General News

SPARTANBURG, S.C. –&nbsp;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&nbsp;Arnaud Tattevin&nbsp;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&nbsp;Enzo Dovlo, midfielders&nbsp;Issah Haruna&nbsp;and&nbsp;Magnus Kjoller, defenders&nbsp;Sami Lachekar&nbsp;and&nbsp;Mohammed Sumaila, and goalkeeper&nbsp;Seth Wilson&nbsp;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 as well 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&nbsp;Lloyd Wamu Snell&nbsp;and&nbsp;Wilfer Bustamante, midfielder&nbsp;Luke Hutzell, defender&nbsp;Ryan Wagner, and 2024 SoCon Goalkeeper of the Year&nbsp;Aaron Salinas&nbsp;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&nbsp;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. <table class="table-plain"><colgroup data-width='638'><col style="width:55.799372999999996%"/><col style="width:24.451411000000004%"/><col style="width:19.749216000000004%"/></colgroup><caption>Season Opening Thursday Schedule (August 21)</caption><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/2439c74f-68e6-40f3-91df-f7a80d80f863" target="_blank" title="ESPN+">VMI vs. Canisius</a> (ESPN+)</td><td>Lexington, Va.</td><td>3:00 pm ET</td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/0154942a-5736-4741-b557-706bc8727fe7" target="_blank" title="ESPN+">No.&nbsp;20 Furman vs. No.&nbsp;8 UC San Diego</a> (ESPN+)</td><td>Durham, N.C.</td><td>3:30 pm ET</td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://www.gowasps.com/links/a6okau" target="_blank" title="FloSports">ETSU vs. Emory &amp; Henry</a> (FloSports)</td><td>Meadowview, Va.</td><td>6:00 pm ET</td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/2de3823d-e658-462c-bc74-8a797939a23d" target="_blank" title="ESPN+">Mercer vs. Oglethorpe</a> (ESPN+)</td><td>Macon, Ga.</td><td>7:00 pm ET</td></tr><tr><td><a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/3daf3573-4cb3-4889-8776-513b96d4ddc2" target="_blank" title="ESPN+">No.&nbsp;23 UNC Greensboro vs. Radford</a> (ESPN+)</td><td>Greensboro, N.C.</td><td>7:00 pm ET</td></tr></tbody></table>&nbsp;<table class="table-plain"><colgroup data-width='294'><col style="width:14.965985999999997%"/><col style="width:60.204082%"/><col style="width:24.829932000000003%"/></colgroup><caption></caption><caption>2025 SoCon Preseason Men’s Soccer Poll</caption><tbody><tr><td>1.</td><td>UNC Greensboro (4)</td><td>24</td></tr><tr><td>2.</td><td>Furman (2)</td><td>22</td></tr><tr><td>3.</td><td>Mercer</td><td>16</td></tr><tr><td>4.</td><td>ETSU</td><td>13</td></tr><tr><td>5.</td><td>Wofford</td><td>10</td></tr><tr><td>6.</td><td>VMI</td><td>5</td></tr></tbody></table>First-place votes in parentheses.&nbsp;<table class="table-plain"><colgroup data-width='434'><col style="width:13.59447%"/><col style="width:48.387097000000004%"/><col style="width:38.018432999999995%"/></colgroup><caption></caption><caption>2025 Preseason All-SoCon Men’s Soccer Team</caption><tbody><tr><td>F</td><td>Arnaud Tattevin</td><td>UNC Greensboro</td></tr><tr><td>F</td><td>Lloyd Wamu Snell</td><td>Furman</td></tr><tr><td>F</td><td>Enzo Dovlo</td><td>UNC Greensboro</td></tr><tr><td>F</td><td>Wilfer Bustamante</td><td>Furman</td></tr><tr><td>MF</td><td>Luke Hutzell</td><td>Furman</td></tr><tr><td>MF</td><td>Issah Haruna</td><td>UNC Greensboro</td></tr><tr><td>MF</td><td>Magnus Kjoller</td><td>UNC Greensboro</td></tr><tr><td>D</td><td>Jakob Andersson</td><td>Wofford</td></tr><tr><td>D</td><td>Ryan Wagner</td><td>Furman</td></tr><tr><td>D</td><td>Sami Lachekar</td><td>UNC Greensboro</td></tr><tr><td>D</td><td>Mohammed Sumaila</td><td>UNC Greensboro</td></tr><tr><td>GK</td><td>Aaron Salinas</td><td>Furman</td></tr><tr><td>GK</td><td>Seth Wilson</td><td>UNC Greensboro</td></tr></tbody></table>

MSOC Preseason Web.jpg

SoCon White:Red Logo.png

The Southern Conference

081825_MSOC_Preseason

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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;Off the court, Cordes is an accounting major who has demonstrated academic excellence, earning Dean’s List honors twice during her time at Samford.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;"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."&nbsp;The Southern Conference congratulates Ally Cordes on this well-earned honor and looks forward to the impact she will make throughout the coming year.&nbsp;

CordesWeb.png

Ally Cordes

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.&nbsp;"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.&nbsp;"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.”&nbsp;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.&nbsp;"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.&nbsp;"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."&nbsp;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.&nbsp;“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."&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;"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 ConferenceThe 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.&nbsp;&nbsp;About Tennessee Tech UniversityWith 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 &amp; World Report and as the number one "Best Value" public university in the state by SmartAsset. Learn more at tntech.edu.

Tennessee Tech joins SoCon.jpg

The Southern Conference Approves Tennessee Tech Membership 8/13/25

SoCon AD Interview: Jamaal Walton, VMI

SPARTANBURG, S.C.&nbsp;– The Southern Conference announced Tuesday that The Citadel’s Ali Ruffin, who competed in track &amp; 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 &amp; 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&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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 &amp; Field), Gracie Lynn Butler (Samford Volleyball), Marcelle Baez-Carlo (Chattanooga Volleyball), and Olivia Lipari (Chattanooga Softball)

WOTY_WEB.jpg

The Citadel’s Ruffin and Western Carolina’s Hahn announced as SoCon Nominees for 2025 NCAA Woman of the Year 8/5/25

<a href="https://soconsports.com/article/blt34a5a570fd55940e/" target="_self">Previous SoCon Female Athlete of the Year Winners</a> | <a href="https://soconsports.com/article/blta96166b755cd4122/" target="_self">Previous SoCon Male Athlete of the Year Winners</a>SPARTANBURG, S.C. –Furman golfer <a href="https://furmanpaladins.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/audrey-ryu/7186" target="_self">Audrey Ryu</a> was named 2024-25 Southern Conference Female Athlete of the Year, and Paladin runner <a href="https://furmanpaladins.com/sports/track-and-field/roster/dylan-schubert/6218" target="_self">Dylan Schubert</a> 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 &amp; 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 &amp; 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.

AOTY_WEB.jpg

Athletes Of The Year

<a href="https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt90a281f2ef4c465c/bltcb427f29f8f4f8f8/688a7e2c7b7ba51c42905ffb/Honor_Roll.SoCon_Final.xlsm" target="_self">2024-25 SoCon Honor Roll</a> <a href="https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt90a281f2ef4c465c/bltb11ad264fb15f86b/688a3435b6881448c3fe1835/SoCon_4.0_GPA.xlsm" target="_self">2024-25 SoCon 4.0 GPA List</a> <a href="https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt90a281f2ef4c465c/blt6899e19fa6166854/688a351cc4e8410f2b5794af/SoCon_Commissioner.Medal.xlsm" target="_self">2024-25 SoCon Commissioner's Medal</a> <a href="https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt90a281f2ef4c465c/blt913de022dbdd2ea6/688a34190260de47dbcbb9a5/Academic_All-SoCon_Final.xlsm" target="_self">2024-25 Spring Academic All-Conference Team</a> 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.<a href="https://nextgen.soconsports.com/about/academics/honor-roll/" target="_self">SoCon Honor Roll Archive</a><a href="https://soconsports.com/about/academics/all-academic-teams/" target="_self">SoCon Academic All-Conference Team Archive</a>

academic all conference.png

SoCon Academic Honors 2024-25

Newton SAM.png

Newton Named Chair Of DI Men’s Basketball Committee For 2026-27 Season 7/11/25

SoCon Moments '24-'25

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Southern Conference announced today the hiring of Molly E. Bachand as Assistant Commissioner for Administration and Finance. Bachand brings more than 15 years of comprehensive experience in collegiate athletics administration, with particular expertise in budget management, operations oversight, and strategic planning.  "We are pleased to welcome Molly to The Southern Conference team," said Southern Conference Commissioner Michael Cross, "Her extensive background in athletic administration, combined with her proven track record of managing complex budgets and operations, makes her an ideal addition to our leadership team. Molly's experience spans multiple levels of Division I athletics, and her collaborative approach will be invaluable as we continue to support our member institutions."  Bachand joins the SoCon after serving as Director of Men's Basketball Administration at Coastal Carolina University since June 2024, where she managed comprehensive administrative responsibilities including budget oversight, travel coordination, and program operations. Prior to her role at Coastal Carolina, she spent three years as Director of Men's Basketball Operations at Western Carolina University, where she successfully managed operating and development budgets while serving as a liaison between multiple departments.  Her career includes significant experience at Wake Forest University, where she served as Director of Equipment Services for Basketball from 2016-2020, and at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she progressed from Assistant Equipment Manager to Director of Equipment Operations, ultimately managing a $300,000 budget across 18 varsity sports.  "I am excited to begin this new chapter at The Southern Conference; I am very thankful to my former colleagues across multiple campuses who have helped guide me to get to this point in my career,” said Bachand, “I look forward to contributing to the continued success of such a prestigious conference and collaborating with the outstanding conference office team. The opportunity to work at the conference level and support our member institutions in achieving their goals and continuing to build our It's All Here mission is something I am very grateful for."    Bachand holds a Bachelor of Science in Education with a concentration in Sports and Fitness Management from the University of Kansas, where she also gained valuable experience as a student manager for the men's basketball program.   Throughout her career, Bachand has demonstrated exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to streamline processes while managing multiple priorities in fast-paced environments. Her experience spans budget management, travel coordination, compliance oversight, vendor relations, and staff supervision.  In her new role, Bachand will be responsible for overseeing administrative and financial operations for the SoCon, working closely with member institutions to ensure efficient and effective conference operations. The Southern Conference, founded in 1921, is among the nation's oldest collegiate athletic conferences. The league sponsors 20 championship sports and consists of 10 member institutions throughout the Southeast.

New Hire_EDIT_BACHAND_.jpg

The Southern Conference Names Molly Bachand Assistant Commissioner for Administration and Finance

The Southern Conference has developed a second assessment of the NCAA's proposed Division I governance restructuring and submitted it to the NCAA working group following their request for feedback. Commissioner Michael Cross is sharing the document publicly to foster dialogue among conference leaders, athletic directors, and university presidents as the reform process moves forward. &nbsp;"Governance reform requires the willingness to decentralize and narrow national authority to truly essential functions, while empowering conferences and institutions to govern themselves within their own philosophies and resources," said Cross. &nbsp;The SoCon's assessment highlights several positive elements in the proposal, including sport-specific oversight committees as favorable progress towards true decentralization. The assessment identifies critical concerns regarding assignment of committee seats based on success metrics and proposes abandoning committees voting to decide who receives a bid to the NCAA championships and instead adopting a selection process using solely results-based data as occurs in Division I hockey. Additional recommendations include the need for business expertise on sport committees and restoring single sport Division I eligibility. &nbsp;&nbsp;"These recommendations suggest a path forward that builds upon the good work of the working group,” said Cross. “By incorporating these recommendations, the working group can develop a governance model that is flexible, adaptable, defensible, accessible, and straightforward and can adapt to a complex legal and competitive landscape."&nbsp;The full assessment is available <a href="https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt90a281f2ef4c465c/blt3c0d3bf5621b11c4/68405be5d2161d3fbcd3a785/Assessment_of_NCAA_Division_I_Sport_Committee_Proposals.pdf" target="_self">here</a> and outlines specific recommendations to meet the stated goals that Division I governance be flexible, adaptable, defensible, accessible, and straightforward.&nbsp; &nbsp;

settlement response 2.png

MC Governance Part 2

HILTON HEAD, S.C. – With the completion of the spring seasons of league competition, ETSU’s men’s and Samford’s women’s programs have won the races for the Southern Conference’s all-sport trophies. The winners were honored at the league’s Honors Reception on Wednesday evening at the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.&nbsp;The Commissioner’s and Germann cups are awarded annually to the Southern Conference schools fielding the league’s best all-around men’s and women’s sports programs, respectively. Scoring is conducted on a percentage basis, with only the top seven sports for each school counting toward its season total. The SoCon sponsors 20 total sports, with the league’s three co-ed rifle teams counting toward the Commissioner’s Cup standings and the two women’s rifle teams counting toward the Germann Cup.&nbsp;Each sport is worth 10 points, with each spot in the standings given equal measure relative to how many schools sponsor that particular sport. For sports that determine a regular-season champion, a two-point bonus is awarded for winning the league tournament. Each school’s total for the year is divided by 70, the maximum number of points possible when counting seven sports, to find its percentage.&nbsp;The Buccaneers men won the Commissioner’s Cup for the seventh time, while Bulldogs women claimed their fifth straight and seventh overall. ETSU claimed four titles in 2024-25, with those coming in the regular season for men’s soccer and baseball along with tournament crowns in men’s golf and baseball. Samford won the women’s indoor and outdoor track &amp; field championships as well as the women’s soccer tournament.ETSU’s men finished with a total of 60.89 points, which is good for an .870 percentage. Samford followed closely behind with 59.56 points and a .851 percentage. The Bulldogs claimed tournament titles in indoor and outdoor track &amp; field and men’s tennis.Western Carolina was third, ending the year with 49.71 points and an .710 percentage. The Catamounts were led by second-place finishes in football and cross country. Furman was fourth with 47.64 points and a .681 percentage. The Paladins took home the cross country title and the men’s soccer tournament crown.Coming in fifth was UNCG with 43.85 points and a .626 percentage. The Spartans were the regular season co-champion with ETSU in men’s soccer. Chattanooga was sixth with 41.83 points and a .598 percentage, fueled by a regular season title in men’s basketball.Mercer was seventh at .546, The Citadel came in eighth (.451), followed by VMI (.412) and Wofford (.399).In the Germann Cup race, Samford’s indoor and outdoor track &amp; field crowns were the 10th and sixth consecutive wins, respectively. The women’s soccer championship was the fourth in six seasons. The Bulldogs finished with 59.17 points and a .845 percentage.Since joining the SoCon in 2008-09, Samford has finished in the top two of the Germann Cup standings 14 of a possible 16 times and in the top four each year in the league.Furman finished second with 57.44 points and an .821 percentage. The Paladins won the cross country and women’s golf championships, along with regular season and tournament crowns in women’s tennis. Furman also had third place finishes in women’s soccer and indoor track &amp; field.Wofford was third with 50.76 points and a .725 percentage. The Terriers won the SoCon Volleyball Championship for the second straight season this year. Chattanooga came in fourth with 50.39 points and a .720 percentage. The Mocs won the regular season title in softball.ETSU completed the year in fifth with a .678 percentage. Mercer (.675), who was the regular season champion in volleyball, was sixth and Western Carolina (.631), the women’s soccer regular season champ, finished seventh.UNCG was eighth with .547, following women’s basketball regular season and tournament championships. VMI (.250) and The Citadel (.238) rounded out the standings.The Commissioner’s Cup was inaugurated in 1970 and the Germann Cup was first awarded in 1987. The latter is named for former SoCon Commissioner Ken Germann, who served as commissioner of the Southern Conference from 1974-86 and spearheaded the effort to introduce women’s athletics to the league.&nbsp;The 2024-25 academic year saw a winner of the Commissioner’s Cup crowned for the 55th time and the Germann Cup awarded for the 38th time. The cups were not awarded in 2019-20 due to the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;Seven schools have won the Commissioner’s Cup in its history, including current members ETSU (2024-25, 2021-22, 2018-19, 2017-18, 2016-17, 2015-16 and 1982-83), Furman (2020-21 and 1990-91), Chattanooga (2014-15 and 2004-05) and Samford (2022-23 and 2023-24).&nbsp;Five schools have won the Germann Cup. Among current schools, Furman owns a league-best 17, including 12 straight from 1992-2004 and five of six from 2013-14 to 2018-19. Samford has won seven (2024-25, 2023-24, 2022-23, 2021-22, 2020-21, 2014-15 and 2009-10) and Chattanooga won in 2007-08.&nbsp;Commissioner's Cup(Men’s athletics – final standings)1. ETSU&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; .8702. Samford&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; .8513. Western Carolina&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; .7104. Furman&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; .6815. UNCG&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; .6266. Chattanooga&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; .5987. Mercer&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; .5468. The Citadel&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; .4519. VMI&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; .41210. Wofford&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; .399Germann Cup(Women’s athletics – final standings)1. Samford&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; .8452. Furman&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; .8213. Wofford&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; .7254. Chattanooga&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; .7205. ETSU&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; .6786. Mercer&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; .6757. Western Carolina&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; .6318. UNCG&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; .5479. VMI&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; .25010. The Citadel&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; .238

New Logo (Formal).png

ETSU men, Samford women claim Southern Conference all-sports races 5/29/25

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Sports Video Group (SVG), in partnership with the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) announced the finalists for the 2025 College Sports Media Awards.&nbsp;&nbsp;“For the second consecutive year, the Southern Conference’s creative team has been acknowledged by SVG for their exceptional work, and our recognition as a finalist in three categories speaks volumes about the consistent quality we strive to deliver,” said SoCon Commissioner Michael Cross.&nbsp;The SoCon submitted a collective of projects to be considered in the collegiate conferences and governing bodies subsection. The following SoCon productions were named 2025 finalists:&nbsp;&nbsp;For Outstanding Special Feature:&nbsp;&nbsp;-<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4rxZkCwt2A">Road to Recovery: A Road Trip to Remember</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;-<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2b7khwvsHA">Road to Recovery: Asheville is Back!</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;For Outstanding Cinematic Recap:&nbsp;&nbsp;-<a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18vPwMdPkm/">SoCon Moments 2023-24</a>&nbsp;For Outstanding Social Media Video:&nbsp; -<a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_IwYeHOvI_/">Countdown to Kickoff: WCU</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;-<a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBjm-F3Rm7J/">SoCon Football Game of the Week Hype Video: Western Carolina vs. Mercer </a>&nbsp;The SoCon’s naming as a finalist in multiple categories displays excellence in creativity, ingenuity, and savvy among college video departments.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Communicating our stories in a meaningful way is vital to the SoCon. Our tradition-rich league has incredible geography, academics, elite athletics, and collegiality - when it comes to the complete collegiate experience, in the Southern Conference, “It's All Here,”&nbsp;Cross said. ‘I’m incredibly proud of our talented staff who showcase the compelling narratives that make our conference special. Their dedication to producing high-quality content has once again placed us among the nation's elite.”&nbsp;The Southern Conference digital team emphasized content&nbsp;highlighting the recovery efforts in Asheville, North Carolina following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. The league is dedicated to the areas in and around the conference’s footprint, producing high-level digital storytelling that centralizes SoCon communities as a part of the&nbsp;#itsallhere messaging. &nbsp;Winners will be announced at the SVG College Sports Media Awards on May 28.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Artboard 1.png

SVG Awards

The Southern Conference has submitted a detailed assessment of the NCAA's proposed Division I governance restructuring to the NCAA working group following their request for member feedback. Commissioner Michael Cross is sharing this document publicly to foster dialogue among conference leaders, athletic directors, and university presidents as the reform process moves forward.&nbsp;"While the NCAA's governance reform proposal represents a meaningful first step, it requires significant modifications to achieve its stated goals of creating a flexible, adaptable, and legally defensible structure," said Commissioner Michael Cross. "This first draft shows appropriate seriousness and thoughtfulness, but we need bolder action that truly decentralizes decision-making. By pushing eligibility, financial aid, and other key regulatory areas to conferences, we can better protect the NCAA from ongoing legal challenges while serving the diverse needs of all Division I institutions."&nbsp;The SoCon's assessment highlights several positive elements in the proposal, including streamlined committee structures and protected championship access. However, it identifies critical concerns including:&nbsp;<ul><li>Concentration of voting power without examining related financial liability&nbsp;</li></ul><ul><li>Continued legal vulnerability through national eligibility and financial aid standards&nbsp;</li></ul><ul><li>Representation imbalances affecting non-Autonomy conferences&nbsp;</li></ul><ul><li>Insufficient decentralization despite stated goals&nbsp;</li></ul>"With limited information available and the process moving rapidly, we felt it crucial to share our analysis publicly," added Commissioner Cross. "All Division I institutions deserve a governance model that provides genuine regulatory freedom while maintaining the core values of college athletics. Time is short for meaningful deliberation, and transparent dialogue is essential."&nbsp;The full assessment is available <a href="https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt90a281f2ef4c465c/blta634c0d53a0f03e4/6825ff6f6d16c70ce2366277/Assessment_of_the_first_draft_of_NCAA_Division_I_Governance_Reform_Final.pdf" target="_self">here</a> and outlines specific recommendations to meet the stated goals that Division I governance be flexible, adaptable, defensible, accessible, and straightforward.&nbsp;&nbsp;

NCAA Reform.jpg

SoCon Commissioner Releases Comprehensive Review of NCAA Division I Governance Proposal

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Southern Conference Commissioner Michael Cross announced today that Anna Brinkman has been promoted to Senior Woman Administrator (SWA), effective immediately, and is the youngest SWA among Division I conferences. Brinkman most recently served as the Assistant Director of Communications for the conference since July 2024. "Anna has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and a deep understanding of collegiate athletics during her time with the Southern Conference," said Cross. "As we considered the rapid evolution of college athletics and the important responsibilities the SWA has in college athletics, her experience both on campus and in the conference office were notable.&nbsp; Anna’s day-to-day responsibilities in communications, sports information, and student-athlete development allowed her to emerge as the ideal person to serve as our Senior Woman Administrator." As SWA, Brinkman will play a critical role in promoting women's athletics programs across the conference and will have day-to-day oversight and championships management for select sports including volleyball, women’s basketball and softball. Brinkman joined the Southern Conference in July 2023 and advanced quickly to Assistant Director of Communications. In this role, she was the primary communications point of contact for half of SoCon’s sports, managed the conference's awards processes for 10 different sports and academic honors, and maintained comprehensive records. Prior to joining the Southern Conference, Brinkman gained valuable experience as an intern and statistician with Furman University's Sports Information Department from 2015 through 2023, where she covered many varied programs and worked three NCAA Basketball Tournaments (2017, 2022, 2023). A 2023 graduate of Furman with a Bachelor of Arts in Health Science, Brinkman received multiple honors during her academic career, including the Harry B. Shucker Integrity Award and recognition for excellence in peer mentorship. The Southern Conference, founded in 1921, is one of the nation's oldest collegiate athletic associations. The conference is comprised of ten member institutions across the southeastern United States, competing in 20 varsity sports.

Brinkman.png

SOUTHERN CONFERENCE NAMES ANNA BRINKMAN AS SENIOR WOMAN ADMINISTRATOR

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Eleven Southern Conference sports met or exceeded the national average, and 40 league teams achieved perfect scores in the most recent Academic Progress Rate data released by the NCAA on Tuesday.The most recent APRs are multiyear rates based on scores from the 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24 academic years.&nbsp;Nine of the 10 SoCon members had at least one sport that posted a perfect score of 1,000, with Wofford leading the way with eight, followed by Furman, who had six.&nbsp;Men’s and women’s tennis, along with women’s cross country each produced five perfect scores, while men’s cross country, volleyball and women’s golf each had four.&nbsp;Among SoCon men’s programs, baseball, football, cross country, soccer, tennis and track &amp; field all met or surpassed the Division I average. On the women’s side, basketball, cross country, soccer, volleyball and rifle equaled or exceeded the average.Tennis was the highest-scoring sport among the men with an average team APR of 995, while soccer topped the league’s women’s programs with an average team score of 995.Nineteen men’s teams and twenty-five women’s teams were recognized for multiyear Academic Progress Rates in the top 10 percent of all squads in their sport. Nine of 10 SoCon members were represented among the forty-four teams, with Wofford and Furman topping the conference with seven teams each.&nbsp;The APR measures eligibility, graduation and retention each semester or academic term and provides a clear picture of the academic performance for each team in every sport. All teams must meet an academic threshold of 930 to qualify for the postseason and can face penalties for continued low academic performance.&nbsp;A portion of NCAA revenue is being distributed this year to members based on the academic achievement of student-athletes, including APR scores.&nbsp;Each school can earn one academic achievement unit per year if its student-athletes meet at least one of the following requirements:&nbsp;- Earn an overall single-year all-sport Academic Progress Rate of 985 or higher.- Earn an overall all-sport Graduation Success Rate of 90 percent or higher.- Earn a federal graduation rate that is at least 13 percentage points higher than the federal graduation rate of the student body at that school.

SoCon (White).jpeg

SoCon excels in NCAA conference APR data 5/6/25

BodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyText BodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyText

TEST.png

#2 Test Video Article. Please, Don't remove it

BodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyTextBodyText

#1 Test Article. Please, Don't remove it

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Southern Conference announced its 10 postgraduate scholarship recipients for the 2024-25 academic year on Thursday. This year’s honorees include: Richard Johnson Scholarship recipient Maggie Jackson (Wofford); Dave Hart Scholarship recipient John Davis (Western Carolina); Bob McCloskey Insurance Scholarship recipients James Boynewicz (VMI) and Gracie Lynn Butler (Samford); Dorothy Hicks Scholarship recipient Kirsten Hahn (Western Carolina); David Knight Scholarship recipient Ali Ruffin (The Citadel); William V. Moore Scholarship presented by McMillan Pazdan Smith recipient Kate Morgan (Samford); and Southern Conference Presidential Scholarship recipients Jenna Forster and Abbey Thomas (ETSU) and Courtney Novotny (VMI) The recipients are nominated by their schools and selected by the Southern Conference Graduate Scholar Committee. The scholarships, worth $2,000 each, are awarded to student-athletes who intend to pursue advanced degrees in graduate or professional school. The student-athletes are evaluated on academics, athletics and community service. Maggie Jackson, Wofford – Richard Johnson ScholarshipWofford’s Maggie Jackson is the recipient of the 2025 Richard Johnson Scholarship. A four-year member of the Terriers’ women’s golf team, Jackson played 113 rounds in her career. The Tallulah Falls, Georgia, native finished in the top 10 in five events, with her best showing coming at the Grandover Fall Classic in September 2022 where she finished tied for third. Jackson was named to the SoCon Academic Honor Roll and Wofford Dean’s List each year she has been on campus. She has been a peer tutor for two hours a week since she stepped on campus in 2021. In the 2022-23 school year, Jackson was a group leader in the Reformed University Fellowship (RUF). Her community work in the FCA and on the orientation staff at Wofford also began in 2022. This summer, Jackson will begin pursuing a master’s degree in architecture.John Davis, Western Carolina – Dave Hart ScholarshipWestern Carolina's John Davis is the 2025 Dave Hart Scholarship winner. The product of Columbia, South Carolina, has competed in cross country and track &amp; field for Western Carolina since 2021. At the 2023 SoCon Outdoor Track &amp; Field Championship, Davis was all-conference in the 800m and the SoCon Champion in the 1500m, becoming the first Catamount to win the event since 2006. Earlier this year, he set a school indoor record in the 1,000m at the Darius Dixon Memorial Invitational on Feb. 15. The electrical engineering major has been on the chancellor’s list and dean’s list each of his years in Cullowhee. Davis received five different academic scholarships during his college career and was named a Chick-Fil-A Remarkable Future Scholar for the 2021-22 school year. During this school year, he received the National Science Foundation Award and the Cass Ballenger Endowment Grant. In the fall, Davis will begin work on a master’s in biomedical engineering.James Boynewicz, VMI – Bob McCloskey Insurance ScholarshipVMI lacrosse player James Boynewicz is one of two recipients of a Bob McCloskey Insurance Scholarship. Boynewicz, a biology major and chemistry minor, was the Keydets’ captain on the men’s lacrosse squad this season. He is currently fourth all-time on the program’s caused turnovers list. His impact on the field began during his freshman season as he was named one of Lacrosse Bucket’s most outstanding freshmen. In 2023, the Virginia Beach, Virginia, native began volunteering at the local hospital, logging over 75 hours of service. Boynewicz has also served as the president of the Tri Beta Biological Honor Society. His recognitions on campus from the biology department include winning the Paul R. Meyer Award in 2022 and the John Randolph Tucker Carmichael Award in 2023. Last year, he won the award as the top cadet in biology. Boynewicz plans to begin PA school in 2026. Gracie Lynn Butler, Samford – Bob McCloskey Insurance ScholarshipSamford volleyball player Gracie Lynn Butler is one of two recipients of a Bob McCloskey Insurance Scholarship in 2025. A three-year starter for the Bulldogs, Butler was a first-team All-SoCon selection the last two seasons and made the all-tournament three times from 2022-24. Along with her teammates, the senior has volunteered with Bundles of Hope helping distribute diapers in the community. Since 2022, the native of Hazel Green, Alabama, has been the volleyball team’s representative in the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), a small group leader for high school girls with Discipline Now Weekends and assisted with Grace Klein Community. Butler, who is enrolled in Samford’s Honors College, has been on the Dean’s List each year on campus. The double major in Management and Entrepreneurship will begin her MBA in August.Kirsten Hahn, Western Carolina – Dorothy Hicks ScholarshipWestern Carolina forward Kirsten Hahn is the 2025 Dorothy Hicks Scholarship recipient. The three-year Catamount captain has been on the women’s soccer team for four seasons. This past season, 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. The product of Burlington, Ontario, Canada, has been a SAAC representative since 2021, serving as co-president during this school year. Hahn’s volunteering has included tutoring in Animal Physiology, reading to school children and being a volunteer vet assistant. A member of the Western Carolina Dean’s List for four years, Hahn has been published three times, including a 2021 spot in The Asheville Citizen-Times. Hahn, a biology major, will begin her journey toward a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at Ontario Veterinary College in the fall.Ali Ruffin, The Citadel – David Knight ScholarshipThe Citadel's Ali Ruffin is a recipient of the 2025 Southern Conference Presidential Scholarship. The Greenville, North Carolina, native competed on the Bulldogs’ track &amp; field and volleyball teams. In track &amp; field, Ruffin was the 2024 SoCon Champion in the javelin and has been named conference field athlete of the week three times during her career. On the volleyball court, Ruffin is one of the most decorated players in program 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 sports 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 senior 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 all-tournament team selection in 2024. Off the field and court, Ruffin has been on the dean’s list each year, 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.Kate Morgan, Samford – William V. Moore Scholarship presented by McMillan Pazdan SmithSamford’s Kate Morgan is a recipient of the 2025 Southern Conference Presidential Scholarship and has been a team captain for the last two seasons on the Samford volleyball team. In 2022, Morgan was the SoCon Libero of the Year and a second-team all-conference pick, helping the squad to a conference tournament title. In 2023, she was selected to the all-tournament team. Since 2021, the native of Waxahachie, Texas, has helped with Bundles of Hope, Waxahachie Care and Spooktacular, which raises money for children with cancer. Morgan has also assisted at the Cahaba Valley Dental Clinic and did volleyball clinics in Brazil in 2024. The Samford dean's list and Academic All-SoCon member each of the last three years plans to begin work at the Texas A&amp;M College of Dentistry in the fall.Jenna Forster, ETSU – Southern Conference Presidential Scholarship&nbsp;ETSU’s Jenna Forster is a recipient of the 2025 Southern Conference Presidential Scholarship. Forster competed for five seasons on the Bucs volleyball team, earning a spot on the SoCon all-freshman team in 2020-21. She helped lead the Buccaneers to a regular season title in 2022 and was a preseason all-conference pick in 2024. During her time in Johnson City, the native of Maryville, Tennessee, has been a volunteer coach, handed out candy during Halloween and a program assistant with Christmas Wishes. Forster has been a member of the dean’s list each of her semesters on campus and was named to the SoCon Academic All-Conference Team on three occasions. Forster, who graduated cum laude in 2024, is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Applied Health at ETSU.Abbey Thomas, ETSU – Southern Conference Presidential ScholarshipETSU middle blocker Abbey Thomas is a recipient of a 2025 Southern Conference Presidential Scholarship. The Goldsboro, North Carolina, native has appeared in over 100 matches for the Bucs. In 2024, Thomas was named SoCon Defensive Player of the Week twice and was a second-team all-conference selection. Off the court, Thomas has volunteered with Bucky’s Boo Bash, the Washington County Johnson City Animal Shelter and University High School. A member of the dean’s list each year on campus, Thomas will return to ETSU to begin the Doctor of Physical Therapy program in January 2026.Courtney Novotny, VMI – Southern Conference Presidential ScholarshipVMI’s Courtney Novotny is a recipient of the 2025 Southern Conference Presidential Scholarship. She is a member of the Keydets’ water polo squad, where she was named team MVP for the 2023-24 season. Novotny was named all-conference for each of the last two seasons and won the Three-Legged Stool Award, a VMI Institute Award, this year. The water polo team captain was a SAAC representative during the 2023-24 school year and has been a cadet worker in the school library since 2023. The product of Reading, Pennsylvania, has been named to the dean’s list seven times and received the Peay Full-Merit Scholarship. In the fall, Novotny will begin the Physician’s Assistant master’s program at Radford.

Southern Conference announces graduate scholars 2025

Since 1987, National Student-Athlete Day has served to recognize and celebrate excellence in academics and athletics.This year, inobservance of National Student-Athlete Day, the SoCon is highlighting the significant contributions to the schools and communities of our Knight Commission Pinnacle Award winners from the 2024-25 Fall and Winter seasons.The honorees were asked: “How do you promote the values of being a student-athlete on a daily basis?"Men's Cross Country - Luke Taylor, Furman“I just try to do my best and work hard in all aspects of my life, from athletics to academics, and show that you don’t have to choose; you can excel at both if you just put in the time and effort.”Women's Cross Country - Jenna Mulhern, Furman"I am so grateful for the opportunities I have had as a student-athlete at Furman. Each day I prioritize my commitments to my sport and school by managing my time in a way that supports my goals. I do my best to show up to practice each day with a positive attitude and be the most supportive teammate I can be. Without the support of my teammates and coaches, I could not reach my highest potential and I strive to do the same for them. I carry the discipline I have in my sport into the classroom. I set goals for myself and stay ahead of work to avoid conflict with traveling/competing. As a student-athlete, you need good time management, self-discipline, and a team-focused mindset, which are values I aim to promote through my daily actions."Women's Soccer - Layton Glisson, Samford“Before I am anything, I am a follower of Jesus Christ. I use my platform as a student-athlete to promote Him first. My values of being a student-athlete are shown by staying committed to both my academics and my sport, through giving my all in everything I do.&nbsp;However, when it’s all said and done, no one remembers your performance. If they remember anything it’s how you made them feel. So, I aim to show the love of Christ in my daily walk, whether that’s through encouraging my teammates, showing respect to my coaches and professors, or carrying myself with integrity on and off the field. For me, it’s about competing, loving people, and leading by example.”Men's Soccer - Jack Travis, Furman"To me, being a student-athlete means holding myself to a high standard of integrity, both on and off the field. I approach the challenges of each day with a Christ-centered mindset and a commitment to constant improvement. This allows me to find enjoyment and grow through all the highs and lows of being a student-athlete."Volleyball - Taylor Pecht, Wofford“Life is all about balance. Being able to balance the rigors of being a successful student and athlete in college will prepare me for the balance necessary to be successful later in life.”Football - Lake Thoman, Mercer"As a student-athlete, consistency and focus are important to me. There needs to be a balance between the student part and the athlete part, meaning dedicating the same effort and focus to each of those things. For me, that means demonstrating the same focus in the classroom and on the field and studying for tests as I would prepare for practice and games."Men's Indoor Track &amp; Field - Arthur Chitty, Samford"I feel that I promote the values of being a student athlete on a daily basis by spending as much time and effort working on the track and in the weight room as I do academically. The Brock School of Business&nbsp;is one of the most challenging schools this University has to offer. The time that I spend with my coaches on a day to day basis is just as important as studying and communicating with my professors in the classroom." Women's Indoor Track &amp; Field - Macie Pfeuffer, Samford "I embody the values of a student-athlete daily by fully committing myself to both academics and running. Through hard work and determination, I have learned that pushing myself to the highest standard is essential to maximizing my potential in both areas. By maintaining a strong focus on these two disciplines, and putting them first in my daily life, I continuously uphold the principles of being a student-athlete, which has further enabled me to put these values into place in other aspects of life. Balancing both roles, I strive to pursue my highest level of excellence in both academics and athletics."Wrestling - Chad Bellis, Appalachian State"Being a student-athlete means the world to me. Growing up, I was blessed to be surrounded by outstanding coaches, teammates and family who supported me every step of the way.&nbsp;I’m grateful because I’ve always been encouraged to push myself beyond my limits. Competing at the highest level is a privilege that not everyone gets to experience, and I recognize how special that opportunity is. For me, being a student-athlete isn’t just about excelling in sports. It’s about challenging myself to grow every day. I focus on continuous growth in all areas of life: mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually, etc. This commitment to improvement has shaped me into a well-rounded individual.The impact of being a student-athlete extends far beyond my achievements in wrestling. It’s heartwarming to know that I’ve been able to positively influence the lives of those around me, whether that’s through my friendships with teammates or inspiring younger athletes who looked up to me. In many ways, the responsibility of being a role model made me a better person.&nbsp;Additionally, the personal growth I’ve gone through during my time as a student-athlete is something I don't think I could have achieved in a non-athletic life. The discipline, resilience and time-management skills I've developed are invaluable. Being a student-athlete has truly shaped who I am today, and for that, I will always be grateful."Rifle - Ella Goldfaden, Georgia Southern"I promote the value of being a student-athlete in the choices I make every day. I choose to wake up early and be intentional in practice. I choose to put effort into my studies to achieve the best possible outcome. And I choose to be a professional and reliable athlete, someone my teammates can count on both on and off the range."

NSADCOVER.png

SoCon celebrates National Student-Athlete Day

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Following a formal vote by The Southern Conference’s Council of Presidents, its regulatory approach to the NCAA settlement was announced today.&nbsp; These actions position the SoCon to thrive competitively while maintaining an education-centric college athletics model.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "In this evolving landscape of collegiate athletics, the Southern Conference remains committed to our founding principles that focus on educationally-based competitive excellence, while adapting to new NCAA realities," said Michael Cross, Commissioner of the Southern Conference. "The Council of Presidents action provides macro-level institutional freedom regarding the decision to offer newly permissible benefits as part of the anticipated NCAA settlement, while also establishing boundaries that preserve the SoCon’s commitment to student-athlete development within a community of institutions that share common values and want to maintain fiscal and budgetary sanity."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The conference's approach includes the following key components:&nbsp;<ul><li>Institutional Autonomy: The determination to opt in or out of the opportunity to offer new benefits under the terms of the anticipated NCAA settlement shall be left to the discretion of each member institution.&nbsp; Each institution will have the freedom to make this decision based on their individual circumstances and priorities.&nbsp;</li></ul><ul><li>Ability to Offer Extra Benefits: Institutions that choose to offer additional financial benefits to student-athletes through revenue sharing, licensing payments for name image and likeness, and enhanced academic benefits (Alston payments) may do so consistent with the terms of the NCAA settlement.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul><ul><li>Reinforce Existing and Distinctive Policies: The SoCon will maintain policies to distinguish its place in the collegiate landscape:&nbsp;	<ul><li>Member institutions shall continue to adhere to the current NCAA Division I grant-in-aid maximums for all conference sports.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>A student-athlete transferring between conference members is required to serve an academic year in residence prior to competing for their new institution. Immediate competitive eligibility is provided for graduate transfers and student athletes who did not receive athletics aid at their previous institution.&nbsp;</li><li>Universal postseason eligibility, ensuring every SoCon team will participate in conference championships.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul></li></ul> Participation in conference championships is the competitive highlight for most Division I student-athletes. As access to NCAA Championships narrows, the importance and primacy of conference championships will grow. The opportunity for all Southern Conference teams to participate in post-season conference play provides a pathway for all SoCon student-athletes to an NCAA championship, regardless of an institution’s investment in a sport.&nbsp; "In the changing NCAA environment, conference championships will likely be the defining competitive experience for the vast majority of student-athletes in their collegiate careers," said Cross. "We're committed to investing in these opportunities for all student-athletes, and to do so at neutral sites where possible, regardless of the changing national landscape."&nbsp; The Southern Conference's "It's All Here" brand builds on numerous strengths.&nbsp; The SoCon’s cohesive geographic footprint concentrated in six Southeastern states, consistent national competitiveness, academic and educational excellence, strong principled leadership, and collegial relationships create a student-athlete experience that honors collegiate traditions and historic practices while adapting to a changing competitive landscape.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "For over a century, the Southern Conference has been a leader in collegiate athletics," said Cross. "As we have throughout our history, we're establishing a forward-thinking and creative approach to maintaining a coherent environment for our member institutions.&nbsp; These actions reinforce that our athletics programs are part of, not separate from, their sponsoring institutions, and do so with legally defensible boundaries that address relentless competitive and financial pressures occurring not only in athletics, but across higher education."&nbsp; The conference’s membership is unchanged over the past eleven years with competitive balance on full display throughout that period.&nbsp; Over the past ten years, the SoCon has seen eight different football champions, six different men’s basketball tournament champions, and five different women’s basketball regular season champions. In the last four years alone, every SoCon member institution has won at least one team championship.&nbsp; “The SoCon’s leadership identified meaningful ways to build on our strong sense of conference community through very productive, candid, and collegial discussions.&nbsp; I anticipate these thoughtful debates will continue as institutional approaches to the settlement evolve.&nbsp; Examination of our policies to support the student-athlete experience and competitive equity will be on-going.”&nbsp; Established in 1921, the Southern Conference is headquartered in Spartanburg, S.C. and 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.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

settlement release 2.jpg

SoCon NCAA Settlement Response

The Southern Conference announced Thursday that it has entered a landmark partnership with Collegiate Sports Connect, becoming the first Division I conference to offer its member institutions access to Connect’s powerful suite of solutions, including the groundbreaking Talent Finder recruitment tool and an unlimited bundle of job postings. "Our partnership with Collegiate Sports Connect represents a significant step forward in how our member institutions can approach talent acquisition and recruitment," said Southern Conference Commissioner Michael Cross. "By becoming the first Division I conference to offer this comprehensive suite of services, our athletics departments will enhance their ability to identify and attract top talent. We look forward to seeing the positive impact from CS Connect for our member institutions." Connect will provide SoCon institutions with unlimited search licenses to utilize Talent Finder, providing every hiring manager across all schools with a comprehensive view of the collegiate athletics administrative workforce boasting over 22,000 individual profiles and growing daily. This tool empowers Southern Conference athletics departments to expand their candidate pools for every administrative job search by identifying passive job seekers – a population that comprises more than 70% of the overall talent market. The partnership also allows each SoCon school to post unlimited coaching and administrative jobs, not only to the Connect job board but also promoted in D1.ticker and D1.jobs emails as well as the CollegeSports.jobs site. "We are thrilled to welcome the Southern Conference to our growing network of partners and to offer them a significant cost savings," said Drew Turner, president of Collegiate Sports Connect. "This partnership underscores our commitment to providing comprehensive solutions that empower athletic departments to succeed in today's competitive hiring landscape." The SoCon will also receive a dedicated customer success manager and comprehensive onboarding, including an initial partnership call and personalized sessions for each school.

collegiate sports connect x socon (1).jpg

SOCON X SPORTS CONNECT

Spartanburg, S.C. - The Southern Conference and Explore Asheville, the official tourism development authority for Buncombe County, have entered into a two-year sponsorship agreement designed to bring additional premier collegiate events to Buncombe County throughout 2025 and 2026. This partnership represents a deepened commitment from both organizations not only to enhance the student-athlete and fan experience, but also to support the community’s comeback and growth following the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene.The agreement includes sponsorship investments from Explore Asheville with the goal of bolstering the area’s tourism and local economy through high-profile events. The partnership will prominently feature Explore Asheville as the exclusive tourism partner for several key SoCon championships, including the Basketball Tournament and Wrestling Championships during SoCon Week in Asheville, and underscores the shared dedication to strengthening the local community with more events on the calendar throughout the next two years.“The Southern Conference is proud to announce our expanded partnership with Explore Asheville for 2025 and 2026. This agreement underscores Explore Asheville's commitment to collegiate athletics and sports tourism in Buncombe County,” Southern Conference Commissioner Michael Cross said. “As the Exclusive Tourism Partner for our basketball and wrestling championships, Explore Asheville is instrumental in creating exceptional championship experiences. &nbsp;Asheville's vibrant atmosphere, community engagement, and Explore Asheville's dedicated support have made it an ideal home for numerous SoCon championships, and we look forward to building on our successful relationship to showcase the best of collegiate athletics in one of the Southeast's most welcoming destinations.”Beyond basketball and wrestling, the agreement includes Explore Asheville’s sponsorship of several additional events, such as the SoCon Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony (2026), the yearly Business Leadership Forum and the SoCon Symposium, which will happen during SoCon Week in Asheville, in conjunction with the Basketball and Wrestling Championships.“On behalf of Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, we are once again energized and filled with heart to build upon the long-standing relationship between the Southern Conference and our community,” said President and CEO of Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority&nbsp;Vic Isley. “Attracting more events to our destination for economic vitality and community engagement is at the heart of our efforts every day. We thank SoCon’s leadership for their belief in Explore Asheville and their continued commitment to the Asheville area.” The SoCon is committed to assisting the Always Asheville Fund, which supports local businesses and the ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene, helping ensure the community continues to thrive while showcasing the region’s resilience. The partnership will further strengthen Asheville’s position as a premier sports destination in the Southeast and show everyone that Asheville is back and ready to welcome visitors. A portion of premium ticket sales from the championships during SoCon Week will go to the Always Asheville Fund and there will be onsite donation opportunities. ###About the Southern Conference &nbsp;Founded in 1921 and the fifth-oldest league, the Southern Conference (SoCon) is a NCAA Division I collegiate athletic conference that includes 10 institutions competing in a wide range of sports. The SoCon is committed to enhancing the student-athlete experience and expanding its reach through championship events and partnerships across the region. It’s All Here.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 deeply-rooted, creative communities 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 sports venues.&nbsp;

explore asheville x socon (1).jpg

SOCON x Explore Asheville

resize - 2025-03-08T194406.610.webp

WTEN Roundup - 3/8/25

CIT_Chase_AD.png

The Citadel Names Art Chase as Athletic Director 2025

<a href="https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt90a281f2ef4c465c/bltd01b8acd1ca7e261/6792901cee8f38b66aaa589e/Combined_2024_Fall_Academic_All-Conference.pdf" target="_self">2024 Fall Academic All-Conference List</a>SPARTANBURG, S.C.&nbsp;– Four hundred and twenty-seven student-athletes earned spots on the Fall 2024 Academic All-Southern Conference Team, the league office announced Thursday. Each of the SoCon's 10 full member institutions had at least 35 honorees, representing the sports of men's and women's cross country, football, men's and women's soccer and volleyball. To be eligible for the academic all-conference team, student-athletes must carry at least a 3.3 cumulative grade-point average at the conclusion of the fall semester and were required to compete in at least one-half of their teams' competitions during the recently concluded campaign. In addition, the student-athletes must have successfully completed at least three semesters at their institutions, making true freshmen and first-year transfers ineligible for inclusion. Fifty student-athletes have maintained perfect 4.0 cumulative GPAs, with Samford leading the way with 14. The league's 10 women’s soccer teams led the way with 115 academic all-conference selections, while the nine football teams were second with 110 and the 10 women's cross-country programs were third with 62. The nine volleyball teams had 49 selections and ten men’s cross-country teams had 47 selections, while the six men's soccer teams followed with 44. Samford led all schools with 50 members on the academic all-conference team, followed by Furman with 49. Wofford finished with 48, while Mercer and Western Carolina each had 46 members. The 427 total selections are the second highest and the 50 perfect GPAs are the most selections in SoCon history for the fall.

academic all conference.jpg

2024 Fall Academic All-Conference Team

<a href="https://woffordterriers.com/news/2025/1/16/womens-basketball-womens-basketball-stifles-uncg-in-62-39-victory.aspx" target="_self">Wofford 62</a>, <a href="https://uncgspartans.com/news/2025/1/16/womens-basketball-womens-basketball-drops-contest-at-wofford-62-39.aspx" target="_self">UNCG 39</a>Tied at 12 after a quarter of play, the Wofford women's basketball team ramped the intensity up a notch to outscore UNCG 20-8 in the second quarter en route to a 62-39 triumph in the Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium Thursday night. Wofford opens SoCon play at 2-0 and improves to 11-6 on the season. The Spartans fall to 10-5 overall and suffer their first league loss for a 2-1 record.The UNC Greensboro (UNCG) women's basketball team dropped a 62-39 contest with Wofford in The Southern Conference (SoCon) action on Thursday night at Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Freshman guard&nbsp;<a href="https://uncgspartans.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/nya-smith/5711">Nya Smith</a>&nbsp;led the Spartans with 16 points in the game, securing two three-pointers and six field goals.<a href="https://gomocs.com/news/2025/1/16/womens-basketball-womens-basketball-wills-its-way-to-a-69-63-victory-over-samford.aspx" target="_self">Chattanooga 69</a>, <a href="https://samfordsports.com/news/2025/1/16/womens-basketball-samford-womens-basketball-drops-hard-fought-contest-at-chattanooga-69-63.aspx" target="_self">Samford 63</a>The script was flipped and winning ways made their way back to the Roundhouse as the Chattanooga women's basketball team captured a gritty 69-63 win over the Samford Bulldogs on Thursday night. After going up by six points in the first quarter, then falling behind by as much as eight points in the second quarter, the Mocs pulled up their sleeves and went to work as they battled through a tough tilt with the Bulldogs. The back-and-forth affair featured 14 lead changes between the two sides, with Chattanooga ultimately able to pull away late in the fourth quarter to secure the six-point victory.The Samford women's basketball team dropped a hard-fought contest, 69-63, at Chattanooga Thursday night at McKenzie Arena. With the loss, Samford fell to 5-13 overall and 0-2 in Southern Conference play. Chattanooga improved its record to 7-9 overall and 2-1 in league play. Samford was led in the loss by&nbsp;<a href="https://samfordsports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/kennedy-langham/9255">Kennedy Langham</a>&nbsp;with 22 points and nine rebounds.&nbsp;<a href="https://samfordsports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/alonya-waldon/9258">Alonya Waldon</a>&nbsp;scored 13 points, while&nbsp;<a href="https://samfordsports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/claire-johnson/9260">Claire Johnson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://samfordsports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/aubrey-blankenship/9252">Aubrey Blankenship</a>&nbsp;added 10 points each.<a href="https://furmanpaladins.com/news/2025/1/16/womens-basketball-walters-career-high-30-points-powers-furman-past-western-carolina-82-73.aspx" target="_self">Furman 82</a>, <a href="https://catamountsports.com/news/2025/1/16/womens-basketball-second-half-rally-falls-just-short-wednesday-at-furman.aspx" target="_self">Western Carolina 73</a><a href="https://furmanpaladins.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/tate-walters/5985">Tate Walters</a>&nbsp;poured in a career high 30 points and keyed a quick start that Furman used to gain control en route to an 82-73 victory over Western Carolina in Southern Conference women's basketball action on Thursday evening at Hayes Gymnasium on the campus of North Greenville University. Walters, a graduate guard, connected on 10-of-17 shots, including 4-of-8 3-pointers, and six free throws over 35 minutes of court time to lead the Paladins (11-7, 1-1 SoCon) to their&nbsp;15th consecutive victory over the Catamounts&nbsp;(11-7, 1-2 SoCon).<a href="https://catamountsports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/chelsea-wooten/13425">Chelsea Wooten</a>&nbsp;nailed five 3-pointers in leading four Catamounts in double figures on Wednesday night as Western Carolina mounted a furious second half rally, erasing all but seven points of a game-high 23-point third quarter deficit. However, WCU was unable to complete the comeback as the Furman Paladins rode a hot start to the 82-73 victory in Southern Conference women's basketball action Thursday night at Hayes Gym on the campus of North Greenville University.<a href="https://etsubucs.com/news/2025/1/16/womens-basketball-etsu-throttles-mercer-for-first-socon-win.aspx" target="_self">ETSU 70</a>, <a href="https://mercerbears.com/news/2025/1/16/womens-basketball-east-tennessee-state-turns-back-visiting-mercer.aspx" target="_self">Mercer 46</a>ETSU (10-8, 1-2 SoCon) scored 22 points off of 17 forced turnovers, while committing a season-low seven fouls. The Bucs also got a deep showing from the bench, outsourcing the Bears 26-4 in bench points. The Blue &amp; Gold also held Mercer (6-11, 1-1 SoCon) to a season-low four attempts from the free throw line, the only time the Bears have shot single-digit free throws this season. Senior guard&nbsp;<a href="https://etsubucs.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/braylyn-milton/6384">Braylyn Milton</a>&nbsp;led the Buccaneers with 14 points on 4-for-5 shooting from 3-point range, six rebounds and four assists. 5th year guard&nbsp;<a href="https://etsubucs.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/courtney-moore/6379">Courtney Moore</a>&nbsp;scored 13 and redshirt junior guard&nbsp;<a href="https://etsubucs.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/paige-lyons/6381">Paige Lyons</a>&nbsp;added ten.Home-standing East Tennessee State scored 22 points off of 17 Mercer turnovers and pulled away for good with a dominant third-quarter effort on the way to a 70-46 win over the Bears on Thursday evening in Brooks Gymnasium. The setback stopped a two-game win skein for Mercer (6-11, 1-1 SoCon) who shot 43 percent from the field for the third time in five games despite the final score. The triumph snapped a two-game skid for the Bucs (10-8, 1-2) who picked up their first Southern Conference win in the process as well.

WBB Roundup - 1/16/25

WBB POTW_WEB_12.24.jpg

Dev Test

Washington, D.C.  – Today, ALL IN shared that four SoCon Institutions earned the Highly Established Action Plan Seal For developing a strong action plan.&nbsp;East Tennessee State University, Mercer University, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and Western Carolina University received recognition for higher education institutions with strong action plans. &nbsp;The Buccaneers, Bears, Spartans, and Catamounts efforts included: &nbsp;<ul><li>Promoting civic learning, political engagement, and college student voter participation &nbsp;</li></ul><ul><li>Having action plan reviewed using the Strengthening American Democracy Action Planning Rubric&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>The full list of winners can be found <a href="https://allinchallenge.org/highly-established-action-plans/">here</a>.&nbsp;Additionally, ALL IN announced that preliminary analysis shows that campuses that are highly engaged in the ALL IN programming had 2022 campus voter turnout rates that were five percentage points high than campus not engaged in ALL IN.&nbsp;More than 1,060 institutions enrolling more than 10 million students participate in the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, which supports colleges and universities in achieving excellence in nonpartisan student voter engagement. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;###&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ABOUT SoCon Votes: SoCon Votes is the first Division 1 Athletic Conference Championship for democratic engagement. This program supports the 80,000 students in the Southern Conference to become active and engaged citizens. Each of the 10 schools in the Southern Conference is vying for the conference championship for Highest Voter Turnout or Most Improved Voter Turnout.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ABOUT ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge:The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge (ALL IN) is a national nonpartisan initiative of Civic Nation, a 501(c)(3) organization. The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge strives to change civic culture and institutionalize democratic engagement activities and programs on college campuses, making voter participation a defining feature of campus life.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ALL IN, in collaboration with over 1,050 higher education institutions, seeks to make participation in local, state, and federal elections a social norm; substantially increase the number of college students who are democratically engaged on an ongoing basis, during and between elections, and not just at the polls, and; make educating for democratic engagement on college campuses an accepted and expected part of the culture and curriculum so that students graduate with the knowledge, skills, behaviors, and values needed to be an informed and active citizen.&nbsp;

Untitled-2.png

Highly Established Action Plans 2024

SPARTANBURG, S.C.&nbsp;– The Southern Conference has named Marc Rabb its Associate Commissioner for Championships, effective today. &nbsp; Rabb comes to the SoCon after serving as the Creative Services Manager at OTO Development. He also served as the PR/Corporate Communications Coordinator during his tenure at OTO."I am thrilled to join the Southern Conference family and look forward to building strong relationships throughout the league," Rabb said. "The opportunity to return to college athletics is exciting, and I value the rich tradition and the innovative future of the SoCon. Learning and growing for the past 18 months in a successful corporate setting was a terrific experience, but I am ready to dive into this new role."Prior to OTO, Rabb spent 23 years at Gardner-Webb as the Assistant Athletic Director for Strategic Communications. He served as the official spokesperson of the Bulldogs’ athletic department along with heading the sports information staff, social media strategies and branding. Rabb was inducted into the Gardner-Webb University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2023 as a Chuck Burch Meritorious Service Award Recipient.Rabb received his bachelor’s from Pfeiffer in 1995 as a double major in Communications and English/Writing Studies. He was a member of the men’s lacrosse team during his time as an undergraduate, being named the squad’s most improved player in 1994. Rabb earned his master’s degree in physical education at Gardner-Webb in 1997."Marc Rabb's passion and deep understanding of college athletics makes him an outstanding fit as our Associate Commissioner for Championships,” SoCon Commissioner Michael Cross said.&nbsp;“His demonstrated creativity, problem solving skills, work ethic, and ability&nbsp;to build strong relationships with coaches across twenty championship sports is truly notable.&nbsp;We welcome him to the SoCon and look forward to seeing our championships grow and flourish under his&nbsp;leadership."

RABB_Hire.jpg

Marc Rabb named Associate Commissioner for Championships 2024

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Southern Conference exceled in the NCAA Graduation Success Rate (GSR) scores released Tuesday, exceeding the FCS average in five men’s sports including basketball and football, and four women’s sports."The Southern Conference celebrates our student-athletes' remarkable academic achievements, with graduation success rates that reflect our deep institutional commitment to educational excellence," SoCon Commissioner Michael Cross declared. "These impressive metrics demonstrate prioritization of intellectual growth by creating an environment where academic success is championed by student-athletes, faculty, coaches, and athletic leadership." &nbsp;&nbsp; Thirty-six SoCon women’s programs and 25 men’s programs achieved perfect scores of 100 for the 2014-17 cohorts. Nine of the 10 league schools had at least one men’s program earn a perfect score, while the same number of SoCon schools had at least two women’s programs earn a 100. &nbsp; Samford had five men’s teams post 100 scores, and seven women’s programs achieve the benchmark. Samford led all SoCon schools with a total of 12 perfect scores, while Furman came in second with nine. &nbsp; Samford had a league-best overall GSR of 98 as 12 of the Bulldogs’ 13 programs achieved a perfect score of 100. Overall, five league schools posted overall scores of 90 or better. &nbsp; For the sixth year in a row, Samford was the lone SoCon school to exceed the FCS average in every sport it sponsors. &nbsp; Women’s tennis and women’s golf top the women’s sports with seven programs achieving a perfect score in each sport. The SoCon’s mixed rifle squads led the conference with an average score of 100, followed closely women’s tennis, which posted a 98 and softball with a 98.&nbsp; Eight SoCon men’s basketball teams exceeded the FCS average of 85, with Furman, UNCG, Samford and VMI posting perfect scores. Seven league football programs topped the FCS average of 79, with Samford and Wofford leading the way with scores of 92. The conference average was 84, five points higher than the FCS average. &nbsp; On the women’s side, tennis turned in average GSRs of 99. Furman, Mercer, UNCG, Samford, Chattanooga, Western Carolina and Wofford turned in perfect women’s tennis scores, as did Furman, Mercer, UNCG, Samford, and Western Carolina for softball. &nbsp; Four league women’s basketball programs exceeded the FCS average of 92, with Furman, Mercer, Samford, and Western Carolina all turning in 100s. &nbsp; Each SoCon women’s sport had three or more institutions post perfect scores. &nbsp; Developed by the NCAA as part of its academic reform initiative, the GSR is used to assess the academic success of student-athletes. The GSR measures graduation rates at Division I institutions and includes students transferring into the institutions. The GSR also allows schools to subtract student-athletes who leave their institutions prior to graduation as long as they would have been academically eligible to compete had they remained. &nbsp; ABOUT THE GSR The Graduation Success Rate was developed by the NCAA as part of its academic reform initiative to more accurately measure the success of Division I student-athletes. • The GSR takes into account the many different academic paths followed by today’s college students. • Unlike the federal graduation rate, the GSR holds institutions accountable for transfer students. The GSR also accounts for midyear enrollees and is calculated for every sport. • By counting incoming transfer students and midyear enrollees, the GSR increases the total number of student-athletes tracked for graduation by approximately 37 percent. • Under the GSR calculation, institutions are not penalized for outgoing transfer students who leave in good academic standing. These outgoing transfers are essentially passed to the receiving institution’s GSR cohort. • The NCAA also calculates the federal graduation rate for student-athletes, because it is the only rate to compare student-athletes to the general student body. • This year marks the 23rd year of GSR data that have been collected. The NCAA began collecting GSR data with the entering freshman class of 1995. The latest entering class for which data are available is 2017.

GSR.jpg

GSR 2013-2017

Washington, DC-- Today, the&nbsp;<a href="https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fallinchallenge.org%2F&data=05%7C02%7CLReed%40socon.org%7Cf7a9b884e51d417650ca08dd08b352b4%7C2787eec415e5439ea10f0dc9f4616ae4%7C0%7C0%7C638676288503256816%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=lJmrCmQq72bguQWFRVpSsCGHQ6jeLf9vIn7L8HGMUmM%3D&reserved=0">ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge</a>&nbsp;(ALL IN) recognized five SoCon institutions for their nonpartisan democratic efforts that fostered high levels of student voter engagement in the 2024 general elections.&nbsp; East Tennessee State University, Furman University, Mercer University, Western Carolina University, and Wofford College were among 471 institutions across 41 states to receive this recognition.&nbsp; The Most Engaged Campus recognition applauds colleges and universities making intentional efforts to increase nonpartisan democratic engagement and college student voting.&nbsp; The Buccaneers, Paladins, Bears, Catamounts, and Terriers all made efforts to:&nbsp;<ul><li>Participate in the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge.</li><li>Share 2022 National Study of Learning, Voting and Engagement (NSLVE) Reports with campus voting data with ALL IN.*</li><li>Develop and submit a 2024 nonpartisan democratic engagement action plan with ALL IN by October 1, 2024.*Note extensions given to campuses effected by Hurricane Helene.</li><li>Have a current signatory to ALL IN’s Higher Education Presidents’ Commitment to Full Student Voter Participation.&nbsp;</li></ul>The full list of campus award winners can be viewed<a href="https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fallinchallenge.org%2Fchallenge%2Fmost-engaged-campuses%2F&data=05%7C02%7CLReed%40socon.org%7Cf7a9b884e51d417650ca08dd08b352b4%7C2787eec415e5439ea10f0dc9f4616ae4%7C0%7C0%7C638676288503281466%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=rXRy5MlH6ZA0Aiq%2F7hoNbXDoGI8Hwrr0SO%2Ffuqqcamc%3D&reserved=0">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fallinchallenge.org%2Fchallenge%2Fmost-engaged-campuses%2F&data=05%7C02%7CLReed%40socon.org%7Cf7a9b884e51d417650ca08dd08b352b4%7C2787eec415e5439ea10f0dc9f4616ae4%7C0%7C0%7C638676288503303464%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=wjMp7C8RI7voI6SwvULeA1RWKxyUlvCFyjRC6E0WNvE%3D&reserved=0">here</a>.&nbsp; More than 1,060 institutions enrolling more than 10 million students participate in the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, which supports colleges and universities in achieving excellence in nonpartisan student voter engagement.&nbsp; ### ABOUT SoCon Votes:&nbsp;SoCon Votes is the first Division 1 Athletic Conference Championship for democratic engagement. This program supports the 80,000 students in the Southern Conference to become active and engaged citizens. Each of the 10 schools in the Southern Conference is vying for the conference championship for Highest Voter Turnout or Most Improved Voter Turnout. ABOUT ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge:The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge (ALL IN) is a national nonpartisan initiative of Civic Nation, a 501(c)(3) organization. The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge strives to change civic culture and institutionalize democratic engagement activities and programs on college campuses, making voter participation a defining feature of campus life. ALL IN, in collaboration with over 1,050 higher education institutions, seeks to make participation in local, state, and federal elections a social norm; substantially increase the number of college students who are democratically engaged on an ongoing basis, during and between elections, and not just at the polls, and; make educating for democratic engagement on college campuses an accepted and expected part of the culture and curriculum so that students graduate with the knowledge, skills, behaviors, and values needed to be an informed and active citizen.

engagedweb.png

Five SoCon Institutions Recognized For Campus Engagement in College Student Voting During the 2024 General Elections

2024 faculty and staff.jpg

All-Southern Conference Faculty and Staff Team announced 11/14/24

<a href="https://woffordterriers.com/news/2024/11/8/mens-soccer-wofford-mens-soccer-wins-quarterfinal-match-over-vmi.aspx" target="_self">Wofford 3</a>, <a href="https://vmikeydets.com/news/2024/11/8/vmi-mens-soccer-falters-in-socon-quarterfinal.aspx" target="_self">VMI 0</a>The No.3 Wofford Men's soccer team won its Southern Conference Tournament quarterfinal match Friday&nbsp;afternoon against&nbsp;No.6 VMI in Johnson City, Tennessee.&nbsp; The 3-0 victory was fueled by goals from&nbsp;<a href="https://woffordterriers.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/stewart-patnaud/8668">Stewart Patnaud</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://woffordterriers.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/nathan-simes/8670">Nathan Simes</a>&nbsp;in the second half. Wofford advances&nbsp;to the semifinals of the Southern Conference Tournament to face ETSU.&nbsp;VMI Men's Soccer bowed out of the Southern Conference Championship in the quarterfinal round to Wofford at Summers-Taylor Stadium Friday afternoon. The Keydets ended the 2024 campaign with a tough 3-0 defeat to the Terriers in the opening game of the postseason tournament. VMI played well in the opening half, allowing just five shots and no goals to Wofford, but a second-half surge by the Terriers haunted the Keydets.<a href="https://furmanpaladins.com/news/2024/11/8/mens-soccer-furman-blanks-mercer-in-socon-first-round-2-0.aspx" target="_self">Furman 2</a>, <a href="https://mercerbears.com/news/2024/11/9/mens-soccer-bears-fall-to-furman-in-socon-tournament.aspx" target="_self">Mercer 0</a>Freshman&nbsp;<a href="https://furmanpaladins.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/wilfer-bustamante/6291">Wilfer Bustamante</a>&nbsp;and junior&nbsp;<a href="https://furmanpaladins.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/lloyd-wamu-snell/6244">Lloyd Wamu Snell</a>&nbsp;netted first half goals to propel No. 4 seed Furman past No. 5 seed Mercer, 2-0, in the opening round of the Southern Conference Men's Soccer Championship on Friday night at UNCG Stadium in Greensboro, N.C. The victory advances the Paladins into the semifinal round. Furman will face No. 1 seed UNC Greensboro at UNCG Stadium on Sunday at 2 p.m. on ESPN+.The Mercer men's soccer team fell to Furman in the SoCon Tournament quarterfinals on Friday night by a score of 2-0. Mercer dominated possession in the first 20 minutes of the match and put up three shots in the early going. However, Furman was able to score the first goal of the night in the 20th&nbsp;minute to take an early lead.&nbsp;

Quarter.png

MSOC Roundup 11/8/24

<a href="https://furmanpaladins.com/news/2024/11/7/womens-basketball-henley-furman-roll-past-erskine-in-home-season-opener-100-31.aspx" target="_self">Furman 100, Erskine 31</a><a href="https://furmanpaladins.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/niveya-henley/5979">Niveya Henley</a>&nbsp;matched a career high with 24 points to pace Furman to a 100-31, season opening victory over Erskine at Hayes Gymnasium on the campus of North Greenville University on Thursday evening. Henley, a redshirt junior guard, scored 11 of Furman's 24 third quarter points and 16 in the second half on the way to tying her career high scoring performance first posted against UNC Greensboro last season. &nbsp;The Seattle, Wash., product connected on 10-of-20 shots from the field, including 3-of-6 pointers, and a free throw in 23 minutes of action.<a href="https://catamountsports.com/news/2024/11/7/womens-basketball-catamounts-fight-back-for-73-72-win-over-campbell.aspx" target="_self">Western Carolina 73, Campbell 72</a><a href="https://catamountsports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/kehinde-obasuyi/13420">Kehinde Obasuyi</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://catamountsports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/ac-carter/13472">AC Carter</a>&nbsp;combined for 46 of Western Carolina's 73 points on Thursday night, but it was two free throws from transfer post&nbsp;<a href="https://catamountsports.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/grace-pack/13475">Grace Pack</a>&nbsp;that ultimately sealed the deal as the Catamounts rallied in the fourth quarter for a thrilling 73-72 victory over Campbell in early-season nonconference action on Ingles Court at the Ramsey Center. The Catamounts improved to 2-0 for just the third time since the 2015 season. WCU also avenged a road loss in Buies Creek a season ago while claiming its second-consecutive win over the Fighting Camels in Cullowhee<a href="https://gomocs.com/news/2024/11/7/womens-basketball-womens-basketball-falls-to-tennessee-tech-48-46-in-last-second-heartbreaker.aspx" target="_self">Tennessee Tech 48, Chattanooga 46</a>Chattanooga women's basketball suffered a heartbreaking defeat on Thursday night, as the Mocs fell to Tennessee Tech 48-46 after a last-second shot fell for the Golden Eagles with just 1.7 second remaining on the clock. The Mocs (1-1) put together a strong defensive effort on the evening, holding the Golden Eagles (2-0) to just 48 total points while forcing 29 turnovers out of TTU. However, rebounding issues and foul trouble plagued the Mocs up until the final buzzer, and UTC ultimately fell by the narrowest of margins to hand Chattanooga its first loss of the 2024-25 season.

resize (9).webp

WBB Roundup 11/7/24

SPARTANBURG, S.C.&nbsp;– The Southern Conference has named Jordan Trolinger its Associate Commissioner for External Operations, effective today. &nbsp; Trolinger previously worked with the SoCon from 2012-2017. Trolinger will lead the SoCon’s corporate partnership, special event, marketing, and ticketing strategies. She will also serve as the sport oversight for various championships."I'm beyond excited to return to the Southern Conference office—coming back feels like coming home. My time in the corporate hospitality world taught me invaluable lessons in revenue generation, marketing strategy, ticketing, and event production,” Trolinger said. “Now, I’m eager to apply that knowledge and create memorable experiences for our student-athletes and fans, and work alongside our incredible corporate partners who make it all happen."Trolinger brings in over 15 years of experience in marketing, digital strategy, creative design, branding, and event management. She spent the previous seven years working at OTO Development, where she was most recently their Corporate Director of Marketing &amp; Digital Strategies. At OTO, Trolinger spearheaded the company’s artistic direction and E-Commerce strategies.During her first stint with the SoCon, Trolinger began as the Multimedia Services Assistant before eventually becoming the league’s first Director of Creative Services. Prior to her departure, Trolinger had become the conference’s Assistant Commissioner for External Operations in her final year with the SoCon.The native of Atlanta, Georgia, graduated from Samford in 2012 with a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications. Trolinger was a member of the Bulldogs’ women’s soccer team during her time in Birmingham.“We are proud to welcome Jordan Trolinger back to the Southern Conference as an Associate Commissioner. &nbsp;Her passion for the SoCon is deep-rooted from her time as a Samford student-athlete, and all our schools will benefit from her significant professional experience outside the SoCon,” SoCon Commissioner Michael Cross said.&nbsp;“She is attuned to the conference’s marketing, promotional and revenue generation opportunities, and will bring exceptional creativity, intellect, and work ethic to all that she does. She is the perfect leader for the execution of our neutral site championship strategies, and will build strong relationships with SoCon schools, fans and our corporate partners.”

Trolinger_hire.jpg

Jordan Trolinger named Associate Commissioner for External Operations 11/6/24

Seattle, October 30, 2024 — In its continuing effort to innovate the college fan experience, BOOST and In The Lab have teamed up with The Southern Conference (the SoCon) to create the vision for its e-commerce strategy and <a href="http://soconsports.com/shop">The SoCon Shop</a>, which launched today and will be scaled throughout the 2024-25 school year.In addition, the SoCon has also partnered with Kristy “K-Lo” Lauzonis – a former Nike Design Director with 20+ years of collegiate expertise and Savannah College of Art &amp; Design alumna. During the annual SoCon Football Media Day (July 2024), K-Lo led design sessions with athletes from each school to unlock what makes the conference unique through the voice of the athletes. Based on these insights, the SoCon will collaborate with In The Lab and other apparel brands to create special collections celebrating conference championships, rivalries, and other high-visibility moments.&nbsp;<a href="https://inthelab.tv/?srsltid=AfmBOoq2tJ041GXhgHXMSIuVkrPU1zmFm0r0-B4B2W0gHVmT3IZHAlWs">In The Lab</a> (ITL) is a global basketball community dedicated to elevating the game. For more than eight years, ITL has offered innovative apparel, elite training, and inspiring content to connect players worldwide and redefine basketball culture. The new SoCon partnership further strengthens the brand’s connection with young athletes and expands its reach into other sports.K-Lo has led design initiatives for high school, college, professional, and esports teams and leagues. Her game-changing designs include some of the most innovative looks to hit college sports, including the first University of Oregon uniforms with wings, Boise State University’s iconic helmets, and a decade-long collaboration with Army West Point.&nbsp;“We are excited to work with BOOST, In The Lab and K-Lo,” said Michael Cross, the SoCon Commissioner. “Based on her vast college experience, deep knowledge of military academies, and southeast design roots, K-Lo was the perfect choice to unlock and create powerful narratives for our conference. Together, with ITL and the deep cultural connection they offer, this collaboration with our athletes will help bring to life our ‘It’s All Here’ experience and create the future aesthetic for the SoCon.”The SoCon X BOOST e-commerce initiative will seamlessly integrate with the conference’s recently re-launched official website (<a href="http://www.soconsports.com">www.soconsports.com</a>). The comprehensive BOOST digital platform is powered by fan-facing features including personalized user content feeds, enhanced videos and social media integrations, live scoreboards, custom ad servers, and advanced filtering for stats, standings, and schedules.&nbsp;Beyond the numerous fan benefits, BOOST developed additional features with data, efficiency, e-commerce and workflow in mind.About Boost Technology: BOOST is a sports technology company that builds digital experiences designed to unify and engage sports properties and fan communities. The BOOST operating system supercharges engagement through personalized, relevant content and experiences, including websites, apps, ads, narrative and video. In addition, BOOST delivers a modern end-to-end analytics solution that integrates any data source, connects to any destination, and activates audiences through creation of a single fan record – all in one platform.&nbsp;About The Southern Conference: The Southern Conference, which is in its 104th year in 2024-25, is a national leader in emphasizing the development of the student athlete and in helping to build lifelong leaders and role models. The Southern Conference is the nation's fourth-oldest NCAA Division I collegiate athletic association. Only the Big Ten (1896), the Missouri Valley (1907), and the Southwestern Athletic (1920) conferences are older in terms of origination. The conference currently consists of 10 members in six states throughout the Southeast and sponsors 20 varsity sports and championships that produce participants for NCAA Division I Championships.

Boost x In the Lab (1).jpg

BOOST and In The Lab Team Up to Launch The Southern Conference E-Commerce Offense

So_Con Logo.jpeg

SoCon Helene Relief PSA

<a href="https://donate.wck.org/SouthernConference" target="_self">DONATE HERE</a>As we rally together in the wake of Hurricane Helene, The SoCon is committed to supporting Asheville and the surrounding communities during this challenging time. We are proud to partner with World Central Kitchen (WCK), an organization harnessing the power of food to nourish communities and strengthen economies worldwide.WCK is on the frontlines, swiftly responding to the needs of Asheville and its neighbors by providing warm, comforting meals to those affected by the hurricane. When disaster strikes, WCK’s Relief Team mobilizes with urgency, collaborating with local organizations, restaurants, and food trucks to deliver fresh meals to survivors. We believe that good food offers not just nourishment, but also comfort and hope during times of crisis.To date, WCK has served over 350 million meals globally, demonstrating the profound impact of community and compassion. Your generous donation today will directly support our emergency food relief efforts in Asheville, helping us restore hope and healing through the simple act of sharing a meal.Thank you for standing with us and supporting World Central Kitchen as we work together to uplift our community in this time of need.<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/84dGpoy-qr0" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0"></iframe>

wck x socon.jpg

Hurricane Relief Article

SPARTANBURG, S.C.&nbsp;– After careful considerations and in consultation with our member institutions and community partners, the Southern Conference has decided to postpone basketball media day, which was scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 1, due to weather conditions and traveling concerns in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.&nbsp;“Our hearts and prayers go out to the incredible number of people who are enduring hardships and difficult circumstances in the wake of the hurricane and catastrophic flooding. Conducting basketball media day at this time is not appropriate with so many other important messages to be communicated and needs to be met,” SoCon Commissioner Michael Cross said. “We will be working to identify a new date for media day to ensure that we can have the best event possible for everyone involved. We will also continue to work with the SoCon’s leadership to support their student-athletes and coaches as they navigate the situations that emerge in coming days.”&nbsp;More information on the event will be released at a later date.&nbsp;Tickets to the Ingles SoCon Basketball Championship will not go on sale as originally scheduled for Tuesday. Updates will be available in the near future.

meida day update.jpg

SoCon basketball media day postponed

September 18, 2024 - Washington, D.C. - During its meeting today, the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics announced that The Southern Conference, the Big Sky Conference, and the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) are the recipients of its inaugural C.A.R.E. Model Conference Grants. The grants support their commitment to the C.A.R.E. Model principles in their distribution and use of shared athletics revenues.The Knight Commission certified The Southern Conference as one of the nation’s first C.A.R.E. Champions by fully implementing all the C.A.R.E. Model requirements, which prioritize the education and well-being of college athletes while integrating education-based principles in financial incentives and athletics spending.The Southern Conference commissioner, Michael Cross, said "The Southern Conference is proud to be recognized by the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics as a C.A.R.E. Champion. This distinction reflects the dedication of our ten member institutions and their unwavering commitment to prioritizing the education and equitable treatment of our student-athletes. As the fourth oldest athletics conference in the country, we have always placed education first, and this recognition validates our efforts. By implementing these principles, we are enhancing the overall collegiate experience for our students while upholding our long-held SoCon values, with transparency, independent oversight, gender equity, and financial investment in student-athlete education, health, safety and success at the forefront of everything we do. Thank you to the Knight Commission for this honor and for the financial grant to support these efforts.The C.A.R.E. Model (Connecting Athletics Revenues with the Educational Model of College Sports) was created to assist conferences and national entities in bolstering accountability and ensure that both the distribution and spending of shared athletics revenue prioritize supporting college athletes’ education, health, safety, well-being, equity, and opportunity. This holistic model supports the educational mission and includes four universal principles and requirements:<ol><li>Transparency</li><li>Independent Oversight</li><li>Incentives for Core Values of Education, Gender Equity, and Opportunity</li><li>Financial Responsibility for Education, Health, Safety, and Well-Being</li></ol>The SoCon can use its $25,000 C.A.R.E. Model Conference Grant to implement the principles and educate institutional leaders, staff, college athletes, and other stakeholders about how this new framework positively impacts student-athletes’ experiences.As a C.A.R.E. Champion, The Southern Conference is leading the way for other Division I leagues in promoting gender equity. To earn this distinction, a conference must financially reward team success, reflected in postseason performance, equally between men and women. C.A.R.E. Champions will reward March Madness victories by women’s basketball teams at a dollar level equal to that of their men’s teams.Knight Commission Co-Chair Len Elmore said, “The MAAC and The Southern Conference are to be commended for their equitable performance incentive policies. It is hard to believe that in 2024 providing equal performance incentives to teams of male and female athletes in the same sport is a distinguishing characteristic among Division I conferences, but these two value the success of their women’s teams just as much as their men’s.“Congratulations are due to the Big Sky Conference, MAAC, and The Southern Conference for their demonstrated commitment to the educational mission of college sports,” said Knight Commission Co-Chair Pamela Bernard, “The C.A.R.E. Champion distinction is critically important for conferences and institutions that seek to operate under a framework that truly prioritizes the educational mission of college sports. Unfortunately, in Division I sports, too many conferences and institutions aspire to run their athletic programs by those core principles but fail to prioritize or support them financially in their policies and financial framework.”About the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate AthleticsThe Knight Commission, founded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation in 1989, is an independent group that leads transformational change to prioritize college athletes’ education, health, safety, and success. Knight Foundation has been its sole funder to ensure its independence. For more information about the Commission’s impact, recommendations, and reports, visit knightcommission.org.About the John S. and James L. Knight FoundationKnight Foundation is a national foundation with strong local roots. We invest in journalism, in the arts and in the success of cities where brothers John S. and James L. Knight once published newspapers. Our goal is to foster informed and engaged communities, which we believe are essential for a healthy democracy. For more, visit kf.org

Web Graphic (1).jpg

SOCON C.A.R.E. Model Announcement

Washington, DC: Today, the <a href="https://allinchallenge.org/">ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge</a> (ALL IN) recognized SoCon member institutions for their nonpartisan democratic engagement efforts that fostered high levels of student voter engagement in the 2022 midterm elections. The following SoCon member institutions were awarded reflecting their commitment to ensuring that nonpartisan democratic engagement is a defining feature of campus life:Mercer University, received the Highest Voter Turnout and the Gold Seal awards&nbsp;&nbsp;Western Carolina University, received the Highest Turnout Registration and &nbsp;Silver Seal awards;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wofford College, received the Most Improved Voter Turnout and the Bronze Seal awards;&nbsp;&nbsp;Furman University, received the Most Improved Registration Rate at a Private 4-Year Institution Award;&nbsp;&nbsp;University of North Carolina – Greensboro, received the Silver Seal award; and &nbsp;Samford University, received the Bronze Seal award&nbsp;The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge empowers colleges and universities to achieve excellence in nonpartisan student democratic engagement. SoCon member institutions were recognized alongside more than 500 campuses using data from the <a href="https://tufts.app.box.com/v/democracy-counts-2022">National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement (NSLVE)</a> out of Tufts University, which found that colleges and universities had the second-highest voter turnout among students in a midterm election since NSLVE began measuring this data. The full list of campus award winners can be viewed <a href="https://allinchallenge.org/2022-award-winners/">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“We’re excited to be a part of the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge and promote nonpartisan student engagement," said Terri Brne, SoCon Senior Associate Commissioner. "As the first Division I Athletic Conference Championship for democratic engagement, SoCon Votes is a powerful tool to encourage our students to become informed and active citizens. By supporting our students in their journey to the polls, we’re fostering a more inclusive and representative democracy where every voice is heard.”&nbsp;“The ALL IN Awards were created to celebrate nonpartisan democratic engagement and the outstanding campus voter registration and turnout rates achieved by our ALL IN campuses. Ahead of the 2024 elections, ALL IN campuses are ready to build on the momentum from 2022 to ensure their communities are ready to make an even bigger impact this fall,” said Jennifer Domagal-Goldman, Executive Director of the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge. “ALL IN is proud to celebrate and honor top-performing institutions, like those participating in the SoCon Votes initiative, who demonstrate that nonpartisan student voter engagement is possible and effective.”&nbsp;More than 1,060 institutions enrolling more than 10 million students participate in the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, which supports colleges and universities in achieving excellence in nonpartisan student voter engagement. Campuses can join ALL IN <a href="https://allinchallenge.org/join-the-challenge/">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;###&nbsp;&nbsp;ABOUT ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge:&nbsp;The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge (ALL IN) is a national nonpartisan initiative of Civic Nation, a 501(c)(3) organization. The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge strives to change civic culture and institutionalize democratic engagement activities and programs on college campuses, making voter participation a defining feature of campus life.&nbsp;&nbsp;ALL IN, in collaboration with over 1,050 higher education institutions, seeks to make participation in local, state, and federal elections a social norm; substantially increase the number of college students who are democratically engaged on an ongoing basis, during and between elections, and not just at the polls, and; make educating for democratic engagement on college campuses an accepted and expected part of the culture and curriculum so that students graduate with the knowledge, skills, behaviors, and values needed to be an informed and active citizen.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

allinpressrelease.png

All In Awards

SPARTANBURG, S.C.&nbsp;– The Southern Conference will have representation on the NCAA Committees of three different sports in this school year.UNCG Athletics Director Brian Mackin will serve on the NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Committee, The Citadel’s Senior Women Administrator (SWA) Joni Stephens is on the NCAA Division I Women's Golf Committee and the SoCon Associate Commissioner for External Operations, Jason Yaman, will be on the NCAA Division I Men's and Women's Tennis Committee. Chattanooga junior guard Honor Huff also joined the <a href="https://soconsports.com/mbb/article/blt1095c46c5ca302f5/">NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Student-Athlete Engagement Group</a>, which was announced earlier this week."The Southern Conference is adding to its rich tradition of national service with the appointment of these four distinguished and accomplished leaders,” SoCon Commissioner Michael Cross said.&nbsp;“We are confident they will protect the best interests of all student-athletes, whose competitive experiences will be impacted by their preparation and decisions, in the sports they represent."&nbsp; &nbsp; In these positions, Mackin, Stephens and Yaman will be a part of the selections of the respective sports’ NCAA tournament brackets. They will also potentially be on site at NCAA regionals during the tournament.

socon committee members.jpg

SoCon places three representatives on NCAA Committees

SoCon Football Preview: Mark Wharton, UTC AD

campbell wcu.jpg

Friday women's soccer roundup 8/16

SPARTANBURG, S.C.&nbsp;– The Southern Conference announced Monday its sponsorship extension agreement with Holston Gases, which serves as the title sponsor for the league’s baseball tournament. The Holston Gases Southern Conference Baseball Championship will be played May 20-25 at Fluor Field in Greenville, South Carolina.The deal continues an affiliation between the SoCon and Holston Gases, which dates back to 2017.In addition to being the conference’s title baseball tournament sponsor, Holston Gases will now be the title sponsor of the SoCon’s weekly baseball players of the week. Holston Gases will also be incorporated into promotion at the league’s volleyball and basketball tournaments.Holston Gases supplies industrial, medical, propane and beverage gases. Founded in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1958, the company now boasts 42 locations in six states, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama.&nbsp;ABOUT HOLSTON GASESHolston Gases is one of the largest independent suppliers of industrial, medical, propane, and beverage gases in the United States. Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, Holston has grown to 42 locations in 6 states: Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina, and serving customers in Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia, Ohio, and Indiana. We carry all welding and industrial gases, medical, specialty and laboratory gases, beverage CO2, and propane gas. We are equipped to handle compressed cylinders, bulk facilities, and liquid requirements. We are a full line welding supply company, and we also carry safety and industrial supplies. We represent the finest lines in the industry, and we can provide them to you at competitive prices. We are financially strong and carry the inventory you expect and deserve from a top notch supplier.&nbsp;ABOUT THE SOUTHERN CONFERENCEThe 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 103rd anniversary in 2024. 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 x holston.jpg

Holston Gases and SoCon extend partnership

SPARTANBURG, SC –The Southern Conference announced Wednesday an expanded partnership with TrailRunner Sports to lead both advisory and negotiation services for its future media rights process, and to provide guidance on prospective site plans for the Ingles SoCon Basketball Championships. This announcement was made at the Southern Conference Football Media Day by Commissioner Michael Cross.The Southern Conference events and content are currently distributed by ESPN, CBS Sports, and Nexstar. With the aim of enhancing and augmenting both its broadcast and digital media presence, the SoCon will collaborate with TrailRunner Sports to navigate the process of securing its next media rights agreements. All three media deals are coterminous and expire in the summer of 2026.TrailRunner Sports will also advise on the future site selection process for the Ingles SoCon Basketball Championships to ensure they continue to provide an exceptional experience for student-athletes, fans, and partners. The current agreement with the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission to host the men's and women's basketball tournaments at the Harrah's Cherokee Center-Asheville currently expires after the 2026 events.The TrailRunner Sports team will be led by Jamie Zaninovich and Maddie Kraft, who combined, offer deep experience in media rights strategy and negotiations, as well as event management, and activation. TrailRunner Sports is a new division of TrailRunner International, and a joint venture with Legends, as announced by both companies in December of last year."The opportunity to collaborate with TrailRunner Sports regarding both our media rights and the future of our basketball championships will provide a creative and efficient approach to numerous central elements of the SoCon. The way we promote our student-athletes and our institutions and share our high-level competition with SoCon fans across the country and around the world is of paramount importance.” Cross said, expressing his enthusiasm for the partnership. “The expertise, relationships, and industry knowledge Jamie brings to the table from multiple Division I conferences, and Maddie has with her professional sports experience will undoubtedly provide the ideas and innovation we are seeking. I have great trust The Southern Conference will benefit from their guidance and counsel in both negotiations."&nbsp;By partnering with TrailRunner Sports, the SoCon aims to leverage its industry expertise to maximize the value of both the Conference’s media rights and also its premier conference championship event. This collaboration represents the SoCon's commitment to staying at the forefront of the ever-evolving college sports media landscape and delivering on the “It's All Here” promise to its membership and fans.“We could not be more pleased to continue our work with Commissioner Cross and his phenomenal team at The Southern Conference on these important strategic initiatives,” Zaninovich said. “Thanks to the recent success of its programs and the unwavering support from its passionate fanbase, the Conference is uniquely positioned to elevate the future of both of these properties.”About Southern ConferenceThe Southern Conference is a collegiate athletic conference comprising 10 member institutions in the southeastern United States. With a rich history spanning over 100 years as the fourth oldest athletics conference in the country, the SoCon is committed to fostering excellence in academics and athletics while providing a platform for student-athletes to succeed both on and off the field. For more information, please visit <a href="http://www.soconsports.com">www.soconsports.com</a>.&nbsp;About TrailRunner SportsTrailRunner Sports is a strategic business advisory and communications firm serving the global sports industry. TrailRunner Sports helps clients win in today's complex global landscape, with matters impacting teams, leagues, conferences, universities, and owners ranging from executive positioning and crisis communications to matters of public reputation strategy and special situations. The firm takes a team approach across diverse disciplines including media, law, finance, and regulatory affairs to address opportunities and challenges that no longer fit neatly into traditional categories. TrailRunner Sports is based in Dallas/Fort Worth with offices in New York; Nashville; Abu Dhabi; Dubai; London; Shanghai; and Truckee, California. Learn more at <a href="http://www.trailrunnersports.com">www.trailrunnersports.com</a>.

FB Media Day Slides_TRI.jpg

SoCon Partners with TrailRunner Sports for Future Media Rights and Basketball Championship Site Planning

SPARTANBURG, S.C.&nbsp;– Three Southern Conference staff members have received promotions, and the conference has hired an addition to the conference staff, SoCon Commissioner Michael Cross announced.Ralan Wardlaw is now the Director of Communications. Anna Brinkman (media relations) and Caroline Reese (championships), both of whom served as interns in the SoCon office during the 2023-24 school year, are now the Assistant Director of Communications and Director of Operations, respectively. The conference has also added La J’ai Reed to the staff as the Student-Athlete Engagement Coordinator. Wardlaw, who is entering his third year with the conference, oversees the league’s communications department, with specific media relations responsibilities for football, men’s basketball, volleyball, women’s soccer, softball and men’s golf. Wardlaw started at the SoCon in May 2022 as the Assistant Director of Media Relations.Brinkman will be responsible for the communications and media relations responsibilities of women’s basketball, baseball, men’s soccer and tennis. She will also administer the league’s academic awards.Reese will be responsible for managing a variety of important operational tasks that involve meeting and event planning, office manager responsibilities and daily business operation assistance, along with assisting in the coordination of SoCon tournaments.Reed comes to the SoCon with a variety of experiences across the academic and athletic landscape. Since 2022, she has worked as an assistant project director with Bingocize and exercise science program instructor at Winthrop. In the summer of 2023, Reed was an athletic administration intern with Rock Hill High School in Rock Hill, South Carolina.The Saint Stephen, South Carolina, native also served as an assistant girls basketball coach at Rock Hill High School from 2020-24. Along with coaching duties, Reed was also responsible for the team’s media relations, which included video production and the squad’s social media presence.As a student at Winthrop, Reed served as the assistant sports editor for The Johnsonian, the Winthrop Campus Newspaper, from 2019-2020.Reed earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in mass communication from Winthrop in 2021, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She completed her master’s degree at Winthrop in sport &amp; fitness administration with a sports management concentration in 2023.

Staff changes.jpg

The Southern Conference announces four staff changes

<h4><a href="https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt90a281f2ef4c465c/bltcc2c3f8469bf9988/Spring 2024 Academic All-Conference.pdf" target="_blank">2024 SPRING ACADEMICS ALL-CONFERENCE</a></h4>SPARTANBURG, S.C.&nbsp;– Five hundred and six athletes earned 615 spots on the Spring 2024 Academic All-Southern Conference Team, the league office announced Thursday.&nbsp;“We are proud to honor the academic excellence of each of each student athlete named to the Academic All-SoCon team,” SoCon Commissioner Michael Cross said. “It takes an extraordinary amount of dedication to balance academic success with this degree of athletic performance."The sports of men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s indoor track and field, rifle, wrestling, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s outdoor track and field, men’s and women’s tennis, baseball and softball are represented on the Spring Academic All-SoCon team.To be eligible for the academic all-conference team, student-athletes must carry at least a 3.3 cumulative grade-point average at the conclusion of the spring semester and were required to compete in at least one-half of their teams’ competitions during the recently concluded campaign. In addition, the student-athletes must have successfully completed at least three semesters at their institutions, making true freshmen and first-year transfers ineligible for inclusion.Forty-eight student-athletes have maintained perfect 4.0 cumulative GPAs, with The Citadel and Western Carolina leading the way with seven each.The league’s 10 women’s outdoor track and field teams led the way with 85 academic all-conference selections, while the nine women’s indoor track and field programs combined for 78. The eight men’s outdoor track and field teams combined for 65 selections.Samford led all schools with 101 academic all-conference selections, followed by Furman with 69 and UNCG with 67.The 615 total selections are the third-highest total in conference history for the spring academic all-conference team.

SoCon announces Spring Academic All-Conference team

<h5><a href="https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt90a281f2ef4c465c/blt6f303a0e64e3926a/6681b8e25e288d4bfea21d65/Spring_2024_Academic_Honors.pdf" target="_blank">2024 Honor Roll</a></h5><h5><a href="https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt90a281f2ef4c465c/bltd8a41a7d7fb18b26/Commissioner_Medals.xlsx" target="_blank">2024 Commissioners Medal</a></h5><h5><a href="https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt90a281f2ef4c465c/blteb4cbfbca2e3422e/2024_4_0s.xlsx" target="_blank">2024 4.0S</a></h5>SPARTANBURG, S.C.&nbsp;– The Southern Conference released its Academic Honor Roll for the 2023-24 academic year on Thursday, with a 2,404 student-athletes from the 10 member institutions and nine associate members earning the distinction. “As a conference, we’re proud to recognize the emphasis our institutions place on the academic performance of each of the athletes named to the SoCon Academic Honor Roll,” SoCon Commissioner Michael Cross said. “Balancing academics with athletic commitments requires excellence, dedications and personal investment on the part of the student athlete. It's also imperative to acknowledge our appreciation for the academic advisors, counselors, and faculty who invest in these athletes to ensure they succeed in their endeavors." &nbsp; The Academic Honor Roll originated in 1988-89, when SoCon athletic directors established the award as a way to recognize the league's outstanding student-athletes. The Academic Honor Roll 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, were eligible the entire academic year and were members of the final squad lists. The award is different from the academic all-conference award which is determined by cumulative GPA and involves a participation requirement. &nbsp; The 2,404 selections are the fifth-most in SoCon history. Of this year’s qualifiers, 743 earned the Commissioner’s Medal, awarded to student-athletes who attain a GPA of 3.8 or higher throughout the year, and 273 posted perfect 4.0 GPAs. &nbsp; Wofford paced the league with 289 members on the honor roll, while Samford was second with 287 and ETSU was third with 251. Each of the SoCon’s 10 full members had at least 73 student-athletes on the list and seven of them surpassed 200. &nbsp; Chattanooga paced the league with 85 student-athletes earning Commissioner’s Medals, while the Mocs had a league-best 43 student-athletes post 4.0 GPAs. &nbsp; Associate members in wrestling (101) and rifle (23) accounted for 124 selections. &nbsp; The honor roll includes all 20 sports sponsored by the SoCon in 2023-24.

website_logo_photo.jpg

SoCon announces 2023-24 Academic Honor Roll

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. –&nbsp;The Southern Conference wrapped up its 2024 spring meetings at the Sonesta Resort in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, last Thursday. The three-day meetings were attended by the institutional presidents and chancellors, athletic directors, senior woman administrators and faculty athletic representatives, as well as Southern Conference staff.
 &nbsp;
 During the meetings, 18 conference bylaw changes were unanimously approved including clarifying and strengthening conference membership policies. Also, the league adopted a non-conference men’s basketball scheduling policy for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons.
 &nbsp;
 Among the business conducted, NCAA representation spoke about the allocation of damages as part of the settlement of anti-trust lawsuits and a conference graduate scholarship was approved to be named in honor of recently retired Wofford athletic director Richard Johnson.
 &nbsp;
 At the Honors Reception on Wednesday evening, the SoCon recognized the league’s annual award winners, 10 SoCon postgraduate scholarship winners and the 2024 SoCon Hall of Fame class.
 &nbsp;
 Among the institutional awards, the Barrett-Bonner Award, given annually to the school with the highest percentage of its student-athletes on the SoCon Honor Roll, went to Mercer for the ninth consecutive year, as the Bears had 78.5 percent of their student-athletes earn the necessary 3.0 GPA for inclusion on the SoCon Academic Honor Roll. The D.S. McAlister Award, presented annually to the school judged by the league’s administrators and head coaches to have exhibited the highest degree of sportsmanship, went to The Citadel for the third straight season and sixth time overall. The Graduation Rate Award went to Samford, which paced the league in the latest NCAA Graduation Success Rate data with a score of 98. It was the Bulldogs’ fourth straight Graduation Rate Award win.
 &nbsp;
 Following the institutional awards, five new members were inducted into the SoCon Hall of Fame. The five honorees were Davidson’s Terry Holland, Furman’s Dick Sheridan, UNCG’s Paul Chelimo and Ali Lord and Western Carolina’s Kevin Martin. Chelimo, Lord and Martin were in attendance, while Holland and Sheridan were inducted posthumously. Holland was represented by his wife, Ann, and Sheridan was represented by his eldest granddaughter, Isabella.
 &nbsp;
 Samford was awarded the Commissioner’s Cup for fielding the best men’s programs in the league for the second straight season, while the Bulldogs’ women’s programs were recognized for winning the Germann Cup, which honors the school with the top women’s programs, for the fourth consecutive season and the sixth time overall.

Southern Conference concludes annual spring meetings

HILTON HEAD, S.C. –&nbsp;With the completion of the spring seasons of league competition, Samford’s men’s and women’s programs have won the races for the Southern Conference’s all-sport trophies. The winners were be honored at the league’s Honors Reception on Wednesday evening at the Sonesta Resort in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
 &nbsp;
 The Commissioner’s and Germann cups are awarded annually to the Southern Conference schools fielding the league’s best all-around men’s and women’s sports programs, respectively. Scoring is conducted on a percentage basis, with only the top seven sports for each school counting toward its season total. The SoCon sponsors 20 total sports, with the league’s three co-ed rifle teams counting toward the Commissioner’s Cup standings and the two women’s rifle teams counting toward the Germann Cup.
 &nbsp;
 Each sport is worth 10 points, with each spot in the standings given equal measure relative to how many schools sponsor that particular sport. For sports that determine a regular-season champion, a two-point bonus is awarded for winning the league tournament. Each school’s total for the year is divided by 70, the maximum number of points possible when counting seven sports, to find its percentage.
 &nbsp;
 Samford’s men won the Commissioner’s Cup for the second time, while the Bulldog women claimed their fourth straight Germann Cup and sixth overall. Combined, Samford claimed six SoCon titles in 2023-24 between men’s and women’s regular-season and tournament titles. The Bulldogs swept the all-sports trophies for the second consecutive year. The last SoCon institution to win both cups was App State in 2013.
 &nbsp;
 Samford’s men’s programs won the outright regular-season title along with the tournament title in men’s basketball. The Bulldogs won the indoor track and field championship for the fifth straight year and claimed the outdoor crown for the fourth straight season. Samford posted second-place finishes in cross country, men’s tennis and baseball, while finishing fifth in football to total 63.5 points toward the Commissioner’s Cup. That was good for a .907 percentage.
 &nbsp;
 Furman finished as the runner-up this year, totaling 55.06 points and an .787 percentage. The Paladins claimed the football regular-season crown and their 11th&nbsp;straight SoCon Cross Country Championship. Furman had third-place finishes in men’s tennis, men’s soccer, indoor and outdoor track &amp; field. The Paladins took fourth in men’s golf.
 &nbsp;
 ETSU, the Commissioner’s Cup winner two seasons ago, finished third this year, finishing with 51.15 points and an .731 percentage. The Bucs won the SoCon men’s golf championship for the fourth straight season and claimed their sixth consecutive men’s tennis tournament championship. ETSU won the regular-season title in men’s soccer and men’s tennis and completed the baseball regular season tied for third.
 &nbsp;
 Chattanooga was fourth with 46.08 points and a .658 percentage. The Mocs finished tied for second in football and men’s basketball regular season standings and took third at the cross country championship. Western Carolina, who was second at the SoCon indoor track &amp; field championship, was fifth with 39.61 points and a .566 percentage. Mercer, the men’s soccer tournament champion, finished with 38.75 points and a .554 percentage to place sixth.
 &nbsp;
 Wofford, who won the Ingles SoCon Baseball Championship, was seventh at .5410, followed by UNCG (.5406), VMI (.467) and The Citadel (.373).
 &nbsp;
 In the Germann Cup race, Samford’s women claimed SoCon titles in indoor and outdoor track &amp; field in 2023-24. It was the ninth straight indoor title and the fifth consecutive outdoor crown for the respective programs. The Bulldogs finished second at the cross country and women’s golf championships. Samford completed the women’s soccer regular season tied for second in women’s soccer, third in softball and fourth in volleyball.
 &nbsp;
 Since joining the SoCon in 2008-09, Samford has finished in the top two of the Germann Cup standings 13 of a possible 15 times and in the top four each year in the league.
 &nbsp;
 ETSU finished second for the second straight year with 54.06 points and an .865 percentage. The Bucs won the regular-season and tournament title in women’s tennis and won the women’s golf championship. ETSU was tied for second in the women’s soccer regular season standings, took fourth place in outdoor track &amp; field, and had fifth place finishes in cross country, indoor track &amp; field and women’s basketball.
 &nbsp;
 Furman was third with 52.86 points and a .755 percentage. The Paladins claimed their 11th&nbsp;straight cross country championship and a second place finish in women’s tennis. Furman was third at the indoor track &amp; field and women’s golf championships and had a fourth-place finish in women’s soccer. The Paladins took fifth in volleyball and outdoor track &amp; field.
 &nbsp;
 Wofford finished fourth for the second straight time, totaling 51.04 points and a .729 percentage. The Terriers won the SoCon Volleyball Championship and finished second at the indoor and outdoor track &amp; field championships. Chattanooga was fifth with 49.22 points with a .703 percentage. The Mocs won the regular season and tournament titles in women’s basketball and softball.
 &nbsp;
 Mercer was sixth with a .670 percentage. The Bears finished second in the regular season volleyball standings and tied for second in women’s basketball. Western Carolina finished seventh with a .579 percentage, highlighted by a regular season a tournament crown in women’s soccer.
 &nbsp;
 UNCG came in eighth with a .482 percentage, with The Citadel (.294), who was the volleyball regular season champion, and VMI (.246) rounding out the standings.

 The Commissioner’s Cup was inaugurated in 1970 and the Germann Cup was first awarded in 1987. The latter is named for former SoCon Commissioner Ken Germann, who served as commissioner of the Southern Conference from 1974-86 and spearheaded the effort to introduce women’s athletics to the league.
 &nbsp;
 The 2023-24 academic year will see a winner of the Commissioner’s Cup crowned for the 54th time and the Germann Cup awarded for the 37th time. The cups were not awarded in 2019-20 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
 &nbsp;
 Seven schools have won the Commissioner’s Cup in its history, including current members ETSU (2021-22, 2018-19, 2017-18, 2016-17, 2015-16 and 1982-83), Furman (2020-21 and 1990-91), Chattanooga (2014-15 and 2004-05) and Samford (2022-23 and 2023-24).
 &nbsp;
 Five schools have won the Germann Cup. Among current schools, Furman owns a league-best 17, including 12 straight from 1992-2004 and five of six from 2013-14 to 2018-19. Samford has won six (2023-24, 2022-23, 2021-22, 2020-21, 2014-15 and 2009-10) and Chattanooga won in 2007-08.
 &nbsp;
 Commissioner's Cup
 (Men’s athletics – final standings)
 1. Samford&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; .907
 2. Furman&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; .787
 3. ETSU&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; .731
 4. Chattanooga&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; .658
 5. Western Carolina&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; .566
 6. Mercer&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; .554
 7. Wofford&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; .5410
 8. UNCG&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; .5406
 9. VMI&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; .467
 10. The Citadel&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; .373
 &nbsp;
 Germann Cup
 (Women’s athletics – final standings)
 1. Samford&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; .865
 2. ETSU&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; .772
 3. Furman&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; .755
 4. Wofford&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; .729
 5. Chattanooga&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; .703
 6. Mercer&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; .670
 7. Western Carolina&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; .579
 8. UNCG&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; .482
 9. The Citadel&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; .294
 10. VMI&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; .246

Samford men, women claim Southern Conference all-sports races.

Samford men, women claim Southern Conference all-sports races

LEXINGTON, Va. –&nbsp;Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins '85, superintendent, named Jamaal Walton '07 as Virginia Military Institute's next director of intercollegiate athletics.

 A decorated graduate of the Institute, Walton will assume the role effective next month.

 "Jamaal Walton brings a wealth of experience to the athletic director position, and, as a VMI alumnus, provides a unique perspective. He is not just passionate about VMI athletics, but is passionate about the VMI experience," said Wins. "Jamaal clearly demonstrated a solid understanding of the changing NCAA landscape that will help VMI Athletics compete to win soon and for the foreseeable future."

 Walton succeeds Jim Miller, who announced his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.vmi.edu/news/headlines/2023-2024/personnel-update-from-the-superintendent.php">retirement</a>&nbsp;in January. Miller came to VMI as the interim director in October 2021 before assuming the permanent tag on July 1, 2022.&nbsp;

 Walton returns to post after serving as the University of Washington's senior associate athletic director for strategic initiatives since July 2021. In that role, Walton was a key member of the Athletic Director's Senior Leadership team, oversaw various sports, ensured NCAA compliance, and assisted with the donor engagement efforts of Washington's Tyee Club.

 Walton's fiscal oversight at Washington included programs such as men's basketball and baseball, the athletics partnership with Adidas, its equipment department and the Husky Band and Spirit programs, among others.

 Walton began his athletics administration career at Savannah State, before stops at Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Alabama, where he was involved with each respective institution's athletic marketing initiatives. Walton then worked at the College of Charleston from 2017 to 2021, where he assumed the role of associate athletic director for external operations.

 As a cadet, Walton earned the General George C. Marshall Citizen-Soldier Award, the Lemuel Mackennie Long Jarman Award and was a four-year letterwinner and captain of the VMI football team.

 Walton and his wife, Marci, have two children: daughter, Zadie, and son, Krew.

 "I would like to thank General Wins and the search committee for entrusting me with the responsibility of leading Keydet Athletics," Walton said. "This is a dream come true, and I'm humbled and thrilled to serve my alma mater as the next director of athletics. VMI changed my life, and my goal is to help serve and inspire future VMI graduates to be citizen-soldiers who embody the VMI spirit. The VMI family is special, and Marci and I cannot think of a better place to raise our family. Rah Va Mil!"

resize_21_.jpg

Jamaal Walton Named VMI Director of Intercollegiate Athletics

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Southern Conference announced its 10 postgraduate scholarship recipients for the 2023-24 academic year Tuesday.&nbsp;  &nbsp; This year’s honorees include: David Knight Scholarship recipient Madeline Koury (Mercer); Dave Hart Scholarship recipient Emil Westling (Furman); Bob McCloskey Insurance Scholarship recipients Eden Punch (Western Carolina) and Samuel Barrow (Mercer); Dorothy Hicks Scholarship recipient Chrissy Fleming (Furman); William V. Moore Scholarship presented by McMillan Pazdan Smith recipient Callum Holland (Furman); and Southern Conference Presidential Scholarship recipients Savannah Baldwin (Western Carolina), Jeralynn Wells (Western Carolina), Lily Rathbun (Furman) and Lindsey Hollis (Wofford).&nbsp;  &nbsp; The recipients are nominated by their schools and selected by the Southern Conference Graduate Scholar Committee. The scholarships, worth $2,000 each, are awarded to student-athletes who intend to pursue advanced degrees in graduate or professional school. The student-athletes are evaluated on academics, athletics and community service.&nbsp;  &nbsp; Madeline Koury, Mercer – David Knight Scholarship&nbsp; Mercer’s Madeline Koury is the recipient of the 2024 David Knight Scholarship. An attacker on Mercer’s women’s lacrosse team, Koury has enjoyed a decorated career for the Bears. A three-time second team all-conference (Big South) selection in 2021, when she was also named to the all-freshman team, 2023 and 2024, Koury was 6th in the conference in point and 3rd in assists last season when she also reached the 100-career point mark. This season she was named preseason offensive Player of the Year before leading her team to a Big South regular season and tournament victory while being ranked second in the conference in assists and goals per game. The Birchrunville, Pennsylvania, product has also excelled in the classroom, earning Dean’s List and Academic honor roll distinctions both semester of 2020, 2021, and 2022. In the fall she earned President’s List honors before being inducted into Beta Alpha Psi and being named to the Academic All-District team and academic honor roll. Koury has worked in her community thorough many outreach programs including Backpack Buddies, Food Banks, and Meal prep and delivery programs that provide food for children, the local community, and emergency responders. She is a team leader for her school’s anti sex trafficking organization, Traffick Jam, where she oversees inventory in the shops they host around campus where sales fund information workbooks taken into local schools to teach children the danger of trafficking. Additionally, she is the president of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee at Mercer where she facilitates meeting, community service events, and social media activity for the organization. A Business Administration and Accounting major with minors in marketing and communication studies, Koury plans to return to Mercer and pursue a Master of Accountancy in the Fall.&nbsp;&nbsp;Emil Westling, Furman – Dave Hart Scholarship&nbsp; Furman men’s tennis player, Emil Westling is the 2024 recipient of the Dave Hart Scholarship. A four-year member of the team, Westling earned all-freshman team honors in 2021 and finished his career with a 17-10 singles record and 14-9 doubles record in the conference. An applied mathematics and computer science major, Westling has been a Dean’s list member every semester of his college career and an All-Academic Award recipient in 2021, 2022, and 2023. The Bjarred, Sweeden, native was named an ITA scholar athlete and SoCon Academic Honor roll member in 2021, 2022, and 2023. In 2022 Westling was named to the SoCon Spring Academic All-Conference Team and in 2023, earned a College Sports Communicators Academic All-District team honor. He earned the Wylie Scholarship in Mathematics in 2022-23 and 2023-24, was inducted into the Upsilon Pi Epsilon honor society and the Pi Mu Epsilon Mathematics honor society in 2023 and in 2024, given the Furman Senior Academic Award. In the community, Westling volunteers with Valient Player, visiting children in hospitals around the Greenville area with his teammates. He has worked with the Furman athletic department for Rise Against Hunger, packing food for children in Africa as well as with Heller Service Corp, Furman’s student volunteer organization. Westling also volunteers in the Mathematics Resource Center, tutoring students in statistics and calculus classes for three to six hours a week. In the fall, he plans to start a master’s in business Analytics of Financial Engineering.&nbsp;  &nbsp; Eden Punch, Western Carolina – Bob McCloskey Insurance Scholarship&nbsp; Western Carolina volleyball player, Eden Punch is one of two recipients of a Bob McCloskey Insurance Scholarship. Punch has been an integral part of Western Carolina’s team. Named Preseason All-Conference in 2023, she was named SoCon Defensive Player of the Week on August 29th and October 30. She is 10th in program history in total blocks at 289. She was one of five players to start all 28 games this year and logged 97 blocks and 129 kills through the course of the season. In the classroom, Punch is a Psychology Major with a minor in Business Law and has earned Chancellor’s and Dean’s list every semester at Western Carolina. She is a 2022 and 2023 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District team honoree, an Academic All-SoCon athlete (2021, 2022, 2023) and earned the SoCon Commissioners Medal three times (2020, 2021, 2022). The Burlington, Ontario, native volunteers as a Psychology Ambassador, chosen as one of seven students by faculty to represent the psychology department by fostering an inviting and informative atmosphere during an open house even where guidance and mentorship was offered to prospective students. She was the lead coordinator for all faculty interviews during that event. Punch plans to pursue a Juris Doctor degree in August.&nbsp;  &nbsp; Samuel Barrow, Mercer – Bob McCloskey Insurance Scholarship&nbsp; Mercer men’s tennis player Samuel Barrow is one of two recipients of a Bob McCloskey Insurance Scholarship. A four-year ITA scholar, Barrow was named to College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team in 2023. The Neuroscience major, who is minoring in Chemistry, has made the Dean’s list every semester while at Mercer including a President’s list designation in the Spring and Fall of 2022 and the Fall of 2023. He was inducted in the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society in 2024. Barrow has spent time volunteering at the Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital where he made toys and blankets for patients and their families. This summer he will travel with Mercer on Mission to Vietnam where he will be working with other students and Mercer faculty to fit amputees with prosthetic legs and hands. They will use universal socket technology that is low cost, light weight and durable. As this is his second trip he will be a mentor to other students. The Macon, Georgia, native plans to start medical school in the fall of 2025.&nbsp; &nbsp; Chrissy Fleming, Furman – Dorothy Hicks Scholarship&nbsp; Furman infielder Chrissy Fleming is the 2024 Dorothy Hicks Scholarship recipient. She has been a member of the Paladin softball team for four seasons, playing in the outfield and earned the a spot on the 2023 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team. The Windermere, Florida, native is double major in Applied Mathematics and Physics. She was a Dean’s List honoree in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Those same years she earned the SoCon Commissioner’s Medal. In 2024 she was awarded the Senior Academic Award in Mathematics and Natural Sciences. In the community, Fleming works as a Miracle League Volunteer teaching children with disabilities how to play baseball while promoting having fun and enjoying outdoor activities. She also volunteers with her teammates with Valient Player, providing acts of service for sick and disabled children. She would visit with children, make blankets, bring Christmas presents, and make card for the children during the holidays. Fleming will begin an Aerospace Engineering program in the fall of 2024.&nbsp;&nbsp; Callum Holland, Furman – William V. Moore Scholarship presented by McMillan Pazdan Smith&nbsp; Furman’s Callum Holland is the recipient of the 2024 William V. Moore Scholarship presented by McMillan Pazdan Smith. A five-year member of the Paladins’ men’s soccer team, the mid-fielder earned all SoCon Freshman team honors in 2019, All SoCon First team honors in 2020, and was named team captain for the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Holland excels in the classroom as a Politics and International affairs major having earned SoCon Academic Honor Roll every year. He has also been named to the Dean’s List every semester while at Furman. In 2022 and 2023, Holland was a member of the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District team. The Surrey, England, native serves the Greenville community through Walk for Down-Syndrome, an Buddy Walk aiming to make the world a more inclusive and welcoming place. He also reads to children in local public schools with learning disabilities. Over the summer, Holland helped build homes in the Greenville area for new families and couples who cannot afford a place to live. In the fall, he plans to begin a International Affairs and Security graduate program.&nbsp; &nbsp; Savannah Baldwin, Western Carolina – Southern Conference Presidential Scholarship&nbsp; Western Carolina’s Savannah Baldwin is a recipient of a 2024 Southern Conference Presidential Scholarship. The utility player has appeared in 168 games over her four-year career with the Catamounts. The Integrated Health Sciences and Psychology double major has appeared on the Chancellor and Dean’s lists every semester since stepping on campus. She has earned the SoCon Commissioners Medal every year, including twice being on the SoCon 4.0 GPA list (2021-22 and 2022-23). Baldwin has been on the Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll the last three years and was included in the 2022 and 2023 spring Academic All-SoCon team. For the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, she was named a Easton/NFCA All-American Scholar Athlete. In the Fall of 202, Baldwin volunteered with Samaritan’s Purse and Operation Christmas Child to pack Christmas boxes for kids around the world. In the spring of 2022, she began working as a course tutor for chemistry, physics, philosophy and religion, and psychology classes before taking on an extra role as a skills consultant in the Writing and Learning Commons where she was promoted to lead tutor in the fall of 2022, then Mentor Tutor in the spring of 2023. This month Baldwin plans to begin a Doctorate of Physical Therapy and East Carolina University.&nbsp; &nbsp; Jeralynn Wells, Western Carolina – Southern Conference Presidential Scholarship&nbsp; Western Carolina’s Jeralynn Wells is the recipient of a 2024 Southern Conference Presidential Scholarship. A member of Western Carolina’s softball team, Wells made 172 starts in the outfield in her four-year career. She was an All-Freshman team selection in 2021. A Nutriction and Dietetics major, Wells earned the SoCon Commissioners Medal in 2022-21 and 2022-23 as well as Dean’s list for the 2020-21 and 2022-23 school years. The Menifee, California, product volunteered on campus through the University Participant Program teaching other students about balanced eating as well as giving cooking and safety demonstrations. She also worked with the Jackson County Public Library making similar cooking demonstrations for kids. In the fall, Wells will begin a Cal Poly Pomona Master’s Program.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lily Rathbun, Furman – Southern Conference Presidential Scholarship&nbsp; Furman’s Lily Rathbun is the recipient of a 2024 Southern Conference Presidential Scholarship. Rathbun is the goalie on the Furman women’s lacrosse team and is an accounting major with a minor in data analytics which earned her the Lawrence Kessler Award for Excellence in Accounting. She began her athletic career in 2021 at California before transferring to Furman in 2022. She has started 51 games in goal for the Paladins, accumulating 377 saves and picked up a school record 152 ground balls in her time at Furman. The Falls Church, Virginia, product volunteers with VITA a program that helps low income families and individuals file their tax return and helps them understand their 1040s and other credits they might receive. In the fall she will begin pursuing a master’s in accounting.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lindsey Hollis, Wofford – Southern Conference Presidential Scholarship&nbsp; Wofford’s Lindsey Hollis is the recipient of a 2024 Southern Conference Presidential Scholarship. A member of the Terriers’ women’s golf program, Hollis averaged 80.8 strokes per round this year. She was the runner-up at the Islander Classic and a contributing member to the 2022 SoCon runner-up team. A double major in accounting and finance with a minor in Mathematics, Hollis was a WGCA Academic All-American and SoCon academic honor roll member from 2019-2023. She was also named to the Dean’s List at Wofford the past four years and on the Academic All-Southern Conference team in 2020-21, 2021-22, and 2022-23. She also earned the SoCon Commissioner Medal in 2020-21. She is a Student Athlete Advisory Committee member, helping plan events on mental health. As part of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, she participated in wilderness clean ups and raised money for philanthropies. In the fall the Signal Mountain, Tennessee, product will begin a master’s in accounting at the University of South Carolina. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The Southern Conference Announces 2023-24 Graduate Scholars

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – <a href="https://furmanpaladins.com/news/2024/3/20/general-nacda-names-furmans-donnelly-athletic-director-of-the-year.aspx">Furman's Jason Donnelly</a> and <a href="https://samfordsports.com/news/2024/3/20/general-newton-earns-nacda-athletics-director-of-the-year-award.aspx">Samford's Martin Newton</a> were recognized as two of the 28 winners of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) AD of the Year Award.  
 
Winners will be recognized in conjunction with the 59th Annual NACDA & Affiliates Convention at Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the beginning of the Association-Wide Featured Session on Tuesday, June 11.  
 
"NACDA is honored to continue the tradition of the Athletics Director of the Year Award and recognize a new class of individuals for 2023-24,” said Pat Manak, NACDA Chief Executive Officer. “As an Association it is part of our mission to develop tomorrow’s leaders led by today’s decision makers, which is why it is so fitting that 21 of the 28 recipients of the ADOY award this year are first-time winners. We are proud to play a small role in growing the pipeline of athletics directors making an impact throughout the industry.” 
 
The ADOY Award program is in its 26th year and has recognized a total of 584 deserving athletics directors to date.

Furman's Donnelly and Samford's Newton named 2023-24 NACDA Athletics Directors of the Year image for article

Furman's Donnelly and Samford's Newton named 2023-24 NACDA Athletics Directors of the Year(32100)

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Georgia Southern rifle team members Emma Pohlmann, Ella Goldfaden and Zahra Gonzalez Mazo have been named All-Americans by the Collegiate Rifle Coaches Associate (CRCA), as announced by the organization late Thursday afternoon. In addition, GSU coaches Soren Butler and Abby Buesseler were named CRCA Head Coach of the Year and Assistant Coach of the Year, respectively. 
 
Pohlmann, a sophomore from Nentershausen, Germany, was named first-team All-America honor in air rifle, second-team in smallbore and second-team in combined (aggregate). She earned SoCon air rifle and smallbore athlete of the year honors and won both individual titles. She qualified for the NCAA Championships in air rifle as an individual and set school records for season smallbore average (587.929), air rifle average (595.200) and season aggregate average (1,182.214). 
 
Gonzalez Mazo and Goldfaden both earned second-team All-America honors in air rifle. Gonzalez Mazo, a freshman from Logroño, Spain, was named first-team All-SoCon in air rifle and was a second-team honoree in smallbore. She averaged 593.786 in air rifle and posted a season-best 597 at Ole Miss. Goldfaden, a freshman from Bat Hefer, Israel, was a first-team all-conference selection in both smallbore and air rifle and averaged 594.357 in air rifle with a season-best of 598, set twice. 
 
Pohlmann was named the SoCon Air Rifle and Smallbore Shooter of the Months for November, January and February, while Goldfaden earned the Air Rifle Shooter of the Month award in October.

Georgia Southern Rifle Earns CRCA Honors image for article

Georgia Southern Rifle Earns CRCA Honors(32064)

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Furman's <dfn>Adam Beucler</dfn> and <dfn>Callum Allison</dfn> have been recognized as NCAA postgraduate scholarship recipients for the 2023-24 academic year.

The NCAA awards scholarships to 21 men and 21 women during each of the fall, winter, and spring seasons.  The scholarships, worth $10,000 each, are awarded to student-athletes who intend to pursue advanced degrees in graduate or professional school.  The student-athletes are evaluated on academics, athletics and community service.

A native of Hudson, Ohio, Beucler was a runner on Furman's cross country and indoor and outdoor track and field teams.  A two-time All-Southern Conference selection in cross country, he earned a second-team nod in 2020, when he also claimed the Pinnacle Award as the student-athlete with the highest GPA on the championship-winning team, and a first-team citation in 2022, when he finished seventh overall to help Furman to its tenth-straight team title.  Beucler competed at the NCAA Cross Country Championships in the spring of 2021 and ran in the NCAA Southeast Region Cross Country Championships in the fall of 2022.  

A captain for the cross country team, Beucler also excelled on the track, where he won the 5,000m title at the 2021 SoCon Indoor Track and Field Championships and at the 2023 SoCon Outdoor Track and Field Championships.  He also turned in podium finishes in the indoor 10,000m run in 2021 (third) and the indoor 3,000m run (third) and 5,000m run (second) in 2023. 

A health sciences major, Beucler was just as accomplished in the classroom, as he claimed College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team honors in 2022 and helped Furman earn USTFCCCA All-Academic Team distinction in 2020, 2021, and 2022.  He also earned inclusion in the Phi Eta Sigma, Alpha Epsilon Delta, and Omicron Delta Kappa honor societies.  In the community, Beucler made Children's Hospital visits and worked at various on-campus service events as part of groups; served as a group leader for Let There Be Mom, a Greenville, S.C., nonprofit organization dedicated to parents battling life-threatening illnesses; and has volunteered at AID Upstate, a nonprofit organization that provides supportive services to people affected by HIV/AIDS in the Upstate of South Carolina.  Beucler is in his first year of medical school.

"Our program is so proud of Adam," said Furman head cross country/track coach <dfn>Robert Gary</dfn>.  "He was very thing we challenge our student-athletes to be in the classroom, on the course and track, and as leaders, with Adam being a team captain.  Adam is a very deserving recipient of this postgraduate scholarship."

Allison, a Greenville, S.C., native and graduate of Eastside High School, recently completed his fifth season as a member of the men's soccer program. He played in 38 career matches and logged three starts for the Paladins. Allison netted his first career goal during the 2022 season versus VMI and added a match-winning score this past season in a 3-0 victory over Coastal Carolina.

The midfielder earned Furman University's prestigious President's Award in 2021-22 while also being named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team following the 2022 campaign. Allison has also garnered Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll and SoCon Fall Academic All-Conference accolades.

"Callum has grown up and spent his whole life around Furman University and the soccer program," said Paladin head coach and Callum's father, <dfn>Doug Allison</dfn>. "As coaches of the soccer program, we are so proud of him and all he has achieved here on the pitch and in the classroom, and how he has integrated himself so positively in the campus community. This is a fantastic honor for Callum. I appreciate the time Dr. Danielle Vinson and Callum's references took to support him.  As his father I often tell people that, 'it's hard to believe that he's actually my son.' This NCAA post graduate scholarship will go a long way to helping him afford medical school next year. Congratulations, Callum."

Allison, who sports a 4.0 GPA, earned his undergraduate degree in health sciences and is completing his master's degree in Community Engaged Medicine before attending medical school next fall. The Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society member and SoCon Commissioner's Medal recipient has worked as a research intern with the Hawkins Foundation and as an orthopedic research assistant with Prisma Health.

Chattanooga’s Jada Guinn named player of the week image for article

FURMAN'S BEUCLER & ALLISON AWARDED NCAA POSTGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS(32061)

<a href="http://ncaarifle.org/Home/Scorecard?MatchId=1762">NCAA SCORECARD</a> 
 
<a href="https://gseagles.com/news/2024/3/9/womens-rifle-pohlmann-wraps-up-season-at-ncaas.aspx">Emma Pohlmann Wraps up season with a 594 in Air Rifle</a> 
Jame Hart IV Closes Out the Year with a 581 in SmallBore

GSU’s Pohlmann, The Citadel’s Hart Bring Rifle Season to a Close image for article

GSU’s Pohlmann, The Citadel’s Hart Bring Rifle Season to a Close(32031)

<a href="http://ncaarifle.org/Home/Scorecard?MatchId=1761">NCAA scorecard</a> 
 
CHARLESTON, S.C. – Georgia Southern won its third straight Southern Conference Rifle Championship on Sunday at The Citadel’s Inouye Marksmanship Center in Charleston, South Carolina. GSU sophomore Emma Pohlmann was named the SoCon Smallbore and Air Rifle Athlete of the Year as all-conference awards were announced at the conclusion of the two-day event. 
  
The Eagles, who shot a championship-record 2,343 in smallbore on Saturday, followed that with a 2,382 in the air rifle portion on Sunday to claim the SoCon title with a championship-record 4,725 aggregate score. 
  
Georgia Southern outscored defending champion, The Citadel, en route to winning its third SoCon team title in air rifle and first since 2019 with a score of 2,382. The air rifle victory marked the first time in program history that the Eagles have won all three titles in the same year. 
  
The Citadel finished second to Georgia Southern in aggregate with a score of 4,618, narrowly claiming runner-up honors by just two points over UNG, which matched last year’s score of 4,616. UAB was fourth at 4,605, followed by SoCon Coach of the Year Bill Bither’s VMI Keydets (4,590), VMI’s women’s team (4,494), Wofford (4,449) and The Citadel’s women’s team (4,383). 
  
GSU’s Addy Burrow fired a 598 in air rifle for the second consecutive year on Sunday, again matching the championship record set by Georgia Southern’s Rosemary Kramer in 2019, to lead the contingent of eight finals qualifiers. In the finals, both Burrow and Pohlmann shot 247.1, with Pohlmann claiming the individual title following an extra shot. 
  
Burrow, who won the Pinnacle Award as the student-athlete with the highest GPA on the championship-winning team, finished second in the air rifle finals and claimed first-team all-conference honors in both smallbore and air rifle. 
  
Pohlmann, the Eagles’ Ella Goldfaden and North Georgia’s Elysa Walter also earned first-team All-SoCon honors in both smallbore and air rifle. 
  
Pohlmann, who became the fourth shooter to sweep smallbore and air rifle athlete of the year honors, led the SoCon in both disciplines this season. She averaged 587.000 in smallbore and 595.154 in air rifle for a league-best 1,182.154 aggregate average. 
  
GSU’s Pohlmann and The Citadel’s Hart will compete at the NCAA Rifle Championships in Morgantown, West Virginia, at the WVU Coliseum, March 8-9. Georgia Southern freshman Zahra Gonzalez Mazo is the first alternate in air rifle should a competitor not be able to compete. 
 
  
  
2024 SoCon Rifle Championship team scores 
Team    SB    AR    Agg 
1. Georgia Southern    2343    2382    4725 
2. The Citadel    2281    2337    4618 
3. North Georgia    2279    2337    4616 
4. UAB    2287    2318    4605 
5. VMI    2271    2319    4590 
6. VMI (W)    2198    2296    4494 
7. Wofford    2209    2240    4449 
8. The Citadel (W)    2142    2241    4383 
 
  
Overall champion 
Georgia Southern 
  
Smallbore champion 
Georgia Southern 
  
Air rifle champion 
Georgia Southern 
  
Smallbore individual final (Saturday) 
1. Emma Pohlmann, Georgia Southern (461.5) 
2. Maya Cameron, North Georgia (452.8) 
3. Ella Goldfaden, Georgia Southern (443.1) 
4. Zahra Gonzalez Mazo, Georgia Southern (432.1) 
5. James Hart IV, The Citadel (421.9) 
6. Ryan Harlow, VMI (409.7) 
7. Addy Burrow, Georgia Southern (398.7) 
8. Charlotte Welsh, The Citadel (397.9) 
  
Air rifle individual final (Sunday) 
1. Emma Pohlmann, Georgia Southern (247.1) 
2. Addy Burrow, Georgia Southern (247.1) 
3. Bremen Butler, Georgia Southern (226.4) 
4. Katelyn Grochalski, VMI (203.7) 
5. Ella Goldfaden, Georgia Southern (183.6) 
6. James Hart IV, The Citadel (163.2) 
7. Zahra Gonzalez Mazo, Georgia Southern (141.1) 
8. Charlotte Welsh, The Citadel (120.3) 
  
Pinnacle Award (highest GPA on championship-winning team) 
Addy Burrow, 5th, Georgia Southern 
  
SoCon Smallbore Athlete of the Year 
Emma Pohlmann, GSU 
  
All-Southern Conference Smallbore 
First team 
Emma Pohlmann, Georgia Southern 
Elysa Walter, North Georgia 
Ella Goldfaden, Georgia Southern 
Addy Burrow, Georgia Southern 
James Hart IV, The Citadel 
  
Second team 
Zahra Gonzalez, Georgia Southern 
Bremen Butler, Georgia Southern 
Amy Visconti, Georgia Southern 
Maya Cameron, North Georgia 
Charlotte Welsh, The Citadel 
  
SoCon Air Rifle Athlete of the Year 
Emma Pohlmann, GSU 
  
All-Southern Conference Air Rifle 
First team 
Emma Pohlmann, Georgia Southern                            
Ella Goldfaden, Georgia Southern                                   
Addy Burrow, Georgia Southern                                       
Zahra Gonzalez, Georgia Southern                                 
Elysa Walter, North Georgia                                    
  
Second team 
Bremen Butler, Georgia Southern                            
Amy Visconti, Georgia Southern                            
James Hart IV, The Citadel 
Maya Cameron, North Georgia 
Brooklynne Weatherford, Georgia Southern                            
  
SoCon Coach of the Year 
Lt. Col. Bill Bither, VMI 
  
SoCon Freshman of the Year 
Christopher Comstock, UAB

17285.jpg

Three-Peat; GSU captures third straight SoCon Rifle Championship(31979)

<a href="http://ncaarifle.org/Home/Scorecard?MatchId=1761">NCAA scorecard</a> 
 
CHARLESTON, S.C. – Defending overall Southern Conference champion Georgia Southern claimed its fourth consecutive smallbore crown Saturday at the 2024 SoCon Rifle Championships at The Citadel’s Inouye Marksmanship Center in Charleston, South Carolina. GSU sophomore Emma Pohlmann claimed the individual title. 
  
The Eagles shot a championship-record 2,343 to outdistance runner-up UAB, which shot 2,287. GSU, which set a program record with a 2,349 twice during the regular season, surpassed their own championship mark of 2,315 set by the Eagles just a year ago. With the victory, GSU became the first four-time winner of the SoCon’s smallbore championship. 
  
Georgia Southern’s Addy Burrow, who posted a 589 twice during the regular season, shot a 588 to take first place in the qualifying round, edging teammates Ella Goldfaden (587) and Pohlmann (586), who led the SoCon with a 587 average on the season. 
  
Pohlmann, who claimed Georgia Southern’s third straight individual title in the discipline, joined Burrow, freshman Zahra Gonzalez Mazo and Goldfaden, as four Eagles advanced to the finals. 
  
The Citadel’s James Hart IV and Charlotte Welsh made their second consecutive appearances in the finals, with North Georgia’s Maya Cameron and VMI’s Ryan Harlow rounding out the finals field. 
  
There, Pohlmann claimed the title after totaling 461.5 to top UNG’s Cameron, who posted a 452.8. Goldfaden and Mazo finished third and fourth, respectively, while Hart was fifth. 
  
The Citadel finished third in the team smallbore standings with 2,281 points, just six points shy of UAB. North Georgia was fourth at 2,279, followed by VMI (2,271), Wofford (2,209), VMI’s women’s team (2,198) and The Citadel’s women’s team (2,142). 
  
The Citadel will look to defend its air rifle title when the SoCon Rifle Championship resumes Sunday. 
  
Sunday’s first relay is set for 7:45 a.m. and the finals are scheduled to start at 2:15 p.m. 
  
 
2024 SoCon Rifle Championship Smallbore team scores 
1. Georgia Southern         2,343 
2. UAB                              2,287 
3. The Citadel                  2,281 
4. North Georgia             2,279 
5. VMI                             2,271 
6. Wofford                       2,209 
7. VMI (W)                       2,198 
8. The Citadel (W)            2,142 
  
Smallbore individual final 
1. Emma Pohlmann, Georgia Southern (461.5) 
2. Maya Cameron, North Georgia (452.8) 
3. Ella Goldfaden , Georgia Southern (443.1) 
4. Zahra Gonzalez Mazo, Georgia Southern (432.1) 
5. James Hart IV, The Citadel (421.9) 
6. Ryan Harlow, VMI (409.7) 
7. Addy Burrow, Georgia Southern (398.7) 
8. Charlotte Welsh, The Citadel (397.9)

17276.jpg

Georgia Southern claims smallbore crown at rifle championship(31969)

<a href="/article/blt35e5842980b46173">SoCon Championship information page</a> 
 
 
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The 2024 Southern Conference Rifle Championships will be contested this weekend at The Citadel’s Inouye Marksmanship Center in Charleston, South Carolina, with two-time defending overall champion Georgia Southern looking to win its third consecutive title. 
 
Smallbore competition will begin Saturday at 8 a.m., with the finals scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Air rifle follows on Sunday with the first relay at 7:45 a.m. and the finals scheduled to start at 2:15 p.m. 
  
The Eagles claimed their first overall team title two seasons ago, while winning their second straight smallbore championship with a score of 2,266 and finishing second in air rifle with a score of 2,337 for a tournament-record aggregate score of 4,603. 
  
Georgia Southern followed by recording its’ second consecutive championship-record aggregate score of 4,657 en route to winning its second straight conference team rifle title at the 2023 SoCon Rifle Championships. 
    
Georgia Southern’s Amy Visconti won the smallbore individual title, while North Georgia’s Elysa Walter claimed the air rifle crown the following day. GSU’s Addy Burrow was named the SoCon Smallbore and Air Rifle Athlete of the Year, with the Nighthawks’ Walter also earning SoCon Freshman of the Year accolades. 
  
This year’s Georgia Southern squad is ranked No. 6 in the latest Collegiate Rifle Coaches Association poll and narrowly missed earning its first-ever trip to the NCAA Championships. The Eagles were followed by North Georgia at No. 17, while UAB and VMI each shared the 20th spot.    
 
The Eagles lead the SoCon in smallbore (2,337.615), air rifle (2,378.538) and aggregate (4,716.153) this season, while owning the top-10 scores in all three categories this season. North Georgia is second in the SoCon in smallbore (2290.400), air rifle (2,349.500) and aggregate (4,639.900), while The Citadel is close behind in smallbore (2278.615), air rifle (2321.538) and aggregate (4600.153). 
 
GSU sophomore Emma Pohlmann leads the league in both categories and aggregate, while sharing the top score in smallbore (592) with Walter this season. The Citadel’s James Hart IV and the Eagles’ Ella Goldfaden have each notched two of the top-five smallbore scores. Pohlmann swept SoCon smallbore and air rifle shooter of the month honors twice this season, with Walter, Goldfaden and VMI’s Christopher Hicks and Victoria Phillips each claiming the accolade once. 
 
Pohlmann averages a league-best 587.000 in smallbore and 595.154 in air rifle for a season average aggregate score of 1,182.154. She owns four of the top 12 scores fired in the SoCon in smallbore this season and half of the top 10 in air rifle. The native of Nentershausen, Germany, owns or shares six of the top 11 aggregate showings. 
  
Pohlmann is the third Georgia Southern student-athlete to qualify for the NCAA air rifle championships later this month, while The Citadel’s Hart is just one of three men selected as an individual for smallbore. 
  
Hart, the only SoCon student-athlete other than Pohlmann and Walter Burrow to shoot at least 590 this season, is fourth in the league in the discipline with an average of 583.538. The NCAA Rifle Championships will be held in Morgantown, West Virginia, at the WVU Coliseum, March 8-9. 
 
Georgia Southern freshman Zahra Gonzalez Mazo is the first alternate in air rifle should a competitor not be able to compete. 
  
Since the league began sponsoring the sport again in 2016-17, North Georgia owns the most SoCon Championship titles with three (2017, 2018, 2021), while UAB (2019 and 2020) and Georgia Southern (2022 and 2023) have each claimed two championships. 
 
 
  
2024 SoCon Championship schedule 
Saturday, March 2 – Smallbore 
8:00–8:15 a.m.         Preparation and sighting 
8:15– 9:45 a.m.             Small Bore Relay #1 
10:15– 10:30 a.m.         Preparation and sighting 
10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.     Small Bore Relay #2 
12:30–12:45 p.m.         Preparation and sighting 
12:45–2:15 p.m.         Small Bore Relay #3 
3:15 p.m.            Report 
3:30 p.m.             Small Bore Finals 
  
Sunday, March 3 – Air rifle 
7:30 – 7:45 a.m.         Preparation and sighting 
7:45– 9 a.m.             Air Rifle Relay #1 
9:30– 9:45 a.m.             Preparation and sighting 
9:45– 11 a.m.             Air Rifle Relay #2 
11:30– 11:45 a.m.         Preparation and sighting 
11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.         Air Rifle Relay #3 
2:15 p.m.             Air Rifle Finals

Southern Conference Rifle Championships Set for this Weekend image for article

Southern Conference Rifle Championships Set for this Weekend(31965)

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Wofford College President Nayef Samhat has announced that Scott Kull will be the college's next director of athletics, effective April 1, 2024. 
  
Kull is currently the deputy athletics director for external affairs and executive director of the athletics foundation at University of North Carolina Charlotte. He has held similar positions at the University of Utah, University of South Florida, Florida State and Texas Christian University. His career has also taken him to the University of Florida and Georgia Tech. A proven fundraiser, Kull has 31 years of experience in intercollegiate athletics, including work in strategic planning, student-athlete wellbeing, athletics marketing and media relations, departmental leadership, financial affairs, compliance and risk management, corporate sponsorship, licensing, ticket sales, emerging technologies and facilities and event management. In 2019, he was recognized by the Sports Business Journal as a "power player." 
  
"Scott Kull is eager to share his extensive expertise in NCAA Division I athletics with the Terriers, and we are eager for his leadership and direction as we continue our emphasis on the student-athlete model and the role athletics plays in enhancing the overall student experience at Wofford College," says Wofford College President Nayef Samhat. "He will lead a team of talented student-athletes and committed coaches and athletics staff, and I look forward to watching him build relationships with our community." 
  
"I am incredibly grateful to President Samhat for this unbelievable opportunity," says Kull. "Wofford and its student-athletes represent everything that's right about intercollegiate athletics. It's a perfect fit of rigorous academic standards, highly competitive athletics and phenomenal facilities. When walking on campus, I could feel the pride everyone has in being a Wofford Terrier." 
  
A former NCAA DIII student-athlete who participated in football and track, Kull holds a bachelors degree from Otterbein College and a master's degree from The Ohio State University. 
  
He values community and has been involved in United Way efforts, the Live Thankfully Program, Habitat for Humanity and in coaching youth basketball. He has competed in ironman triathlon events and enjoys cycling and travel.

Wofford Names Scott Kull Director of Athletics image for article

Wofford Names Scott Kull Director of Athletics(31918)

<a href="https://citadelsports.com/news/2024/2/18/mixed-rifle-hart-highlights-victory-over-wofford.aspx">The Citadel 4631, Wofford 4322</a>

Sunday’s Rifle Roundup image for article

Sunday’s Rifle Roundup(31882)

<a href="https://gseagles.com/news/2024/2/17/womens-rifle-southern-finishes-regular-season-with-win-over-ung.aspx">Ga. Southern 4599, North Georgia 4599</a> 
<a href="https://vmikeydets.com/news/2024/2/17/womens-rifle-vmi-rifle-competes-in-ncaa-qualifier-at-no-1-west-virginia.aspx">West Virginia 4751, VMI 4592, VMI (W) 4415</a> 
<a href="https://uabsports.com/news/2024/2/17/rifle-posts-program-record-4611-in-ncaa-qualifier">Jacksonville State 4695, UAB 4611</a>

Saturday's Rifle Roundup image for article

Saturday's Rifle Roundup(31876)

Sunday’s Rifle Roundup(31835)

<a href="https://gseagles.com/news/2024/2/10/womens-rifle-rifle-finishes-socon-action-undefeated.aspx">Navy 4727, Ga. Southern 4714, Citadel (W) 2701</a> 
<a href="https://vmikeydets.com/news/2024/2/10/womens-rifle-vmi-womens-rifle-competes-at-no-16-morehead-state.aspx">Morehead State 4672, VMI (W) 4420</a>

Saturday's Rifle Roundup(31825)

<a href="https://ungathletics.com/news/2024/2/3/no-17-nighthawks-coasts-past-the-citadel-in-home-rifle-contest.aspx">No. 17 North Georgia 4649, The Citadel 3863</a> 
<a href="https://gseagles.com/news/2024/2/3/womens-rifle-eagles-pick-up-two-more-wins-over-ranked-opponents.aspx">No. 5 Ga. Southern 4710, No. 6 Ole Miss 4701, No. 20 UAB 4593</a>

Saturday’s Rifle Roundup image for article

Saturday’s Rifle Roundup(31783)

<a href="https://ungathletics.com/news/2024/1/27/rifle-no-17-defeats-wofford-as-nighthawks-claim-top-six-spots.aspx">North Georgia 4652, Wofford 4414</a> 
<a href="https://citadelsports.com/news/2024/1/27/mixed-rifle-rifle-secures-win-over-vmi.aspx">The Citadel-W 4451, VMI-W 4432</a> 
<a href="https://citadelsports.com/news/2024/1/27/mixed-rifle-rifle-secures-win-over-vmi.aspx">The Citadel 4611, VMI 4598</a>

Saturday’s Rifle Roundup(31755)

<a href="https://citadelsports.com/news/2024/1/21/mixed-rifle-rifle-drops-both-matches-against-air-force.aspx">No. 8 Air Force 4722, The Citadel (W) 4388</a> 
<a href="https://ungathletics.com/news/2024/1/21/no-16-army-holds-off-no-17-north-georgia-in-rifle.aspx">No. 16 Army 4679, No. 17 North Georgia 4643</a>

Sunday’s Rifle Roundup(31731)

<a href="https://vmikeydets.com/news/2024/1/20/mens-rifle-vmi-rifle-fires-program-record-in-win-over-wofford.aspx">VMI 4610, Wofford 4409</a> 
<a href="https://uabsports.com/news/2024/1/20/no-20-uab-rifle-records-4581-aggregate-score-against-no-18-ut-martin">UT Martin 4629, UAB 4581</a> 
<a href="https://gseagles.com/news/2024/1/20/womens-rifle-eagles-roll-to-win-over-7-nebraska-on-the-road.aspx">No. 5 Ga. Southern 4725, No. 7 Nebraska 4702</a> 
Air Force 4716, Citadel 4625, Citadel (W) 4351

Saturday’s Rifle Roundup(31730)

<a href="https://ungathletics.com/news/2024/1/19/rifle-no-17-nighthawks-race-past-no-20-uab-at-withrow-invitational.aspx">Nighthawks Match Their Highest Score of the Season 4657-4586 in SoCon Victory</a>

Friday’s Rifle Roundup image for article

Friday’s Rifle Roundup(31721)

Eagles Set Numerous Career-Highs with Win

Sunday’s Rifle Roundup(31704)

<a href="https://gseagles.com/news/2024/1/13/womens-rifle-eagle-rifle-opens-spring-semester-with-win-over-no-10-murray-state.aspx">Georgia Southern Knocks Off No. 10 Murray State</a> 
<a href="https://uabsports.com/news/2024/1/13/uab-rifle-posts-4580-as-ling-records-personal-best-aggregate-score">Sophomore Brent Ling Leads UAB Past Wofford</a> 
The Citadel Drops Narrow Decision at Jacksonville State

Saturday's Rifle Roundup(31698)

All-Southern Conference Faculty and Staff Team announced image for article

All-Southern Conference Faculty and Staff Team announced(31690)

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Southern Conference exceled in the NCAA Graduation Success Rate (GSR) scores released Tuesday, exceeding the FCS average in seven men’s sports including baseball, basketball and football, and six women’s sports. 
  
“The outstanding graduation success rates of the SoCon institutions are a leading indicator of the educational commitment of the student-athletes that compete across The Southern Conference,” SoCon Commissioner Michael Cross said. “Our institutions highly value academic success and knowing their student-athletes are graduating at high rates shows how much the faculty, coaches and athletics staff encourage academic achievement. The intellectual development of student-athletes and their academic success across the SoCon is a tremendous point of pride and celebration!” 
   
Thirty-seven SoCon women’s programs and 27 men’s programs achieved perfect scores of 100 for the 2013-16 cohorts. All 10 league schools had at least one men’s program earn a perfect score, while each SoCon schools had at least two women’s programs earn a 100. 
  
Samford and Mercer each had five men’s teams post 100 scores, while Samford had seven women’s programs achieve the benchmark. Samford led all SoCon schools with a total of 12 perfect scores, while Furman and Wofford were tied for second with nine apiece. 
  
Samford had a league-best overall GSR of 98 as 12 of the Bulldogs’ 13 programs achieved a perfect score of 100. Overall, five league schools posted overall scores of 90 or better. 
  
For the fifth year in a row, Samford was the lone SoCon school to exceed the FCS average in every sport it sponsors. 
  
Volleyball, women’s tennis and women’s golf top the women’s sports with seven programs achieving a perfect score in each sport. The SoCon’s mixed rifle squads led the conference with an average score of 100, followed closely by volleyball and women’s tennis, which each posted a 98. 
  
Eight SoCon men’s basketball teams exceeded the FCS average of 85, with Furman, UNCG, Samford and Western Carolina posting perfect scores. Eight league football programs topped the FCS average of 79, with Furman and Wofford leading the way with scores of 94. The conference average was 87, eight points higher than the FCS average. 
  
On the women’s side, tennis and volleyball both turned in average GSRs of 98. Furman, Mercer, UNCG, Samford, Chattanooga, Western Carolina and Wofford turned in perfect women’s tennis scores, as did The Citadel, ETSU, UNCG, Samford, Chattanooga, Western Carolina and Wofford for volleyball. 
  
Five league women’s basketball programs exceeded the FCS average of 92, with Mercer, Samford, Chattanooga and Western Carolina all turning in 100s. 
  
Each SoCon women’s sport had three or more institutions post perfect scores. 
  
Developed by the NCAA as part of its academic reform initiative, the GSR is used to assess the academic success of student-athletes. The GSR measures graduation rates at Division I institutions and includes students transferring into the institutions. The GSR also allows schools to subtract student-athletes who leave their institutions prior to graduation as long as they would have been academically eligible to compete had they remained. 
  
ABOUT THE GSR 
The Graduation Success Rate was developed by the NCAA as part of its academic reform initiative to more accurately measure the success of Division I student-athletes. 
• The GSR takes into account the many different academic paths followed by today’s college students. 
• Unlike the federal graduation rate, the GSR holds institutions accountable for transfer students. The GSR also accounts for midyear enrollees and is calculated for every sport. 
• By counting incoming transfer students and midyear enrollees, the GSR increases the total number of student-athletes tracked for graduation by approximately 37 percent. 
• Under the GSR calculation, institutions are not penalized for outgoing transfer students who leave in good academic standing. These outgoing transfers are essentially passed to the receiving institution’s GSR cohort. 
• The NCAA also calculates the federal graduation rate for student-athletes, because it is the only rate to compare student-athletes to the general student body. 
• This year marks the 22nd year of GSR data that have been collected. The NCAA began collecting GSR data with the entering freshman class of 1995. The latest entering class for which data are available is 2016.

SoCon excels in annual Graduation Success Rate data image for article

SoCon excels in annual Graduation Success Rate data(31594)

<a href="https://vmikeydets.com/news/2023/12/2/mens-rifle-rifle-closes-out-fall-slate-with-win-over-wofford-john-jay.aspx">VMI 4561, VMI-W 4430, Wofford 4336, John Jay 4256</a>

SoCon News

Headlines

Edit

SoCon News

Headlines

Social Media Feed

Edit