfers through the portal, the sixth-highest total in the FCS. Among those 25, a pair of quarterbacks have created the biggest buzz in Cade McNamara from Iowa and Jacolby Criswell from North Carolina. McNamara threw for 1,017 yards with six touchdowns and five interceptions for the Hawkeyes last season. His top season actually came at Michigan in 2021. That year, McNamara threw for 2,576 yards with 15 touchdowns and six interceptions in leading the Wolverines to the Big Ten championship. At UNC last season, Criswell passed for 2,459 yards with 15 touchdowns and six interceptions.

“They’re winners. They compete and they’re really talented and gifted,” Healy said. “I don’t know if I’ll ever have a quarterback room like this again, so I’ve enjoyed it while I’ve had it. I expect both of them to play.

“There’s not been a day that’s gone by where I felt like they were too big for this opportunity. I appreciate their low maintenance and happy to be here attitude. … That says a lot about them from a character perspective.”

There is a familiar face in the offensive backfield as Devontae Houston returns at running back. Houston was second on the team last season with 648 yards and three touchdowns. He averaged 5.4 yards per carry.

“He’s explosive and catches the ball really well out of the backfield. He’s got a physicality and a forward lean to him that people don’t expect him to have,” Healy said. “He’s dynamic. When he touches the ball, good things happen.”

ETSU must replace its top four offensive linemen from last season, but the addition of players like Frankie Tinilau, a 6-foot-6, 325-pound sophomore transfer from Miami (Fla.) should help.

After earning first team All-SoCon honors last season, senior linebacker Nick Hunter is back to lead the defense. He had 6.5 sacks and a pair of interceptions in 2024. Veteran linebackers Trevor Moffitt from Gardner-Webb and Drew Francis from Middle Tennessee State could also make an immediate impact.

Non-conference game to watch: vs. Elon, Sept. 20. You could say this is a matchup of former SoCon rivals, but that really wouldn’t be the case. The only time these teams met in a league game was 2003 - Elon’s first season in the league and ETSU’s last before rejoining years later after the Phoenix departed. The Bucs won at Elon, 34-14, last season. It will be interesting to see how ETSU’s new players gel by this final game before league play begins.

RV/RV CHATTANOOGA

When the SoCon preseason poll and all-conference teams were announced a few weeks ago, the math didn’t seem to math. Despite being predicted to finish in second place by the league’s coaches, only three Chattanooga players made the preseason All-SoCon teams.

That seems to be indicative of the respect the Mocs have earned over the years and why not. Since Rusty Wright became head coach in 2019, Chattanooga is the only SoCon team to have a winning conference record every season. When it comes to the team selections, it speaks to how much talent the Mocs lost in the offseason.

The Mocs return just two starters on offense and one on defense. While quarterback Chase Artopoeus graduated, Chattanooga lost 16 others to the transfer portal, including 14 to FBS programs. Among those transferring out were leading rusher Reggie Davis (Alcorn State), leading receiver Sam Phillips (Iowa), second-leading receiver Javin Whatley (Arizona) and third-leading receiver Chris Domercant (UCF). Also departing were three offensive linemen, three defensive linemen and four defensive backs.

Chattanooga does have a quarterback with experience in Luke Schomburg, who played when Artopoeus was sidelined by injuries. He’s competing with Bowling Green transfer Camden Orth.

“It’s been interesting to see because they have different skill sets,” Wright said. “We’re going to have to see how it plays out and how the guys are around them.”

The Mocs had 17 players transfer in. Some that could make an immediate impact are running back Ryan Ingram (Wofford) and receivers Markell Quick (NC Central) and Jamarii Robinson (Northern Colorado). Ingram, who landed at Chattanooga for the graduate program, rushed for 675 yards and six touchdowns last year after rushing for 837 and six touchdowns in 2023.

Defensively, Wright believes redshirt freshman CJ Smith has a chance to develop into the next of what’s become a tradition of ferocious defensive linemen for the Mocs. Cornerback Jeremiah Batiste is a returning starter and a leader on defense. He had three interceptions and seven pass breakups last year.

Another player to watch in the secondary is Khari Gee, a defensive back who transferred from Georgia Tech. Gee began his career at Notre Dame before joining the Yellow Jackets in 2023. He was injured much of last season.

“It’s going to be interesting to see what we are. I’m not sure yet,” Wright said at the SoCon’s annual Media Day on July 22. “This bunch will work their tail off and do what we ask them to and not even blink. That’s been awesome.

“At the end of the day, we’re not as talented as we have been the last couple of years. We’re going to have to go out-execute people and play our ass off every Saturday. That’s the only way we’re going to get it done.”

Non-conference game to watch: at Tarleton State, Sept. 20. There’s one thing for certain is this uncertain season for Chattanooga. By the time SoCon play begins on the final Saturday of September, the Mocs will be battle tested, especially on the road. Road trips to FBS member Memphis - which went 11-2 last year, to future SoCon rival and currently 22nd-ranked Tennessee Tech and to No. 8 Tarleton State are sandwiched around a home game against Stetson.

RV SAMFORD

Samford is looking to bounce back from a highly unusual 4-7 season. Last year, the Bulldogs handed league champion Mercer its only SoCon loss, dealt third-place Chattanooga one of its three league losses, but finished just 3-4 in the conference.

Like plenty of other SoCon programs, Samford has a lot of shoes to fill this season as the Bulldogs return just one starter on offense and three on defense. However, they might be the only ones who can say they return their top player on each side of the ball with quarterback Quincy Crittendon and linebacker Jaden Mosley coming back

Crittendon led the SoCon in passing with 2,689 yards and was second in completion percentage at 70.3. He had 18 touchdown passes and ran for 386 yards and seven scores.

“It’s nice having a guy like Quincy with our quarterback driven offense. A big thing for him this season will be running the ball better than he did in the early part of last season,” Samford coach Chris Hatcher said. “Later on last season in games against Western Carolina and Chattanooga, he had tremendous rushing days to go along with good passing days. He’s got to come out of the gates like that this year.”

Obviously being the only returning starter on offense means Crittendon will have an entirely different supporting cast this year. One of his new targets will be receiver Jaden Gibson, who transferred from Virginia. Hatcher said Gibson stood out in spring practice.

Another transfer to watch on offense is running back CJ Evans from Tennessee State. He had more than 300 yards rushing and more than 300 receiving last season and led Austin Peay in rushing in 2022.

Mosley was second on the team with 75 tackles last season and led the Bulldogs with 14 tackles-for-loss. He also had four sacks, a forced fumble and an interception.

“Mosley is a tackling machine who plays with great energy,” Hatcher said. “Our number five jersey is a great honor (in memory of former player Charles Williams) that our players vote on each year. He won it in a landslide this year, so that kind of tells you the type of leadership he possesses.”

Defensive end Conroy Cunningham is back to lead Samford up front after a breakout year in 2024. He had 6.5 tackles-for-loss and led the team with five sacks.

Non-conference game to watch: vs. West Georgia, Aug. 28. Samford gets a head start on the season Thursday night and a chance to avenge a tough loss to a newer FCS member located just over 100 miles away. In West Georgia’s first game as a Division I member in last season’s opener, the Wolves topped the Bulldogs 38-29. Hatcher believes getting off to a better start this season is paramount as SoCon play begins the very next week against The Citadel. It’s an odd schedule for Samford this year as it has more non-conference games in November (two) than it does in September (one). After ending SoCon play on Nov. 8, the Bulldogs wrap up the regular season with back-to-back road trips to Austin Peay and Texas A&M.

THE CITADEL

After struggling through a winless season in Maurice Drayton’s first as head coach in 2023, The Citadel bounced back with a 5-7 record last fall. That included victories in three of its final four FCS games and marked the most wins for the Bulldogs since going 6-6 in 2019.

With six starters returning on each side of the ball, Citadel is poised to build off that success. That’s especially true on defense, which really powered the Bulldogs to the wins they had. In victories over VMI, Samford and Wofford, Citadel allowed 10, 11 and 17 points respectively. It allowed 17 also in a one-point loss to rival Furman.

This year’s defense looks to be led by safety Cale Williams, who ranked second on the team last year with 77 tackles including 4.5 tackles-for-loss. Drayton said that Williams was a relatively quiet player in the past, but has accepted that leadership role and become more vocal this season. He’ll be joined in the secondary by cornerback Bradlee Jones, who had a team-high eight pass breakups, 30 tackles and two forced fumbles in 2024. He was also responsible for three of Citadel’s NCAA-best eight blocked kicks.

Williams was a first team All-SoCon preseason pick along with linebacker Je’Mazin Roberts, who had 55 tackles, including 4.5 tackles for loss and two sacks last year.

“We’re very excited about the defense and it starts with our defensive coordinator Raleigh Jackson. He’s a true student of the game, who turns over every rock,” Drayton said. “He understands that every person has a skill set and whatever that skill set is, he tries to accentuate it.”

Offensively, the Bulldogs have a couple of proven running backs returning in Corey Ibrahim and Garrison Johnson and a solid returning receiver in Javonte Graves-Billips. Ibrahim was second on the team in rushing last year with 440 yards, while Johnson had 308 yards and a team-high seven touchdowns. Graves-Billips led Citadel in receptions (31) and touchdowns (4) and was second in receiving yards (429).

“Garrison was a walk-on when he came to The Citadel to get an MBA. … He has a unique combination of size, physicality and decent top-end speed,” Drayton said. “Corey is like a Swiss Army knife. He pass protects well, understands the system and can catch the ball out of the backfield.”

Non-conference game to watch: vs. North Dakota State, Aug. 30. Talk about jumping in the deep end of the pool right off the bat. The Citadel opens the season by hosting the reigning national champion and top-ranked Bison. It will mark NDSU’s third game against a SoCon opponent in the last 12 months. Last September, the Bison rallied from a 12-point deficit with 2:20 to play for a stunning 38-35 win at ETSU. In the playoffs, NDSU knocked off Mercer 31-7. It’s the first time the Bulldogs have faced a top-ranked team since a 39-10 loss to Appalachian State in 2010.

FURMAN

Coming off back-to-back 10-win seasons in 2022 and 2023, everything that could go wrong seemingly did go wrong for Furman last year as it finished with a record of 3-8. It was the first losing (full fall) season and the fewest wins for the Paladins since going 3-8 in 2016.

While Furman obviously has a historical winning pedigree and quite a few players still around from 2023 who know what it takes to win, turning things around this season won’t be as simple as fixing one thing. Coach Clay Hendrix confirmed that in a blunt assessment of last season at this year’s SoCon Media Day.

“We just weren’t very good at anything,” Hendrix said. “It was probably the combination of inexperience, youth and injuries just compounded things. I just think it's time to go back to the basics for us.”

Typically for Furman, the basics are running the ball, stopping the run and protecting the ball. Last season, the Paladins ranked last in the SoCon in rushing (990 yards), yards per carry (2.6) and rushing touchdowns (8), seventh in rush defense, last in pass defense and next to last with 23 lost turnovers. Many of those giveaways were described by Hendrix as being “catastrophic.”

Hendrix said that changes have been made on both sides of the ball, but the gained experience and being fully healthy may be bigger reasons for optimism going into this season.

Furman is hoping experience will pay off for starting quarterback Trey Hedden, who threw for 1,767 yards with 13 touchdowns and nine interceptions as a true freshman last season.

“I don’t know if we’ve got a guy that cares more on our team than Trey. He’ll be fun to watch,” Hendrix said. “It’s already been fun watching his progression this offseason, which I knew was going to happen. He even looks different. He’s lost a bunch of weight, but he’s stronger.”

Gavin Hall didn’t play very much early on last season, but ended up ranking second on the team in rushing with 321 yards. Hall, who averaged 5.0 yards per carry, looks to be a starter this year at running back. Furman will finally welcome back Jayquan Smith also in the backfield. Smith showed flashes of brilliance over the first five games of the 2023 season before suffering a horrific knee injury that has sidelined him ever since.

On defense, Furman must replace one of the top linebackers in the country in Evan DiMaggio who had more than twice as many tackles (120) than anyone else on the team. Linebacker Ryan Earl, who had 49 tackles including 5.5 tackles-for-loss last season, looks to be a leader on defense this season.

Furman returns a huge special teams weapon in all-American kicker Ian Williams. Last season, Williams made a school-record long field goal of 57 yards and then made another 57-yarder in the season finale.

Non-conference game to watch: vs. William and Mary, Aug. 30. This season-opening matchup offers Furman a chance to avenge what was kind of a tone-setting loss last year. The Paladins traveled to William and Mary in week four last season and took a 14-0 lead after one quarter. Despite the early advantage, Furman somehow failed to rush for 100 yards and allowed the Tribe to rush for 384 in a 34-24 loss.

VMI

A year after going 5-6 overall and 4-4 in SoCon play during Danny Rocco’s first season as head coach at VMI in 2023, the Keydets took a step backwards last season going 1-11 and 1-7 in the league.

While there were struggles on both sides of the ball, VMI’s defense probably didn’t perform as poorly as stats may suggest. That unit was simply out on the field for a long time most every Saturday.

“We were strong enough defensively to win more games than we did. Just offensively, we never were able to generate or sustain point production,” Rocco said. “To go into a football game and think you’ve got to win 13-10 or 17-14, there’s no margin for error in that game. So we’re going to have to score more points.”

A returning starter who can help build on things that went well defensively is redshirt junior safety Kouri Crump. Crump was third on the team last year with 90 tackles, including six tackles-for-loss. He also had five pass breakups and three forced fumbles.

With the transfer portal running wild in college football these days, it makes for more of a challenge for a military program like VMI. With no graduate school, the Keydets lose players in the portal but don’t really gain any from there. For Rocco though, there was never a doubt Crump was returning this season.

“For all the different things out there that might be in your radar or people might be in your ear talking about, to think that you’re going to make the sacrifices, put in hard work and commitment for three years in your life and then walk away without the degree really makes no sense,” Rocco said. “Corey was well-advised by his family and he’s a bright guy, who’s not going to get caught up in the glitter of something that doesn’t have as much sustainable value.”

Things really went south for VMI offensively in week two when starting quarterback Collin Shannon was lost for the year due to injury. Shannon is back now and ready to take snaps under new offensive coordinator AJ Hampton’s guidance.

“Collin’s back, healthy and ready to go,” Rocco said. “Hopefully he will take the bull by the horns and be the leader on the field that he’s been off the field.”

Non-conference game to watch: at Richmond, Sept. 20. After a 10-year break in the series, the most prolific opponent in VMI history returns to the Keydets’ schedule this season. This will be the 91st meeting of this rivalry, which began in 1893. The Spiders lead the series 45-40-5 and have a 12-game winning streak in it, including a 42-10 win the last time the teams met in 2015.

WOFFORD

Wofford is looking to build off the progress it displayed in Shawn Watson’s second full season as head coach last year. The Terriers went 5-7 overall and 3-5 in the SoCon after going 2-9 and 2-6 in league play in 2023.

A defense that led the SoCon in passing yards allowed and had 13 interceptions powered that progression. In its eight conference games, Wofford allowed just 13 offensive touchdowns.

“I’m always excited about our defense,” Watson said. “We inherited a good defensive group of kids and that’s allowed us to take time and develop the younger players that are now beginning to play for us.”

Sophomore safety CJ Coombes, who’s earned preseason all-American honors, is one of four returning starters on defense. As a freshman, Coombes was second on the team with 88 tackles, including five tackles-for-loss, and he had a sack and an interception.

“He’s the epitome of a boundary safety,” Watson said. “He can come down and hit you like a real linebacker, yet he can go out and cover you too.”

Wofford’s offense struggled with consistency in 2024. After scoring at least 21 points in each of their first three games, the Terriers scored more than 19 just once the rest of the way. Despite those struggles, some passing records were set. Wofford tied the season record for completions with 188. One of those was a school record 95-yard completion from Pauly Seeley to Rickie Shaw. Kyle Watkins established a new single-season receiving record with 814 yards.

All the quarterbacks that helped set those records are gone now though, which left a wide-open battle for the starting role this month. When preseason camp concluded, Watson announced that Jayden Whitaker, a sophomore transfer from Division II Gannon, won the starting job. At the SoCon’s Media Day event said that any of the four who competed for the job had a legitimate chance to earn it.

“The quarterback room has gotten really competitive and we’ve got great depth there now,” Watson said. “It’s been the best one I’ve had since I’ve been here.”

Providing protection for Whitaker up front will be three of Wofford’s four returning starters on offense in linemen Quincy Hughes, Luke Moise and Mason Howard. Hughes, a 6-foot-4, 300-pound senior left tackle, is the leader of the group.

“When Quincy talks, everybody listens,” Watson said. “He does a great job and leads by example as well.”

Senior running back and kick returner Kyle Parsons looks to step into a starting role at running back after the departure of 2024 leading rusher Ryan Ingram. Gerald Modest and Ihson Jackson-Anderson, a transfer from Eastern Michigan, should also compete for carries.

Non-conference game to watch: at S.C. State, Aug. 30. Wofford will be challenged right out of the gate as it opens the season at the reigning MEAC champions. A road trip to a reigning FCS conference champion will be a sign of things to come as the Terriers visit Mercer to open SoCon play in week three before traveling to Virginia Tech the following week. After the home opener against Richmond on Sept. 6, Wofford won’t play at Gibbs Stadium again until Oct. 4.

SoCon Volleyball Championship set for Asheville

Southern Conference — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Southern Conference, in conjunction with Ingles, Explore Asheville, the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission, and Harrah’s Cherokee Center, will host its 2025 Ingles SoCon Volleyball Championship in Asheville, North Carolina, at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville on Nov. 20-23.

Tickets for the championship tournament are on sale now. Daily general admission and New Belgium Courtside Lounge passes are available for $15 and $35, respectively. Tickets for students from SoCon institutions are $10. The New Belgium Courtside Lounge packages include access to courtside seating, two drink tickets and light complimentary snacks. Get your tickets and learn more at https://soconsports.com/wvb today. Hotels for the tournament can be found at https://www.exploreasheville.com/places-to-stay/.

The 2025 volleyball championship marks the first time in the conference’s history that the tournament will be hosted exclusively at a neutral location for all teams. The championship was slated to be in Asheville in 2024 but was moved to Wofford in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Samford leads all current members in tournament titles with seven, the most recent victory coming in 2022. ETSU, Furman and Western Carolina each boast three tournament wins. Wofford will be looking to win its third straight tournament crown in Asheville this season.

The SoCon and the city of Asheville have been linked for many years. The conference was headquartered in Asheville from 1986-2002 and the last 14 SoCon Basketball Championships have been played inside Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville. The basketball tournament was also in Asheville from 1984-95. The volleyball championship will be hosted in Asheville through 2027.

ABOUT THE SOUTHERN CONFERENCE

The Southern Conference is headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina, consisting of 10 full-member schools across six states in 20 sponsored sports. Nine other institutions serve as affiliate members in the SoCon-sponsored sports of wrestling and rifle. The SoCon is celebrating its 104th anniversary in 2025. The fifth-oldest NCAA Division I college athletic association, the SoCon contested the first-ever collegiate conference basketball tournament in 1921, tackled freshman eligibility in 1922, became the first conference to adopt the 3-point field goal in basketball in 1980 and developed women’s championships in 1984.

ABOUT ASHEVILLE BUNCOMBE REGIONAL SPORTS COMMISSION

The Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission was formed in the fall of 2010 by a handful of civic-minded leaders who had a vision to impact the local economy by bringing more sporting events to the region. The Sports Commission attracts sports events and related meetings to enhance the health, wellness, and quality of life for area residents and sports enthusiasts and will generate a positive economic impact by promoting our region as a recognized sporting destination.

ABOUT HARRAH’S CHEROKEE CENTER - ASHEVILLE (HCCA)

Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville (HCCA), which features the ExploreAsheville.com Arena and Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, has hosted a diverse variety of events that reflect the creativity, uniqueness, and artistry that Asheville, N.C., and Western North Carolina is known for primarily. In recent years, the facility has hosted world-class sporting events such as NBA Preseason Games, three Billie Jean King Cups by BNP Paribas ties, the annual Ingles Southern Conference Basketball Championships, Asheville Championship, and the Camping World Maui Invitational as well as music and performances by Noah Kahan, Bob Dylan, The Lumineers, Dave Chappelle, John Prine, Old Dominion, Sturgill Simpson, Kacey Musgraves, Widespread Panic, Billy Strings, Warren Haynes’ Christmas Jam, and more.

ABOUT EXPLORE ASHEVILLE AND THE BUNCOMBE COUNTY TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

Explore Asheville is the official destination marketing and management organization for one of the most vibrant destinations in the southeast. Explore Asheville is powered by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, a public authority that has been investing in and building community since 1983. The authority has committed $96 million to more than 50 community capital projects including many sports venues.

SoCon Cross Country Teams Earn Regional Recognition

Southern Conference — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Three Southern Conference cross country programs have earned top-15 regional rankings, as announced Monday by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). The Furman men’s and women’s teams, along with the Samford women’s squad, all secured spots in their respective regional polls.

Both Furman squads were tabbed to win their 13th consecutive league titles in last week’s SoCon preseason poll. The Paladin men are ranked fifth in the Southeast Region and tied with Michigan State for 30th nationally, and are led by Chris Knight, who finished third at last year's conference championship. The Furman women, led by standout Carly Wilkes and reigning SoCon champion, are ranked seventh in the Southeast.

Samford’s women’s team, led by reigning SoCon Women’s Cross Country Freshman of the Year Felicity Hamilton, enters the season ranked 11th in the South Region.

Furman and Samford will kick off their 2025 campaigns on Friday. The Paladins open at USC Upstate’s Eye Opener meet, while the Bulldogs begin at Jacksonville State’s Foothills Invitational. All remaining SoCon programs will also toe the starting line for the first time this weekend.

SoCon women’s soccer players of the week announced

Southern Conference — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Chattanooga forward Paige Thomas and Furman goalkeeper Reese DeJong have been named the Southern Conference women’s soccer offensive and defensive players of the week, respectively, for all competition from Aug. 19-25.

Thomas came off the bench in both of Chattanooga’s games last week, playing a total of 77 minutes and scoring three goals. In a 5-3 win over Indiana State on Aug. 21, the sophomore scored a goal in the 35th and 41st minute, with the second score serving as the game-winning goal. Three days later, the native of Green Brook, New Jersey, got a goal in the 39th minute of the team’s 2-0 win against Morehead State. Thomas leads currently the SoCon in goals this season with four.

DeJong started both games for Furman as the Paladins picked up a pair of wins. The Huntersville, North Carolina, product saw 45 minutes inside the goal during a 5-0 win over Bob Jones on Aug. 22. The sophomore played the entire match against Charleston Southern on Aug. 24, finishing with three saves in the 2-0 win for Furman. DeJong is tied for second in the conference in saves with 16.

Chattanooga (3-1) plays at Austin Peay on Thursday. Furman (3-1) travels to Presbyterian on Thursday.

Also nominated for offensive player of the week: Emma Sexton (Furman) and Taliyah Headman (VMI)

Also nominated for defensive player of the week: Lindsay Bell (Mercer), Reese Wilson (Chattanooga) and Elizabeth Navola (Wofford)

2025 SoCon Women’s Soccer Offensive Players of the Week

Aug. 19 Reagan Fitzgerald, Jr., F, ETSU

Aug. 26 Paige Thomas, So., F, Chattanooga

2025 SoCon Women’s Soccer Defensive Players of the Week

Aug. 19 Caroline Ekern, Sr., GK, Chattanooga

Aug. 26 Reese DeJong, So., GK, Furman

SoCon Men's Soccer Players of the Week Announced

Southern Conference — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – UNC Greensboro forward Enzo Dovlo and Furman goalkeeper Ivan Horvat have been named Southern Conference men’s soccer offensive and defensive players of the week, respectively, for matches from August 19-25.

Dovlo (Paris, France / Sainte Anne) was sensational in two wins for the No. 23 Spartans (2-0-0) last week, highlighted by his first career hat trick. The junior forward opened the season with two goals and an assist in a 6-2 win over Radford on Thursday, putting four shots on goal in 63 minutes played. Dovlo heated up quickly in a 3-2 victory over VCU on Sunday, finding the back of the net three times on five shots. He scored twice in the first 10 minutes to take UNCG out to an early lead and, after the Rams cut the lead to 2-1 early in the second half, Dovlo connected again for a 3-1 lead at the 69:34 mark. His five goals through two contests equal his total for the entire 2024 season.

Horvat (Bratislava, Croatia / Darlington School) anchored a stout defensive effort for the No. 20 Paladins (1-0-1) in two neutral site matches in Durham, N.C. The redshirt freshman goalkeeper stopped the only shot he faced in the opener vs. UC San Diego, logging 90 minutes and his first career clean sheet. He played 57 minutes before leaving with an injury vs. No. 9 San Diego, part of a defensive unit that didn’t allow a shot on goal in an impressive scoreless draw.

UNC Greensboro plays at South Florida on Thursday and stays in the Sunshine State to tackle UCF on Sunday. Furman hosts North Greenville in its home opener Thursday, before hosting No. 15 Duke in another top 25 showdown on Sunday.

Also nominated for Offensive Player of the Week: Luke Hutzell (Furman), Yeirin Mejia (VMI), Junior Casillas (Mercer)
Also nominated for Defensive Player of the Week: Henry Hampshaw (Mercer)

2025 SoCon Men’s Soccer Offensive Players of the Week
Aug. 26 – Enzo Dovlo, Jr., F, UNC Greensboro (Paris, France)

2025 SoCon Men’s Soccer Defensive Players of the Week
Aug. 26 – Ivan Horvat, R-Fr., GK, Furman (Bratislava, Croatia)

SoCon Pair Ranked In Week One Top Drawer Soccer Men's Top 25

Southern Conference — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Two Southern Conference schools are ranked in the Top Drawer Soccer Top 25 this week, with Furman and UNC Greensboro off to strong starts.

The Paladins (1-0-1) are ranked No. 20, and the Spartans (2-0-0) are ranked No. 23, holding steady in their positions from the preseason poll – showcasing early national strength for the conference in men’s soccer. The entire poll is available here.

Furman is fresh off a scoreless draw with No. 9 San Diego in a match that saw a stout Paladins’ defense hold the Toreros without a shot on goal for 90 minutes. Furman picked up a win in the season opener, handling UC San Diego by a 3-0 score. Both results came in Durham, N.C.

Preseason All-SoCon forward Wilfer Bustamante tallied a pair of goals in the win, as the Paladins outshot the Tritons by a convincing 23-5 margin. All-SoCon midfielder Luke Hutzell scored the deciding goal at the 26:07 mark and assisted on Bustamante’s first goal (30:59). Diego Hernandez assisted on the first and third goals of the day.

The opening day win was the 350th for legendary head coach Doug Allison.

UNC Greensboro had its offense in high gear in two wins, rolling to a 6-2 decision over Radford on opening night and topping VCU by a 3-2 margin on Sunday to cap a terrific week at UNCG Soccer Stadium.

All-SoCon forward Enzo Dovlo scored early in the opener, putting his team up 2-0 after goals at the 7:54 and 12:41 marks. He added an assist on an Arnaud Tattevin goal at the 56:13 mark for a comfortable 5-2 lead.

Dovlo was even better on Sunday, scoring twice in the early going for a 2-0 lead. Both goals came within the first 10 minutes of the match. After VCU cut the lead to 2-1 early in the second half, Dovolo scored what proved to be the game-winner at the 69:34 mark – completing a hat trick in the process.

The Spartans held shooting advantages in both matches and put 13 of their 19 shots on goal against Radford.

Both teams will be back in action this week, with Furman hosting North Greenville on Thursday (August 28) and No. 15 Duke on Sunday (August 31). UNC Greensboro heads to the Sunshine State for matches at South Florida (August 28) and UCF (August 31).

Wofford tabbed as preseason SoCon volleyball favorite

Southern Conference — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Wofford was picked as the favorite to win the 2025 Southern Conference volleyball title in preseason voting by the league’s nine head coaches. The coaches also selected an eight-member preseason all-conference team. Due to a tie in the voting, two additional players were named to the preseason squad.

Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own teams or players in the balloting.

Wofford, the two-time defending SoCon tournament champion, received five first-place votes and 61 points, claiming the top spot in the preseason poll. Samford collected three first-place votes and 54 points, finishing second in the poll. ETSU secured 51 points, taking the third spot in the poll. Furman received the final first-place vote along with 47 points, placing the Paladins in the fourth spot. UNCG and Chattanooga tied for fifth after each got 29 points in the poll. Mercer, the defending regular-season champion, was eighth with 18 points. Western Carolina rounded out the poll with 12 points.

The Wofford Terriers are coming off a 23-9 overall record and a 12-4 mark in conference play in 2024, concluding their season with their second straight appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Wofford placed a league-best three selections on the preseason all-conference team. The players are Laney Klika, the reigning SoCon Libero of the Year, Bradley Brown, and Bri Mahoney. Klika led the league in digs in 2024 with 615. Last season, Brown finished the season in the top 10 in the SoCon in blocks, while Mahoney was in the top 20 in kills and digs in the league. Brown made the SoCon all-freshman team in 2024, and Mahoney was an all-tournament team selection.

Samford went 15-12 overall and 9-7 in SoCon matches a season ago. Outside hitter Kaleigh Meritt was selected to the preseason all-conference team. Merritt, who has been an all-conference selection in each of the past two seasons, was fourth in the conference in kills last season with 371.

ETSU had a 10-6 mark in SoCon matches and a 19-11 overall record in 2024. The Bucs, who are under the direction of the 2024 SoCon Coach of the Year Lindsey Devine, put outside hitter Brianna Cantrell and middle blocker/right side Whitley Rammel on the preseason team.

Furman middle blocker Izzy Castelloe, Mercer outside hitter/right side Sophia Henry, UNCG outside hitter Allie Sweet and Chattanooga middle blocker Kynli Kirkendoll rounded out the preseason all-conference team.

The 2025 regular season begins on Friday, Aug. 29, with all nine teams in action.

The SoCon Volleyball Championship will be on Nov. 20-23 at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville in Asheville, North Carolina. The 2025 volleyball championship marks the first time in the conference’s history that the tournament will be hosted exclusively at a neutral location for all teams. A first-round match between the No. 8 and No. 9 seed will be played on Nov. 20, with the quarterfinals slated for Nov. 21. The semifinal matches will be held on Nov. 22, and the final is set to be played on Nov. 23.

2025 Southern Conference Volleyball Preseason Coaches Poll

1. Wofford (5)	61
2. Samford (3)	54
3. ETSU	51
4. Furman (1)	47
5. Chattanooga	29
UNCG	29
7. The Citadel	23
8. Mercer	18
9. Western Carolina	12

() denotes first-place votes

2025 Southern Conference Volleyball Preseason All-Conference Team
Brianna Cantrell, ETSU, OH

Whitley Rammel, ETSU, MB/RS

Izzy Castelloe, Furman, MB

Sophia Henry, Mercer, OH/RS

Allie Sweet, UNCG, OH

Kaleigh Meritt, Samford, OH

Kynli Kirkendoll, Chattanooga, MB

Bradley Brown, Wofford, MB

Laney Klika, Wofford, LIB

Bri Mahoney, Wofford, OH

SoCon Football Interviews: Mark Wharton, UTC AD and NCAA FCS Football Committee Chair

The Southern Conference — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Sit down with Mark Wharton as he discusses the landscape of FCS football.

Paladins picked to win Southern Conference XC Titles

Southern Conference — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Furman has been picked to win its 13th straight men’s and women’s Southern Conference cross country titles in voting of the league’s 10 head coaches, who could not vote for their own teams.

Both Paladin squads, who have won each SoCon championship since 2013, received all nine possible first place votes for a total of 81 points.

With the win at the 2024 SoCon Cross Country Championship on their home course, on Nov. 2, the Furman men, who claimed seven of the top ten individual spots, extended the league record for consecutive SoCon team titles—a distinction the Paladins claimed in 2023. The Furman women captured five of the top 10 individual spots, extending its own league record with a 12th straight team title.

Western Carolina’s men, who finished second to the Paladins in 2024, were predicted to finish second, securing the remaining first-place vote en route to a total of 65 points. The Catamounts were followed by Samford with 62 points, UNCG and Mercer, who had 56 and 45 points, respectively. ETSU and Chattanooga followed closely, with 42 and 41 points, respectively. VMI came in eighth with 28 points, before Wofford (19) and The Citadel (11) rounded out the poll.

In the women’s poll, 2024 championship runner-up Samford was slotted second with 71 points and the remaining first-place vote. Chattanooga mirrored its 2024 finish, ranking third in the preseason poll with 63 points.

ETSU was fourth in the poll with 56 points, while Mercer collected 46. Western Carolina was picked sixth with 44 points, ahead of UNCG, which garnered 36 points. VMI (23), Wofford (19) and The Citadel (11) took the final three positions in the poll.

The 2025 cross country season will open on Friday, Aug. 29, with all squads competing during the opening weekend.

2025 Southern Conference Men’s Cross Country Preseason Poll

Team (1st-place votes) Points

Furman (9) - 81
Western Carolina (1) - 65
Samford - 62
UNC Greensboro - 56
Mercer - 45
ETSU - 42
Chattanooga - 41
VMI - 28
Wofford - 19
The Citadel - 11

2025 Southern Conference Women’s Cross Country Preseason Poll

Team (1st-place votes) Points

Furman (9) - 81
Samford (1) - 71
Chattanooga - 63
ETSU - 56
Mercer - 46
Western Carolina - 44
UNC Greensboro - 36
VMI - 23
Wofford - 19
The Citadel - 11

SoCon women’s soccer players of the week announced

Southern Conference — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – ETSU forward Reagan Fitzgerald and Chattanooga goalkeeper Caroline Ekern have been named the Southern Conference women’s soccer offensive and defensive players of the week, respectively, for all competition from Aug. 14-18.

Fitzgerald started both games for ETSU last week as the Buccaneers went 1-0-1. She logged 77 minutes in a 1-0 win over North Alabama on Aug. 14, scoring the game’s lone goal in the 20th minute. Three days later, the junior from Oviedo, Florida, native scored a goal in the 87th minute against UAB, tying the score at 1-1.

Ekern played all 180 minutes inside the net for Chattanooga last week. The Mocs won their season opener versus Winthrop, 4-0, on Aug. 14, before falling to Alabama, 1-0, on Aug. 17. In the contest with Winthrop, the product of Knoxville, Tennessee, recorded her 15th career shutout, tying her for second place all-time in program history in the category. Against Alabama, the senior finished the game with a career-high nine saves. Ekern completed the week with a .909 save percentage.

ETSU (1-0-1) travels to Kentucky on Thursday, and Eastern Kentucky on Sunday. Chattanooga (1-1) hosts Indiana State on Thursday, and Morehead State on Sunday.

Also nominated for offensive player of the week: Ava Kiss (UNCG), Sam De Luca (Samford), Caroline Richvalsky (Chattanooga) and Sofia Goclowski (Western Carolina)

Also nominated for defensive player of the week: Reese DeJong (Furman), Peyton Hull (Samford), Leanne Trudel (Western Carolina) and Bailey Mullen (Wofford)

2025 SoCon Women’s Soccer Offensive Players of the Week

Aug. 19 Reagan Fitzgerald, Jr., F, ETSU

2025 SoCon Women’s Soccer Defensive Players of the Week

Aug. 19 Caroline Ekern, Sr., GK, Chattanooga

UNC Greensboro Picked First In 2025 Men's Soccer Preseason Poll

Southern Conference — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – UNC Greensboro has been picked as the favorite to win the 2025 regular season title in the preseason Southern Conference men’s soccer poll. Ballots were submitted by the league's six head coaches.

The Spartans earned four of the six first-place votes in the poll, edging defending champion Furman by only two points in a very tight vote.

Both programs debuted in the Top Drawer Soccer preseason top 25 poll as well on Monday, with Furman ranked 20th and the Spartans ranked 23rd.

The coaches also selected a preseason All-Conference team, and the Spartans led the way with seven on the team. Furman had five players earn preseason All-SoCon honors.

UNC Greensboro finished the 2024 regular season tied atop the SoCon standings with ETSU, posting a 3-1-1 league mark, and earned the tournament’s top seed. The Spartans posted a strong 10-2-5 mark overall.

Forward Arnaud Tattevin paced the UNCG contingent on this year’s preseason All-SoCon team, after earning first-team honors in 2024. The Reenes, France, native scored seven goals and dished off two assists last season in 13 starts. He was a second-team All-SoCon selection in 2023 and has 30 career points.

Forward Enzo Dovlo, midfielders Issah Haruna and Magnus Kjoller, defenders Sami Lachekar and Mohammed Sumaila, and goalkeeper Seth Wilson also earned All-SoCon preseason recognition. Dovlo and Haruna were second-team All-SoCon choices last season, with Haruna also landing a spot on the All-Freshman Team and earning SoCon Freshman of the Year honors. Sumaila was an All-Freshman choice for the Spartans in 2024.

The Paladins earned the SoCon’s automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament last November and went on to a first-round win at North Carolina. Furman went 2-1-2 in SoCon play in 2024 and posted a 9-4-6 ledger overall.

Forwards Lloyd Wamu Snell and Wilfer Bustamante, midfielder Luke Hutzell, defender Ryan Wagner, and 2024 SoCon Goalkeeper of the Year Aaron Salinas were named to the preseason All-SoCon Team. Salinas was also a first-team All-SoCon selection last season. Snell, Bustamante, and Hutzell each earned second-team All-SoCon honors in 2024.

Mercer (16 points), ETSU (13 points), Wofford (10 points), and VMI (5 points) rounded out the coaches’ preseason poll.

Wofford midfielder Jakob Andersson, who has 17 career assists in three seasons, also earned a spot on the preseason All-SoCon team.

The 2025 regular season begins for all six teams on Thursday, August 21. Furman will battle No. 8 UC San Diego in a top 20 clash that afternoon in Durham, N.C., and four of the six SoCon squads will play in their home stadiums.

**Season Opening Thursday Schedule (August 21)**
VMI vs. Canisius (ESPN+)	Lexington, Va.	3:00 pm ET
No. 20 Furman vs. UC San Diego (ESPN+)	Durham, N.C.	3:30 pm ET
ETSU vs. Emory & Henry (FloSports)	Meadowview, Va.	6:00 pm ET
Mercer vs. Oglethorpe (ESPN+)	Macon, Ga.	7:00 pm ET
No. 23 UNCG vs. Radford (ESPN+)	Greensboro, N.C.	7:00 pm ET


1.	UNC Greensboro (4)	24
2.	Furman (2)	22
3.	Mercer	16
4.	ETSU	13
5.	Wofford	10
6.	VMI	5

First-place votes in parentheses.


F	Arnaud Tattevin	UNC Greensboro
F	Lloyd Wamu Snell	Furman
F	Enzo Dovlo	UNC Greensboro
F	Wilfer Bustamante	Furman
MF	Luke Hutzell	Furman
MF	Issah Haruna	UNC Greensboro
MF	Magnus Kjoller	UNC Greensboro
D	Jakob Andersson	Wofford
D	Ryan Wagner	Furman
D	Sami Lachekar	UNC Greensboro
D	Mohammed Sumaila	UNC Greensboro
GK	Aaron Salinas	Furman
GK	Seth Wilson	UNC Greensboro

Samford's Ally Cordes Named NCAA SAAC Representative for Southern Conference

Southern Conference — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has officially selected Ally Cordes of Samford University as the NCAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Representative for the Southern Conference.

In this role, Cordes will serve as the voice of SoCon student-athletes on the national stage. She will play a key role in shaping NCAA policies, advocating for student-athlete well-being, and strengthening communication between the NCAA and its member institutions. Her leadership and commitment to collegiate athletics distinguish her as an outstanding choice for this prestigious position.

A native of Wyoming, Ohio, Cordes is a junior outside hitter for the Samford Bulldogs volleyball team. During the 2024 season, she started in 26 of the team’s 27 matches, averaging 2.58 kills per set and finishing third on the team with 250 total kills.

Off the court, Cordes is an accounting major who has demonstrated academic excellence, earning Dean’s List honors twice during her time at Samford.

In addition to her national responsibilities, Cordes will also serve as chairperson of the Southern Conference SAAC to continue advancing the mission of opportunity, the protection of student-athlete well-being, and positive student-athlete image. She brings valuable experience to the position, having been an active member of the Samford SAAC since 2023, where she most recently served as co-chair.

"I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve as a representative for all of the athletes in the Southern Conference,” Cordes said. “I have been involved in SAAC at an institutional level since I was a freshman and have enjoyed every minute of it, and this opportunity for me to lead continues to amplify my passion for advocating for student-athletes and making their voices heard at every level of college athletics."

The Southern Conference congratulates Ally Cordes on this well-earned honor and looks forward to the impact she will make throughout the coming year.

SoCon Football Interview: Zach McKinnell, FCS Football Central

The Southern Conference — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

SoCon Football Interview: Zach McKinnell, FCS Football Central

The Southern Conference Approves Tennessee Tech Membership

Southern Conference — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Southern Conference announced today that Tennessee Tech University will become a member effective July 1, 2026, and will begin competition for the 2026-27 academic year.

"Tennessee Tech’s addition reaffirms that ‘It’s All Here’ in the Southern Conference — the premier FCS athletics experience in the South,” said Southern Conference Commissioner Dr. Michael Cross. “Tech strengthens our geographic footprint, reinforces our Southern identity, and enters at a time of tremendous regional growth. This move builds rivalries, solves scheduling challenges, maximizes budgets, and enhances the student-athlete experience with competitive play and reasonable travel. Tech’s leadership shares the SoCon’s collaborative, forward-thinking vision, and their ongoing facility investments show a commitment to thriving in a changing athletics landscape. With Tennessee Tech, the SoCon delivers on its promise: championship-level FCS competition, academic excellence, and an unmatched student-athlete experience.

"The University’s strong commitment to academic excellence also complements the Southern Conference. As a Carnegie R2 research institution focused on preparing graduates for successful careers, Tech is an ideal fit for a league that values the complete student-athlete experience.”

The Southern Conference's Council of Presidents voted unanimously to accept Tennessee Tech's application for membership on Wednesday morning. The decision marks the SoCon's first change in full membership since adding ETSU, Mercer, and VMI in 2014.

"Geographically, the states with SoCon teams fit the footprint of our students and alumni, so our move makes sense in those terms," said Tennessee Tech President Dr. Phil Oldham. "Beyond that, our students and fans will have a chance to be a part of new rivalries and new traditions that can create lifetime memories.

"College athletics is experiencing unprecedented change, and Tennessee Tech is committed to navigating those changes by putting our student-athletes and coaches in the best position to win and become successful leaders. Being accepted by the SoCon shows they recognized this commitment and the history of excellence at Tennessee Tech. We are honored to join the Southern Conference and compete for championships."

The Golden Eagles participate in 14 sports currently sponsored by the SoCon and have won 27 conference team championships since 2000. Women's basketball won the OVC tournament title in 2025 and advanced to the NCAA Tournament – the program's 15th appearance since 1982. All told, Tennessee Tech has captured 85 conference titles and has seen 69 teams advance to NCAA postseason play since joining the OVC. The Golden Eagles captured a share of the OVC-Big South Football Association title in 2024 and are ranked in the preseason Top 25 heading into this season.

“Tennessee Tech Athletics also brings championship-caliber strength to the SoCon,” added Cross. “Their recent success speaks for itself — a 2024 football championship and a preseason Top 25 ranking this year, a women’s basketball program ranked 22nd all-time in Division I wins, and consistent NCAA Tournament appearances across multiple sports. With an 88% graduation success rate and strong APR scores, Tech proves that winning and academic achievement go hand-in-hand — the Southern Conference standard."

Located in Cookeville, Tennessee Tech saw its enrollment reach 10,511 students overall in the fall of 2024, with 9,187 undergraduates pursuing degrees in 10 colleges and schools. The top programs of study by enrollment are mechanical engineering, computer science, nursing, biology, and business management.

Athletics facilities on campus include 16,500-seat Tucker Stadium, home of the 2024 OVC-Big South Champion football team, and the 9,852-seat Hooper Eblen Center, host of the Golden Eagles’ basketball and volleyball programs.

"Tennessee Tech University's addition to the Southern Conference strengthens our collective commitment to excellence both in the classroom and competitively,” said Western Carolina Chancellor Dr. Kelli Brown, Chair of the Council of Southern Conference Presidents. “As fellow institutions dedicated to developing well-rounded student-athletes, we welcome the Golden Eagles to a conference that has always prioritized academic achievement alongside athletic success. Tech's impressive track record and shared values make them a natural fit for the SoCon, and we look forward to the rivalries and collaborative opportunities this partnership will create."

For more information on the Southern Conference, visit soconsports.com.

About the Southern Conference

The Southern Conference, headquartered in Spartanburg, S.C., includes ten member institutions across six states: The Citadel, East Tennessee State University, Furman University, Mercer University, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Samford University, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Virginia Military Institute, Western Carolina University, and Wofford College.

About Tennessee Tech University

With more than 225 programs of study and over 10,000 students, Tennessee Tech University is Cookeville, Tenn.'s nationally ranked and locally loved university, known for producing practical, ready-to-work graduates prepared to compete in a technologically driven world. Tennessee Tech is recognized as a "Best National University" by U.S. News & World Report and as the number one "Best Value" public university in the state by SmartAsset. Learn more at tntech.edu.

SoCon announces women’s basketball league schedule

Southern Conference — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C.– The Southern Conference officially released its 2025–26 women’s basketball league schedule Wednesday morning. Ingles serves as the presenting sponsor for this year’s schedule announcement, continuing its support of collegiate athletics across the region.

The SoCon’s eight women’s basketball teams will all play double-round-robin, 14-game intraleague schedules, totaling 56 league contests. Conference play begins on Thursday, Jan. 8, with all eight squads in action.

In total, 28 conference games take place in January and 26 contests in February. All conference matchups are set for Thursday and Saturday, with exception on Jan. 30 and Feb. 1. The regular season concludes with four conference showdowns on Saturday, Feb. 28.

SoCon Commissioner Michael Cross notes that the conference schedule format reaffirms the leagues commitment to caliber competition.

"The Southern Conference continues to prove that championship-level basketball truly is all here,” said Cross. “With our comprehensive double-round-robin format ensuring every team faces the ultimate test, extensive broadcast coverage bringing our games to fans across multiple platforms, and venues from the mountains to the coast showcasing the depth and talent of our member institutions, the SoCon remains where basketball excellence meets accessibility. Our programs elevate each other, creating compelling storylines and competitive balance that make every game matter and every night unforgettable."

One team welcomes a new coach this season as Matt Wise was named head coach for Samford back in April. Wise previously served as associate head coach and will be entering his fourth season with the Bulldogs program. Prior to his arrival in Birmingham, Wise spent time at Alabama, ETSU, Wyoming, and Florida.

The Ingles Southern Conference Basketball Championship will be held March 5-8 at Harrah’s Cherokee Center in Asheville, North Carolina.

UNCG won the regular-season title in 2024-25, its best SoCon finish in the history of the program. The Spartans followed that with a SoCon Tournament crown, winning the championship game, 64-57, in overtime over Chattanooga.

Full broadcast schedules will be announced later, but all eight schools’ home games will air on ESPN+ if not selected for national or regional broadcast.

The 43rd season of Southern Conference women’s basketball opens Monday, Nov. 3.

For the composite league schedule, visit SoConSports.com. The full composite schedule will be posted when it has been completed.

January 8 (Thursday)

Furman at ETSU

Mercer at Western Carolina

Samford at UNCG

Wofford at Chattanooga

January 10 (Saturday)

Furman at Chattanooga

Mercer at UNCG

Samford at Western Carolina

Wofford at ETSU

January 15 (Thursday)

UNCG at Furman

Western Carolina at Wofford

January 17 (Saturday)

UNCG at Wofford

Samford at Mercer

Chattanooga at ETSU

Western Carolina at Furman

January 22 (Thursday)

ETSU at Western Carolina

Furman at Mercer

Chattanooga at UNCG

Wofford at Samford

January 24 (Saturday)

ETSU at UNCG

Furman at Samford

Chattanooga at Western Carolina

Wofford at Mercer

January 30 (Friday)

Mercer at Chattanooga

Samford at ETSU

February 1 (Sunday)

Furman at Wofford

Mercer at ETSU

Samford at Chattanooga

Western Carolina at UNCG

February 5 (Thursday)

ETSU at Wofford

UNCG at Mercer

Chattanooga at Furman

Western Carolina at Samford

February 7 (Saturday)

ETSU at Furman

UNCG at Samford

Chattanooga at Wofford

Western Carolina at Mercer

February 12 (Thursday)

Furman at Western Carolina

Wofford at UNCG

February 14 (Saturday)

ETSU at Chattanooga

Furman at UNCG

Mercer at Samford

Wofford at Western Carolina

February 19 (Thursday)

Mercer at Wofford

UNCG at ETSU

Samford at Furman

Western Carolina at Chattanooga

February 21 (Saturday)

Mercer at Furman

UNCG at Chattanooga

Samford at Wofford

Western Carolina at ETSU

February 26 (Thursday)

ETSU at Mercer

Chattanooga at Samford

February 28 (Saturday)

ETSU at Samford

UNCG at Western Carolina

Chattanooga at Mercer

Wofford at Furman

SoCon announces men’s basketball league schedule

Southern Conference — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Southern Conference announced its 2025-26 men’s basketball league schedule presented by Ingles on Tuesday. The SoCon’s 10 men’s basketball teams will all play double-round-robin, 18-game intraleague schedules, totaling 90 league contests over nine weeks from Wednesday, Dec. 31, to Saturday, Feb. 28.

"The Southern Conference continues to prove that championship-level basketball truly is all here. With our comprehensive double-round-robin format ensuring every team faces the ultimate test, extensive broadcast coverage bringing our games to fans across multiple platforms, and venues from the mountains to the coast showcasing the depth and talent of our member institutions,” SoCon Commissioner Michael Cross said. “The SoCon remains where basketball excellence meets accessibility. Our programs elevate each other, creating compelling storylines and competitive balance that make every game matter and every night unforgettable."

Six teams open play on Dec. 31, with the other four squads playing on New Year’s Day. After a full lineup of games on Saturday, Jan. 3, the schedule settles into a Wednesday-Saturday format outside a pair of Thursday games on Jan. 15, Feb. 5, Feb. 19 and Feb. 26. The only other deviation is when all 10 teams face off against one another on Thursday, Jan. 29.

One of the early notable games on the slate this season is Chattanooga at Wofford on Jan. 14. In 2024-25, the Mocs won the SoCon regular season en route to a NIT crown, while the Terriers captured the conference tournament title and played in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2019.

Samford’s new head coach Lennie Acuff comes to Birmingham after six seasons at Lipscomb, who he took to the NCAA Tournament last season. Acuff begins his first stint through the league on New Year’s Day when the Bulldogs travel to VMI. Two days later, Samford plays at UNCG, who under the tutelage of head coach Mike Jones, have won 20-plus games in each of the last three seasons.

The 2026 Ingles Southern Conference Basketball Championship will take place at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville in Asheville, North Carolina, from March 6-9.

Full broadcast schedules will be announced later, but all 10 schools’ home games will air on ESPN+ if not selected for national or regional broadcast.

The 105th season of Southern Conference basketball opens with nonconference play on Monday, Nov. 3.

The full composite schedule will be posted when it has been completed on SoConSports.com..

December 31 (Wednesday)

ETSU at The Citadel

Mercer at Furman

Wofford at Western Carolina

January 1 (Thursday)

Chattanooga at UNCG

Samford at VMI

January 3 (Saturday)

Wofford at The Citadel

Mercer at ETSU

Western Carolina at Furman

Samford at UNCG

Chattanooga at VMI

January 7 (Wednesday)

The Citadel at Mercer

VMI at ETSU

Furman at Chattanooga

UNCG at Wofford

Western Carolina at Samford

January 10 (Saturday)

Western Carolina at The Citadel

UNCG at ETSU

VMI at Furman

Wofford at Mercer

Samford at Chattanooga

January 14 (Wednesday)

ETSU at Western Carolina

Furman at Samford

Chattanooga at Wofford

January 15 (Thursday)

Mercer at VMI

The Citadel at UNCG

January 17 (Saturday)

The Citadel at VMI

ETSU at Samford

Wofford at Furman

Mercer at UNCG

Chattanooga at Western Carolina

January 21 (Wednesday)

Furman at The Citadel

ETSU at Chattanooga

Western Carolina at Mercer

UNCG at VMI

Samford at Wofford

January 24 (Saturday)

The Citadel at ETSU

Furman at UNCG

Mercer at Wofford

Chattanooga at Samford

VMI at Western Carolina

January 29 (Thursday)

VMI at The Citadel

Western Carolina at ETSU

Samford at Furman

UNCG at Mercer

Wofford at Chattanooga

January 31 (Saturday)

UNCG at The Citadel

ETSU at Wofford

Chattanooga at Furman

VMI at Mercer

Samford at Western Carolina

February 4 (Wednesday)

Furman at ETSU

Western Carolina at UNCG

Wofford at VMI

February 5 (Thursday)

The Citadel at Samford

Mercer at Chattanooga

February 7 (Saturday)

The Citadel at Chattanooga

ETSU at VMI

UNCG at Furman

Mercer at Samford

Western Carolina at Wofford

February 11 (Wednesday)

The Citadel at Western Carolina

Chattanooga at ETSU

Furman at Mercer

VMI at UNCG

Wofford at Samford

February 14 (Saturday)

Mercer at The Citadel

Samford at ETSU

Furman at VMI

Wofford at UNCG

Western Carolina at Chattanooga

February 18 (Wednesday)

ETSU at Furman

UNCG at Western Carolina

VMI at Wofford

February 19 (Thursday)

Samford at The Citadel

Chattanooga at Mercer

February 21 (Saturday)

Chattanooga at The Citadel

ETSU at UNCG

Furman at Wofford

Samford at Mercer

Western Carolina at VMI

February 25 (Wednesday)

The Citadel at Furman

Wofford at ETSU

Mercer at Western Carolina

February 26 (Thursday)

VMI at Samford

UNCG at Chattanooga

February 28 (Saturday)

The Citadel at Wofford

ETSU at Mercer

Furman at Western Carolina

UNCG at Samford

VMI at Chattanooga

Western Carolina predicted to win 2025 women’s soccer championship

Southern Conference — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Defending Southern Conference regular-season champion Western Carolina is the preseason favorite to win the 2025 Southern Conference women's soccer title in voting of the league's 10 head coaches.

The coaches also selected an 11-member preseason all-conference team. Western Carolina picked up a league-best six selections. Mercer placed two on the team, while UNCG, Samford, and Chattanooga had one apiece.

Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own teams or players in the balloting.

Western Carolina, which garnered nine first-place votes, finished with 81 points. Samford, the defending SoCon Tournament champion, was second with 72 points and the final first-place vote. Furman was picked third with 58 points, while Mercer was fourth with 51 points. Chattanooga was selected fifth with 48 points, and UNCG was behind them with 45 points. ETSU had 43 points and Wofford finished with 25 points, placing seventh and eighth, respectively. The Citadel had 16 points to finish ninth, and VMI rounded out the poll with 11 points.

Western Carolina was 15-3-3 overall last season and went 8-0-1 in conference play en route to its second straight regular-season crown. Four of the Catamounts' six preseason all-conference selections were first-team All-SoCon performers in 2024. Those players are forwards Isabella DeMarco and Milla Syska, midfielder Ava Robitaille, who was the SoCon Defensive Player of the Year last season, and goalkeeper Leanne Trudel. The other two preseason picks for Western Carolina are defenders Mary Mueth and Abbie Wise, two members of last year's SoCon All-Tournament Team.

Syska (26) and DeMarco (25) were ranked second and third, respectively, in points last season. Both played in all 21 games with 20 starts during 2024. Robitaille, Trudel, Mueth, and Wise all saw action in every contest last season, helping anchor a Catamount defense that surrendered just 10 goals during the entire season.

Samford completed the 2024 season with a 12-7-3 overall record and a 6-1-2 mark in conference games. The Bulldogs fell to Florida State in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament following their conference tournament title. Midfielder Fleming Dean represents the Bulldogs on the preseason all-conference team.

Mercer put forward Jada Moorman and defender Lena Dykes on the preseason all-conference team. UNCG midfielder Rachel Poplin and Chattanooga's Brenna Swiger round out the preseason squad. Moorman, Dykes, Poplin, and Swiger were all second-team all-conference selections a season ago.

All 10 squads open the 2025 regular season on Thursday, Aug. 14.

The SoCon Women's Soccer Championship will feature all 10 schools. The first round will feature two matchups, No. 7 vs. No. 10 and No. 8 vs. No. 9, and will take place at the higher seeds on Oct. 28. The quarterfinals and semifinals, hosted by the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds, will take place on Oct. 31 or Nov. 2, respectively. The highest remaining seed will host The SoCon Championship on Nov. 8 or Nov. 9.

2025 Women’s Soccer Preseason Coaches Poll

1. Western Carolina (9) 81

2. Samford (1) 72

3. Furman 58

4. Mercer 51

5. Chattanooga 48

6. UNCG 45

7. ETSU 43

8. Wofford 25

9. The Citadel 16

10. VMI 11

() denotes first-place votes

2025 Women’s Soccer Preseason All-Conference Team

F Jada Moorman, Mercer

F Isabella DeMarco, Western Carolina

F Milla Syska, Western Carolina

MF Rachel Poplin, UNCG

MF Fleming Dean, Samford

MF Ava Robitaille, Western Carolina

D Lena Dykes, Mercer

D Brenna Swiger, Chattanooga

D Mary Mueth, Western Carolina

D Abbie Wise, Western Carolina

GK Leanne Trudel, Western Carolina

SoCon AD Interview: Jamaal Walton, VMI

The Southern Conference — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

SoCon AD Interview: Jamaal Walton, VMI

The Citadel’s Ruffin and Western Carolina’s Hahn announced as SoCon Nominees for 2025 NCAA Woman of the Year

Southern Conference — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Southern Conference announced Tuesday that The Citadel’s Ali Ruffin, who competed in track & field and volleyball for the Bulldogs, and Western Carolina women’s soccer player Kirsten Hahn will be the conference’s nominees for the NCAA’s 2025 Woman of the Year award.

The NCAA Woman of the Year program was established in 1991 and honors the academic achievements, athletics excellence, community service, and leadership of graduating female college athletes from all three divisions. To be eligible, a nominee must have competed and earned a varsity letter in an NCAA-sponsored sport and must have earned her undergraduate degree by Summer 2025.

Eligible female student-athletes are nominated by their member school. Each conference office then reviews the nominations from its core member schools (and sponsored sports) and submits its conference nominee(s) to the NCAA.

In track & field, Ruffin was the 2024 SoCon Champion in the javelin and was named conference field athlete of the week three times during her career. In 2025, she set the school record in the javelin with a toss of 48.54 meters at the conference championship in May.

On the volleyball court, Ruffin is one of the most decorated players in Bulldogs history. In 2021, she won the Rayna Taylor Freshman of the Year award and was named to the all-tournament team after helping the squad become the first women’s sport to win a title in school history. Ruffin was named first-team all-conference in 2022 and 2023, along with being the SoCon Player of the Year in 2023. The Greenville, North Carolina, native was also an AVCA All-American Honorable Mention selection and AVCA East Coast All-Region Honorable Mention following the 2023 season. Ruffin was a second-team pick and an all-tournament team selection in 2024.

Ruffin was one of the recipients of a 2025 Southern Conference Presidential Scholarship. She was on the dean’s list each year at The Citadel, in addition to being named a Chi Alpha Scholar and NCAA Division I All-Academic Athlete in 2024. Over the last five years, Ruffin has assisted the Ronald McDonald House, volunteered at volleyball clinics, and been a dog walker for Pitt County Animal Service.

Hahn played in 78 games with 18 starts during her Catamount career, where she was a three-year captain on the squad. Hahn achieved the program’s fifth hat trick during the team’s home opener against UNC Asheville on Aug. 18, 2024, which led to her being named SoCon Offensive Player of the Week. In 2023, she helped Western Carolina win its third SoCon tournament title, with the other two coming in 2005 and 2008.

The product of Burlington, Ontario, Canada, was a SAAC representative during her college career, serving as co-president during the 2024-25 school year. Hahn volunteered in a variety of ways as a Western Carolina student, including tutoring in Animal Physiology, reading to school children, and being a volunteer vet assistant. Hahn’s work has been published three times, including a 2021 spot in The Asheville Citizen-Times. In addition to being a member of the Western Carolina Dean’s List for four years, Hahn also received the 2025 Dorothy Hicks Scholarship from the SoCon following this past school year.

In the fall, the NCAA Woman of the Year selection committee will identify the Top 30 nominees, 10 from each division, and from there, select three finalists from each division. From the nine finalists, the NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics then selects the NCAA Woman of the Year, who is named during the NCAA Convention.

Also nominated: Megan Marvin (Furman Cross Country/Track & Field), Gracie Lynn Butler (Samford Volleyball), Marcelle Baez-Carlo (Chattanooga Volleyball), and Olivia Lipari (Chattanooga Softball)

2025 Women's Soccer Championship

Southern Conference — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

2025 Women's Soccer Championship

Oct. 28-Nov. 8/9 • Campus sites

Championship bracket
Championship program
#SoConWSOC
Facebook
Instagram
Record book

Championship information

Tickets
TBD
Review of past championships
Participating institutions

Tournament schedule

First Round	Oct. 28	Time (hosted by higher seeds)	Stats	Video
Match 1	No. 8 seed vs. No. 9 seed	TBA	Live stats/ Box Score	ESPN+
Match 2	No. 7 seed vs. No. 10 seed	TBA	Live stats/ Box Score	ESPN+
Quarterfinals	Oct. 31	Time (hosted by Nos. 1 and 2 seeds)	Stats	Video
Match 3	No. 1 seed vs. Match 1 winner	TBA	Live stats/ Box Score	ESPN+
Match 4	No. 5 seed vs. No. 4 seed	TBA (at No. 1 seed)	Live stats/ Box Score	ESPN+
Match 5	No. 2 seed vs. Match 2 winner	TBA	Live stats/ Box Score	ESPN+
Match 6	No. 3 seed vs. No. 6 seed	TBA (at No. 2 seed)	Live stats/ Box Score	ESPN+
Semifinals	Nov. 2	Time (hosted by Nos. 1 and 2 seeds)	Stats	Video
Match 7	Match 3 winner vs. Match 4 winner	TBA (at No. 1 seed)	Live stats/ Box Score	ESPN+
Match 8	Match 5 winner vs. Match 6 winner	TBA (at No. 2 seed)	Live stats/ Box Score	ESPN+
Championship	Nov. 8/9	Time (hosted by highest remaining seed)	Stats	Video
Match 9	Match 7 winner vs. Match 8 winner	TBA	Live stats/ Box Score	ESPN+

2024 Champion: Samford

Furman's Ryu, Schubert Named 2024-25 SoCon Athletes of the Year

Southern Conference — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Previous SoCon Female Athlete of the Year Winners | Previous SoCon Male Athlete of the Year Winners

SPARTANBURG, S.C. –Furman golfer Audrey Ryu was named 2024-25 Southern Conference Female Athlete of the Year, and Paladin runner Dylan Schubert was named Bob Waters Southern Conference Male Athlete of the Year, the conference announced on Wednesday.

The Athlete of the Year Awards are selected annually by the Southern Conference athletics directors and one media member representing each conference school.

The award recognizes athletic achievement, academic performance, and civic involvement. Before the 1990-91 season, the award was selected exclusively by members of the Southern Conference Sports Media Association. Beginning in 1991-92, the men’s award was named after the late Bob Waters, who served as Western Carolina University’s head football coach from 1969-88 and led the Catamounts to the Division I-AA National Championship Game in 1983.

This year’s Furman sweep is only the fifth in the history of the awards, but is the third sweep for the Paladins since 2021. Paladin golfer Anna Morgan, who won the Female Athlete of the Year three times, was joined by Cameron Ponder in 2021-22 and Jalen Slawson in 2022-23 to complete recent sweeps.

ETSU’s Mister Jennings and Nicole Hopson swept the awards in 1990-91, and Mercer followed in 2017-18 with Will Bagrou and Kahlia Lawrence.

Ryu is Furman’s sixth-straight SoCon Female Athlete of the Year. Her selection marks the 13th overall for the Paladins, and sixth for the Furman women’s golf program. Furman’s Caroline Peek became the first women’s golfer to win the award in 1992-93.

The Dublin, Ohio, sophomore was exceptional in her second season on the collegiate links, winning the 2025 SoCon Championship at Solina Golf Club in West Columbia, S.C. She sizzled in the opening round, firing a tournament and course record score of 66. Ryu continued her strong play in the NCAA Norman Regional, carding rounds of 72, 70, and 71 to finish seventh and punch her ticket to the NCAA National Championship. Ryu made the cut at nationals and finished in a tie for 47th.

Ryu’s efforts also led Furman to the 2025 SoCon Championship as a team. During the regular season, she was named SoCon Golfer of the Week four times and led the conference with a 72.60 stroke average through 35 rounds – earning All-Conference honors in the process. Ryu finished the season with five individual top 10 finishes.

Off the course, Ryu’s talents and results are just as impressive. She is a concert pianist and carries a 4.00 cumulative GPA as a biology major, which helped her earn the 2025 SoCon Pinnacle Award at the women’s golf championship. In addition to WGCA All-America Scholar, SoCon Academic All-Conference, and the Furman Dean’s List, Ryu was honored as the sophomore recipient of the Winston Babb Memorial Award, given annually by Furman’s chapter of Omnicron Delta Kappa to the student in each class who demonstrates the most outstanding qualities of leadership, scholarship, and service to the University through academics and research, communications, or athletics.

Ryu garnered 67 points in this year’s voting for SoCon Female Athlete of the Year, followed by Mercer’s Skye Ekes (volleyball) with 52 points and Western Carolina’s Jade Groen (women’s tennis) with 43 points.

Schubert capped his career with one of the most prolific seasons in the history of Southern Conference Track & Field and Cross Country. The Loveland, Colo., senior earned All-America honors in both cross country and outdoor track this past season, finishing third at the NCAA Division I Cross Country National Championship in Verona, Wisc., and taking seventh in the 10,000m run at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field National Championships at storied Haywood Field in Eugene, Ore.

Schubert also qualified for the NCAA Division I National Championships indoors in the 5,000m run. He was named NCAA Southeast Region Male Cross Country Athlete of the Year after his third-place finish, which was the highest ever for a Paladin competitor. His effort made Schubert the first three-time All-America honoree in Furman cross country history.

In addition to numerous All-SoCon honors on the track, Schubert was named 2024 SoCon Cross Country Runner of the Year after leading the Paladins to their 12th-straight conference title and a top 20 team finish at nationals. Schubert also won the 5,000m title at the 2025 SoCon Outdoor Championships. During the regular season, he set new program records in the 5,000m run (indoor) and 10,000m run (outdoor).

Schubert carried a 3.30 cumulative GPA in his major of health sciences and earned a spot on the USTFCCCA All-Academic Team, SoCon Academic All-Conference Team, and SoCon Honor Roll.

He appeared as either the first or second choice on 16 of the 20 ballots cast in this year’s Male Athlete of the Year voting, picking up a dominant 81 points. UNC Greensboro’s Yoshiya Okawa (men’s soccer) was next with 46 points, and ETSU’s Quimari Peterson (men’s basketball) was third with 41 points.

The voting panel saw 100 percent participation in 2024-25, with all 20 ballots submitted for each award.

Three SoCon Players Named to Buck Buchanan Award Preseason Watch List

Southern Conference — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Mercer's Zock Named To Buck Buchanan Award Watch List

The native of Citra, Fla., Zock was a finalist for the 2024 Jerry Rice Award (top freshman player in FCS) last season after starting all 14 games at defensive end while amassing 38 tackles (21 solo), including 14-1/2 tackles for loss (-77 yards). He also logged seven sacks (-58 yards), two forced fumbles and a pair of pass break-ups, while also registering a school record 15 quarterback hurries as well.

Samford’s Perkins Named To Watch List For Buck Buchanan Award

Earlier this month Perkins was also named preseason All-American by Stats Perform.

Perkins is entering his first season at Samford after transferring from Fordham where he was a three-year starter. Last season, he was named second team All-American by Blue Blood FCS Central. He also earned first team All-ECAC and All-Patriot League honors.

During the 2024 season, Perkins intercepted five passes, including a pair of games with two interceptions each. His five interceptions were tied for the most in the Patriot League. He tallied 56 total tackles, including 5.0 tackles for loss.

C.J. Coombes Placed on Buck Buchanan Award Watch List

Coombes, a sophomore from Bellefonte, Delaware, started all 12 games last season at safety. He finished second on the team in tackles with 88 and added five tackles for loss and an interception to earn SoCon All-Freshman team honors. He was a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award and finished 11th in the voting. He was named to the FCS Freshman All-America teams by Stats Perform, FCS Central and Phil Steele. During the 2025 preseason he has earned second team All-America and first team All-SoCon honors.

Stats Perform 2025 Buck Buchanan Award Preseason Watch List Full Story

SoCon Announces 2024-25 Honor Roll and Spring Academic All-Conference Teams

Southern Conference — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

2024-25 SoCon Honor Roll

2024-25 SoCon 4.0 GPA List

2024-25 SoCon Commissioner's Medal

2024-25 Spring Academic All-Conference Team

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Southern Conference announced its 2024-25 Academic Honor Roll and Spring Academic All-Conference Teams Wednesday, setting a record for honor roll achievement.

The SoCon recognized 2,735 student-athletes on its 2024-25 Academic Honor Roll, the highest total since the Honor Roll originated in 1989.

This year's total topped the previous high of 2,646 set in 2019-20 and includes 288 student-athletes who achieved a perfect 4.0 grade point average. The conference's 10 full members and nine associate members saw 846 student-athletes earn the Commissioner's Medal – awarded annually to those who attain a grade point average of 3.80 or higher throughout the year.

"We are extremely proud to celebrate an epic year for academic achievement across the Southern Conference," SoCon Commissioner Michael Cross said. "With a record 2,735 student-athletes earning recognition on our Honor Roll, our member institutions continue to demonstrate their unwavering commitment to academic excellence. The 288 student-athletes who achieved perfect 4.00 GPAs and the 846 who earned Commissioner's Medals represent the pinnacle of what it means to be a scholar-athlete. These outstanding individuals, along with the dedicated faculty, academic advisors, and support staff who guide them, embody the values that make the SoCon a leader in combining athletic competition with educational achievement."

The Academic Honor Roll was established to recognize the conference's academic success and consists of student-athletes who participated in conference-sponsored varsity sports and posted a 3.0 grade point average or higher for the academic year. The award differs from the Academic All-Conference award, which is determined by cumulative grade point average and involves a participation requirement.

The Commissioner's Medal total is the seventh-best in conference history.

Mercer sat atop the league with 389 members on this year's honor roll, followed by Wofford (314), ETSU (293), Furman (275), and Samford (273). The Bears also paced the SoCon with 61 student-athletes achieving a 4.0 grade point average, and with 125 earning the Commissioner's Medal.

Of its 10 full members, the SoCon had six schools secure at least 250 spots on the honor roll, and eight schools had at least 200 honorees.

The 2024-25 Spring Academic All-Conference Teams featured 507 student-athletes in 14 sports – totaling 602 spots.

To qualify for the Academic All-Conference Team, student-athletes must have a 3.30 or higher cumulative grade point average after the spring semester and participate in at least 50 percent of their team's competitions during the most recent season.

The total marks the fourth time in the past five spring semesters that at least 600 student-athletes have been honored.

Samford led the way this spring with 88 Academic All-SoCon selections. Wofford was a close second with 83 student-athletes on the team, and UNC Greensboro followed in third with 72 honorees. Six of the conference's 10 full members had at least 50 student-athletes earn a spot on the team.

The Spring Academic All-Conference Team had 30 student-athletes with a perfect 4.00 cumulative GPA. Samford led that group with six, followed by Chattanooga (5), Furman (4), and UNC Greensboro (4).

The 602 selections are the fourth-most in the history of the Spring Academic All-Conference Team.

SoCon Honor Roll Archive

SoCon Academic All-Conference Team Archive

Two SoCon Players Named to Walter Payton Award Preseason Watch List

The Southern Conference — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

SoCon Football Media Day: Mercer, Mike Jacobs