News Summary
The University of South Carolina Beaufort has achieved full NCAA Division II membership, marking the end of its provisional status and allowing its athletic teams to compete in national postseason play starting in the fall. This milestone recognizes USCB’s commitment to developing a robust athletic program, highlighted by achievements during the transition period, including a PBC title in men’s golf. The Sand Sharks are set to participate fully in the Peach Belt Conference, enhancing their visibility and competitiveness across 11 sponsored sports.
Beaufort, South Carolina – USCB Achieves Full NCAA Division II Membership
The University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) has achieved full NCAA Division II membership, as announced by the USCB Athletic Department on July 11, 2025. This milestone following a successful three-year transition marks the end of the university’s provisional status and grants its athletic teams the opportunity to compete in national postseason play starting in the fall of 2025.
USCB is currently a member of the Peach Belt Conference (PBC), where its athletic teams, known as the Sand Sharks, will participate fully in the league. The announcement of full membership means that the Sand Sharks will be eligible for regional and national tournaments as early as the 2025-2026 season.
The university’s dedication to developing a robust athletic program has been recognized, with Athletics Director Quin Monahan praising the collective efforts of coaches, staff, student-athletes, and community supporters that contributed to this achievement. USCB Chancellor Dr. Al Panu characterized the approval as a “defining moment” for the institution, indicating the importance of this achievement in the university’s growth and reputation.
Transition and Achievements
USCB’s journey to NCAA Division II membership began with a rigorous three-year process. The university joined the Peach Belt Conference for the 2022-2023 academic year and was invited to join the league the previous year. During the transition period, USCB made significant achievements in athletics, including the men’s golf team winning the university’s first PBC title and the men’s basketball team reaching the conference championship game in the spring preceding the announcement.
The university sponsors a total of 11 sports, including both men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, soccer, cross country, golf, softball, and track & field. Notably, men’s and women’s indoor track and field are not yet sponsored by the Peach Belt Conference, highlighting areas for potential future development in USCB’s athletics program.
Background on the Athletics Program
USCB has actively developed its intercollegiate athletics program since its inception in 2007, with a commitment to fostering a culture of competitiveness and excellence among its student-athletes. The transition to NCAA Division II aligns with the university’s goals to enhance its athletic offerings and provide students with opportunities for both academic and athletic success.
With its new status, USCB is poised to further elevate its athletic profile and provide its student-athletes with enhanced experiences and opportunities. The move is expected to not only bolster the university’s athletics but also to enrich the campus community and engage local supporters who have rallied around the university’s sports programs.
The approval of full NCAA Division II membership signals a new chapter for USCB, one that promises to bring increased visibility and competitive opportunities to its student-athletes and athletic programs. As the 2025-2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on the Sand Sharks as they embark on this exciting new journey.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet
- WJCL
- WTOC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NCAA
- Google Search: University of South Carolina Beaufort
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
