August 29, 2025

University Basketball Coach Retains Position After DUI Arrest

Hilton Head Island, August 29, 2025

News Summary

Ronald Fudala Jr., head basketball coach at the University of South Carolina Beaufort, will remain in his role despite his recent DUI arrest. The incident occurred on Hilton Head Island, where he admitted to consuming alcohol but declined a breathalyzer test, facing a suspension of driving privileges. Fudala’s early coaching career has shown promise, leading the Sand Sharks to an improved record last season. As the team prepares for its upcoming season, Fudala’s leadership will be crucial in navigating the changes within NCAA Division II.

Beaufort, South Carolina – University Basketball Coach Retains Position After DUI Arrest

Ronald Stanley Fudala Jr., the 33-year-old head basketball coach at the University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB), will remain in his position despite being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). His arrest occurred on the night of August 12 on Hilton Head Island.

Fudala, who lives in Bluffton, was stopped by law enforcement after another motorist reported seeing his Acura “swaying back and forth” in its lane on U.S. 278 in the Shelter Cove area. During the traffic stop, he confessed to consuming “four IPAs” at a local brewery and assessed his level of impairment as a “five” on a scale from one to ten. However, he declined to take a breathalyzer test, resulting in an automatic 90-day suspension of his driving privileges under South Carolina law.

A university spokesperson confirmed that the administration is aware of the situation but characterized it as a “private matter.” Fudala has chosen to defer questions regarding the incident to his lawyer, who has not made any comments to the media. His first court appearance is scheduled for September 1, according to Beaufort County judicial records.

Fudala joined USCB as the first-ever men’s basketball coach in the fall of 2022 and has since led the program through its initial competitive seasons. Under his leadership, the Sand Sharks recorded a 10-16 season in their inaugural year in 2023, showing potential for improvement. In the subsequent season (2024-25), they achieved a commendable 21-10 record and advanced to the championship round of the Peach Belt Conference Tournament, although they ultimately lost to USC Aiken by 16 points.

As USCB prepares for the upcoming 2025-26 academic year, it marks the first full year as a member of NCAA Division II, providing additional opportunities such as athletic scholarships and enhanced postseason competition. This transition follows a period of competition under the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics since 2007.

The USCB men’s basketball team is set to commence its upcoming season on November 14, with an away game against Francis Marion University in Florence, S.C. Fudala’s capacity as head coach will focus on leading the team through the upcoming challenges and opportunities presented in this new chapter of USCB athletics.

Background Context

Fudala’s coaching career prior to USCB included serving as an associate coach at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he garnered recognition with several championships and a trip to the 2022 NCAA Division II Final Four. His experience and successes set a promising foundation for the USCB men’s basketball team, which is now evolving within the NCAA framework.

The USCB basketball program is looking forward to capitalizing on its recent successes and embracing the competitive landscape of NCAA Division II sports. Fudala’s leadership will be vital as the team strives for success on and off the court in the seasons to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Ronald Fudala arrested for?

Ronald Fudala was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Hilton Head Island on August 12.

Will Fudala remain the head coach?

Yes, the University of South Carolina Beaufort has confirmed that Fudala will retain his position as head basketball coach despite the arrest.

When is Fudala’s court appearance?

Fudala’s first court appearance is scheduled for September 1.

What was the USCB basketball team’s record under Fudala?

In the 2023 season, the team finished with a record of 10 wins and 16 losses, and improved to 21 wins and 10 losses in the 2024-25 season.

Summary of Key Features

Feature	Details
Coach’s Name	Ronald Stanley Fudala Jr.
Age	33
Arrest Date	August 12
DUI Details	Admitted to drinking at local brewery, declined breathalyzer
USCB Basketball Record (2023)	10 wins, 16 losses
Improved Record (2024-25)	21 wins, 10 losses
Upcoming Season Start	November 14 against Francis Marion University

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Additional Resources

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.

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.

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