CONWAY, S.C. — Coastal Carolina University Athletics is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Development and Engagement Alise Svihla, who passed away on Sunday, March 23, after courageously battling cancer since October 2022. She was 42 years old. 
 
Svihla joined the Coastal staff in May 2022 as Associate AD for student-athlete academic services before being promoted into her current role in January 2025.
 
"Our hearts are extremely heavy today," Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics and University Recreation Chance Miller said. "I have had the privilege of knowing Alise for over a decade, working alongside her at different points in our careers. She brought warmth, kindness, and an unwavering dedication to helping student-athletes. No matter the day, Alise's smile and positive spirit never wavered, and I know many of you experienced the same. Her impact extended far beyond Coastal Carolina — she touched countless lives and left a lasting legacy wherever she went."
 
"Alise's zest for life left an incredible mark on everyone she met," Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Enhancement/SWA Cari Rosiek said. "To be in her presence was a gift, as she had an innate way of making everyone feel loved and valued. She poured her heart into her work, and in doing so, created a lasting legacy that will never be forgotten."
 
"Incredibly sad to get the news today that one of the world's brightest lights has gone out," Coastal Carolina University President Michael T. Benson said in a post on X. "@alise757 was one of the most courageous & positive people I have ever met. She made a real difference at #CCU. The entire @CCUChanticleers @GoCCUsports is heartbroken. #RIPAlise."
 
Late last week, Coastal Carolina Athletics renamed the Student-Athlete Development and Engagement Department in her honor, now forever known as the Alise Svihla Student-Athlete Development and Engagement Department.
 
A 20-year, well-respected veteran of the collegiate academic scene, Svihla has waged her battle in the public eye, rarely missing work and bringing a positivity to the department that few possess. She took a leave from being on campus for treatment in late 2023 but never skipped a day at work and saw her student-athletes at CCU continue to excel in the classroom. 
 
In January 2025, she moved from academics to student-athlete development and engagement, starting up CCU's new Teal Impact program, the department's first holistic student-athlete development program. 
 
Svihla appeared on The Chant Pod in January to talk about the move and Teal Impact. Watch HERE. 
 
She also helped launch a new event, Hoops & Heels, to coincide with 2025's National Girls and Women in Sports Day. Svihla joined the Coastal staff in May 2022 as Associate AD for student-athlete academic services before being promoted into her current role in January 2025. During her time in academics, she led a department which had 20-straight semesters with a 3.0 GPA.
 
Svihla spent nearly five years at Virginia Tech as an associate director, student-athlete support services, over three years at South Carolina in several academic roles, six years at James Madison as the lead academic advisor for football in addition to her work with other sports and started her professional career with a three-year stint in academics at Florida State.
 
She earned a bachelor's degree in human development, family studies and related services and psychology from Virginia Tech in 2005 and has a master's from Florida State in higher education administration and athletic administration from Florida State in 2007. 
 
Svihla was a champion for the student-athlete — a highly visible part of her personality and online profiles — and recognized by so many across the country at her previous institutions and beyond who purchased and wore 'ALISE STRONG' t-shirts and in support of her battle.
 
She was recognized by the South Carolina General Assembly on Feb. 6, 2024, with House Resolution 5035 — both to thank her for her invaluable contributions to student athletes and wish her strength and health as she battles cancer.
 
Tyrece Radford, a standout men's basketball player at Texas A&M who started his career at Virginia Tech, shaved his head in support of Svihla and wore her name on the back of his pink jersey to honor her during the Aggies' breast cancer awareness campaign. His efforts helped raise over $30,000 to assist with her medical expense and earned Radford a spot on the Southeastern Conference's Community Service Team.
 
Svihla's friends set up a GoFundMe in Oct. 2022 to assist with expenses which is still active online. Click HERE.
 
Memorial information will be provided when available.