Coastal Carolina University Athletics

Coastal Carolina competes in NCAA Division I, meaning big-time college sports with scholarships and serious competition. The Chanticleers field 16 varsity teams with 492 total athletes, representing about 5% of the 9,909-student body. The school awards over $10 million in athletic scholarships annually. Coastal Carolina made national headlines with its football program, which has appeared in multiple bowl games and pulled off stunning upsets against major programs. The team competes in the Sun Belt Conference alongside regional competitors. Their main rival is Appalachian State University, creating intense matchups in football and other sports. The Chanticleers nickname reflects the school's unique identity, and the athletics program has elevated the university's profile since transitioning to Division I status.