Beacon College accepted into New South Athletic Conference

Locally, there's been some great news on the athletics front: Beacon College school’s athletics program has been admitted into the New South Athletic Conference, which will provide more competitive playing opportunities in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association.

In the new school year, Beacon will compete in league play in men's and women's basketball and cross country.

The college is the first accredited college offering four-year degrees specifically designed around students with learning differences like dyslexia, ADHD and other related conditions.

"Acceptance into the New South Athletic Conference bolsters pride in the institution, further reputational recognition, and increases the college’s ability to become more competitive in recruiting new students,” said George J. Hagerty, Beacon president, in a press statement. .

In 2022, the college attracted former NBA star and head coach Sam Vincent to build the men’s basketball program. Joining Beacon this year to helm the women's basketball team is Mfon Udoka, a seasoned WNBA player and women’s basketball coach.

Assistant Director of Fitness and Athletics Tony Wrice oversees cross-country.

“As part of the college’s strategic plan, Beacon is devoted to better rounding out its athletic, fitness, and wellness programming of which the move to intercollegiate athletics is a part,” Hagerty added.

Hagerty added that Beacon has moved up in competitive rankings, and the college now is going head-to-head in admissions with institutions that provide an intercollegiate outlet.

According to Gabe Watson, Beacon director of fitness and athletics, admission in the league helps achieve the college’s goal for athletics of being “on the same plane to make for an equally competitive atmosphere and I think we're making steps in that direction.”

Formed in 2020, the New South Athletic Conference consists of small colleges and universities in the Southeast. Other schools in the NSAC include Apprentice School, Atlantis University, Blue Lights College, Central International College, John Melvin Christian College, John Melvin University, Lighthouse Christian College, Mid-Atlantic Christian University, South Carolina Central Christian College and Virginia State University.

“Our teams are continuing to be challenged by facing great competition on a high level," Vincent told the Daily Commercial. "Competing in this conference provides our players with the experience to grow as athletes on and off the court in immeasurable ways that will have a long-term, positive impact."

As for recruitment, finding neurodivergent student-athletes to sport the Beacon jersey just became a bit easier, Watson emphasized.

This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Beacon College accepted into New South Athletic Conference