The Big South Conference (BSC) is an NCAA Division I athletic conference that has been in operation since 1983. The conference’s membership includes ten colleges and universities from the Coastal Plain and Piedmont regions. The BSC is considered one of the premier Division I conferences in the Southeast, and its member institutions display impressive athletic and academic achievements.

History

The Big South Conference has been in operation since 1983, when seven founding members – Appalachian State, Augusta, Campbell, Charleston, Radford, UNC Asheville, and Winthrop – decided to form an athletic conference. The following year, Liberty University joined the group, forming the 8-team conference. These schools competed in eight NCAA Division I sports – baseball, softball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s soccer.

In 2002, the Big South further expanded their membership by welcoming three new teams: High Point, Presbyterian College, and UNC Asheville. Over time, various schools dropped from or joined the conference, resulting in the current structure of 11 schools. Today, the Big South includes Campbell, Charleston Southern, Gardner-Webb, Hampton, High Point, Liberty, Longwood, Presbyterian, Radford, UNC Asheville, USC Upstate, and Winthrop.

Member Institutions

The Big South Conference has eleven full-time members, each located in different regions from North Carolina to Virginia. Academic rigor is a major component of BSC members, with many of the universities considered among the top liberal arts institutions in the nation and most of the members belonging to such esteemed organizations as Phi Beta Kappa or Association of American Colleges and Universities. From Campbell University bass on athletics and academics in the classroom to Hampton University focusing on student involvement and community service, the Big South offers a unique mix of academic and athletic excellence.

• Campbell University
• Charleston Southern University
• Gardner-Webb University
• Hampton University
• High Point University
• Liberty University
• Longwood University
• Presbyterian College
• Radford University
• UNC Asheville
• USC Upstate
• Winthrop University

Sports Competed

BSC compete in various sports, both independently and at a conference level. The conference sponsors 16 championship sports in which all eleven schools compete together. The Big South has seven men’s sports: baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, indoor track & field, and outdoor track & field. Additional women’s sports include basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, indoor track & field, and outdoor track & field.

Notable Achievements

The Big South has achieved great success in major college sports, winning titles in baseball (15), basketball (14), golf (13), and lacrosse (9). Apart from individual basketball teams championships, the Big South is also a consistent presence in the Men’s Basketball Tournament, with at least one member team qualifying for the tournament every year since 2007.

The conference has also been home to many of college basketball’s all-time greats. Outstanding players have included Tim Duncan (Wake Forest) Charles Barkley (Auburn), John Stockton (Gonzaga), and Walt Bellamy (Charlotte). The Big South also boasts a number of coaches who have made their mark on college basketball, such as Seth Greenberg (Virginia Tech) and Gregg Marshall (Wichita State).

Rivalries

Some of the fiercest college rivalries known to man can be found in the Big South. Radford vs. Liberty, UNC Asheville vs. 630, and Hampton vs. Norfolk State are among the biggest and most competitive. These teams meet up at least twice a year, and the results are usually heated battles that delight college sports fans.

a Conference Operation

The Big South Conference follows the governance structure provided by the NCAA. Each school’s athletic departments have a director, a staff, coaches, and administrators who are responsible for the operations of the teams. The conference office in Charlotte, North Carolina is the hub that oversees all operations, including member services, championships, summer athletics, and media relations.

In terms of scheduling, the conference follows a single round-robin format for basketball and a double round-robin format for baseball and softball. The BSC also holds ongoing conference championships that give schools a chance to compete for titles in each sport. These events usually take place during the spring months.

The Role and Impact of the Big South Conference

The Big South Conference is a major player in the college sports landscape, both regionally and nationally. Its teams have achieved great success in the NCAA tournament and its schools are well-respected for their academic and athletic achievements. The conference is known for its commitment to fairness in athletics, as well as for its dedication to promoting student-athlete development.

At a local level, the Big South provides plenty of entertainment for the states it is in. The annual basketball tournaments ranking many of the top teams in the nation, and local school teams going head-to-head in patriotic rivalries. Attendance figures for the tourneys are often quite high, showcasing the level of encouragement and enthusiasm from local audiences.

Future Prospects for the Big South Conference

Recent trends suggest that the Big South will remain competitive in the NCAA Division I level for many years to come. The conference has managed to maintain its roster of 11 teams, and the recent conference expansion in the south could benefit the Big South in terms of recruiting, revenue, and visibility. It is likely that the conference will retain its position in the national college sports scene and will continue to produce outstanding athletes and teams.

In the near future, it is likely that the Big South will expand its membership and add additional NCAA Division I teams. Added teams will add additional school rivalries, as well as new ideas and perspectives that can help the Big South maintain its competitive edge. With the future looking so strong, the Big South is set to once again lead the way in college sports.