CONWAY, S.C. – Coastal Carolina University has been named the winner of the NCAA Division I Community Engagement Impact Award, recognizing the Chanticleers' national leadership in student-athlete service and community involvement.
The NCAA Community Engagement Impact Challenge runs from September through December and ranks institutions based on total student-athlete volunteer hours and participation rates. Coastal Carolina led all Division I institutions in overall community impact to earn the national distinction.
During the 2025 fall semester, Coastal Carolina student-athletes logged 11,547 total community service hours. Every program ensured that each student-athlete completed at least 10 hours of service during the semester, reinforcing a department-wide commitment to engagement and accountability.
Chanticleer student-athletes volunteered extensively with organizations including the Miracle League, ChantiCrew, Adopt-a-Chant, the Early Childhood Development Center, and Shine Prom, among others throughout the Conway and Grand Strand community.
"I am incredibly proud of our student-athletes for leading the nation in community impact and service," said Chance Miller, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics and University Recreation. "They are not only elite competitors, but they are also elite leaders, and this recognition validates the investment and the model we are building through the Alise Svihla Student-Athlete Development and Engagement Department. Coastal Carolina is setting the standard for what it means to compete and lead at the highest level in Division I athletics."
The Community Engagement Impact Challenge utilizes a data-driven scoring system through Helper Helper, allowing Division I schools to track service hours, calculate impact scores, and verify participation across programs.
"Winning the NCAA Community Impact Challenge reflects the collective commitment of Coastal Carolina University student-athletes, coaches, and administrators to serve with purpose, humility, and heart," said Cari Rosiek, Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Enhancement/SWA. "Our dedication to community service extends far beyond required hours as it represents a culture of leadership and responsibility, where giving back is valued as highly as competitive success. This award honors the meaningful, lasting impact our Chanticleer student-athletes make each day by investing in the community that so strongly supports them."
