Coastal Carolina University

College Overview

Coastal Carolina University (CCU) is located in the charming town of Conway, South Carolina, just minutes from Myrtle Beach. This unique location provides students with a picturesque coastal setting that combines the best of both worlds: a small-town feel with easy access to the beach and larger cities. Established in 1954, Coastal Carolina has grown to become a well-respected public university, attracting students from around the country and the globe. With a student population of around 10,000, CCU maintains a close-knit, welcoming atmosphere, supported by a strong academic foundation and an active campus life.

CCU offers a broad range of academic programs, including strong offerings in business, marine science, and education. It’s especially known for its innovative programs that emphasize hands-on learning, research opportunities, and community engagement. The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers, the university’s athletic teams, compete in NCAA Division I as part of the Sun Belt Conference. This affiliation has led to a robust sports culture on campus, making CCU an attractive choice for student-athletes. To explore more about Coastal Carolina University, visit the Coastal Carolina University website.

Athletic Programs and Facilities
Coastal Carolina University offers a variety of athletic programs, and the Chanticleers have gained national attention for their achievements, especially in football and baseball. CCU’s athletic department emphasizes teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship, creating a supportive and competitive environment for student-athletes.

• Football: The Chanticleers football program has achieved significant success, including a remarkable undefeated regular season and a Sun Belt Conference title. Brooks Stadium, where the team plays, seats over 20,000 fans and has a reputation for its lively game-day atmosphere.
• Baseball: Coastal Carolina’s baseball program is highly regarded, having won the NCAA College World Series in 2016. The program continues to draw top talent and maintains a rigorous training schedule, with games held at the state-of-the-art Springs Brooks Stadium.
• Basketball, Soccer, and Other Sports: CCU offers a wide range of other sports, including men’s and women’s basketball, soccer, golf, and track and field. Each program is well-supported, with high-quality facilities and a culture that encourages athletic and academic balance.

Athletic Facilities

Coastal Carolina provides state-of-the-art facilities that support athlete training and development across various sports.

• Brooks Stadium: This football stadium is equipped with modern seating, premium facilities, and dedicated spaces for athlete training and recovery.
• HTC Student Recreation and Convocation Center: Home to the basketball and volleyball teams, this facility includes training rooms, equipment areas, and comfortable spaces for athlete preparation.
• Springs Brooks Stadium: A premier baseball venue with seating for over 2,500 fans, this stadium offers athletes a top-tier environment for training and competition.

For more information on athletic programs and facilities, visit the Coastal Carolina University Athletics website.

Recruitment Process and Athlete Resources
The recruitment process at Coastal Carolina University is both rigorous and accessible, with coaches and staff actively scouting and connecting with prospective student-athletes. Here’s how you can stand out in the process and make the most of CCU’s resources:

Recruitment Process

Prospective athletes are encouraged to reach out to coaches early, providing highlight reels, stats, and a summary of their academic and athletic achievements. CCU also hosts showcases, camps, and campus tours that allow prospective athletes to meet coaches and demonstrate their abilities. The university values athletes who show strong academic records and leadership qualities.

Athlete Support Resources

Coastal Carolina University provides a range of resources to support athletes in both their sports and academic pursuits:

• Academic Advising: CCU’s academic advisors work closely with student-athletes to help them balance their schedules and maintain NCAA eligibility.
• Tutoring and Study Programs: Free tutoring is available to all student-athletes, and CCU also offers study halls and workshops tailored to athletes’ needs.
• Health and Nutrition Services: CCU has a dedicated health team, including nutritionists and sports medicine professionals, who help athletes maintain peak performance through individualized plans.

For more on recruitment and athlete resources, visit the CCU Recruitment page.

Academic Offerings and Admissions
Coastal Carolina University provides diverse academic programs suited to the needs and interests of student-athletes, especially those considering careers in fields such as sports science, marine science, and business.

Popular Programs for Athletes

• Marine Science: One of CCU’s flagship programs, marine science, offers hands-on learning experiences in nearby coastal ecosystems.
• Sports Science and Exercise Physiology: This program provides athletes with knowledge about human movement, sports performance, and injury prevention.
• Business: The Wall College of Business offers courses in marketing, management, and entrepreneurship, appealing to athletes looking to pursue business-related careers.

Admissions Requirements

Coastal Carolina’s admissions process evaluates academic performance, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement. Student-athletes are encouraged to maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and submit competitive SAT/ACT scores. Highlighting sports achievements and leadership roles in applications can also make a strong impression.

For more details, visit the CCU Admissions page.

Campus Life and Support for Athletes
Campus life at Coastal Carolina is known for its active, engaged student body and diverse opportunities for involvement.

Housing and Meal Plans

CCU offers a variety of housing options, from traditional residence halls to apartment-style living. Many athletes live on campus to stay close to training facilities and academic resources. Meal plans at CCU are flexible, with options tailored to meet athletes’ nutritional needs, including high-protein and plant-based options.

Student Organizations and Social Life

With over 180 student organizations, CCU provides ample opportunities for involvement beyond athletics. Student-athletes can join clubs related to their majors or interests, participate in community service, or engage in leadership roles.

Balancing Academics and Athletics

Coastal Carolina offers resources to help student-athletes balance their commitments, including academic advising, time management workshops, and support from the athletic department. The coaches and advisors work to ensure that athletes have time for academics, social activities, and personal interests.

For more details on campus life, visit the CCU Campus Life page.

Profiles of Key Coaches and Staff
Coastal Carolina has a dedicated coaching staff committed to fostering a culture of excellence in both sports and academics.

• Jamey Chadwell (Football Head Coach): Coach Chadwell has led CCU’s football team to unprecedented success, earning Coach of the Year honors and fostering a collaborative, team-oriented culture.
• Gary Gilmore (Baseball Head Coach): Known for his strategic insight and leadership, Coach Gilmore has guided CCU’s baseball program to a College World Series victory.
• Cliff Ellis (Men’s Basketball Head Coach): Coach Ellis brings years of experience and a focus on player development to the Chanticleers’ basketball program.

For more information about CCU’s coaching staff, visit the Coaches’ Profiles page.

Alumni Success Stories
CCU is proud of its alumni who have gone on to excel in sports and other fields:

• Josh Norman: A former CCU football player, Norman went on to a successful NFL career, earning Pro Bowl recognition.
• Kirt Manwaring: A former Chanticleers baseball player, Manwaring had a successful career in Major League Baseball, playing for teams like the San Francisco Giants.

For more alumni stories, visit the CCU Alumni page.

Virtual Tour

Experience Coastal Carolina’s beautiful campus through its virtual tour. Prospective athletes can get a firsthand look at the university’s athletic facilities, academic buildings, and student spaces. The tour covers dorms, training facilities, and more, giving athletes a sense of CCU’s vibrant campus community and top-notch resources. Check back soon for the virtual tour video!

Tips for Prospective Athletes
Here are some tips for athletes considering CCU:

1. Engage with Coaches Early: Start reaching out to CCU’s coaching staff as soon as possible. Share your stats, highlight reels, and a resume.
2. Visit Campus: If possible, schedule a campus visit to see the facilities, meet coaches, and experience the campus environment.
3. Maintain Academic Excellence: Keep a strong GPA, as CCU values academic achievement alongside athletic performance.
4. Prepare a Professional Portfolio: Include stats, video highlights, and any awards or leadership roles in your portfolio to make a strong impression.

For more information, visit the Prospective Athletes page.