Sun Belt Shines as Coastal Carolina Aims for College World Series Glory
OMAHA, Neb. – As Coastal Carolina baseball steps onto the iconic Charles Schwab Stadium this Saturday to contend for a national championship, they carry not just their pride but the entire Sun Belt Conference on their shoulders. With a surge in competitiveness since its expansion to 14 members for the 2022-2023 season, the Sun Belt is making headlines like never before.
A Historic Achievement for Coastal Carolina
The Chanticleers, who joined the Sun Belt right after their 2016 baseball championship, are only the second program in this conference to reach the NCAA Division I national championship finals this season, following the success of the Marshall men’s soccer team. This moment positions the Sun Belt alongside powerhouse conferences like the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC, marking a newfound prominence in collegiate athletics.
Unstoppable Momentum: A 26-Game Winning Streak
The achievements of the Chanticleers have been nothing short of extraordinary. They remain undefeated since April 22, boasting a remarkable 26-game winning streak that includes a flawless postseason run. In fact, they’ve shattered a 77-year-old record previously held by USC, making history along the way. Coastal’s head coach, Kevin Schnall, encapsulated the moment perfectly, stating, “It’s incredible, but it’s not unbelievable.”
The Rise of the Sun Belt
This unprecedented success isn’t just a flash in the pan for Coastal Carolina. It mirrors the ongoing evolution of the Sun Belt since the 2022-2023 season:
Leading the Charge in Football: For three consecutive years, the Sun Belt has been the top non-autonomy conference in Bowl Season representation, culminating in a record-setting 12 Bowl qualifiers in 2023.
- Diverse Achievements Across Sports: The Sun Belt recorded an impressive 37 NCAA postseason berths across several sports, including baseball, football, and soccer, solidifying its status as a multi-bid league in multiple disciplines.
A Legacy of Excellence
The Sun Belt’s journey to the College World Series final marks a critical juncture in its history:
- It has sent 14 teams to NCAA Baseball Regionals, with several reaching the Super Regionals.
- Historically, the conference has produced seven Super Regional teams and two College World Series teams since the tournament’s format was revamped in 1999.
Even in women’s athletics, the Sun Belt showcases its prowess, sending numerous teams to the Women’s College World Series.
Men’s Soccer and Football: A Broader Influence
In the recent resurgence of men’s soccer, the Sun Belt has successfully sent nine teams to the NCAA Tournament since re-establishing the conference in 2022. Additionally, the conference boasts a .571 bowl winning percentage, trailing only the SEC during the current College Football Playoff era.
The Challenge Ahead
As Coastal Carolina prepares for their monumental clash in the College World Series final, they’re not merely aiming for personal glory but rather striving to represent their conference with distinction. A victory would propel them to become the second NCAA team national champion for the Sun Belt, alongside Old Dominion’s women’s basketball team from 1985.
Kevin Schnall echoes the broader sentiment across the Sun Belt: “This is not a fluke. This is not a Cinderella deal…and we’re not going away.”
Conclusion: The Sun Belt’s Bright Future
With 14 universities across 10 states, the Sun Belt is asserting its influence in NCAA Division I sports. As they strive for a national championship this weekend, they are poised to elevate the league’s standing in the annals of collegiate athletics. The Sun Belt is not just rising; it’s claiming its place among the elite.
The journey continues, and the spotlight is brighter than ever.
