Seizing Victory

A Championship Culture Unleashed

By Erin Andrews ’10, ’22

Fueling the Fire of Success

It is a time of unparalleled excitement and electrifying energy at Georgia Southwestern State University. Over the past five years, the landscape of GSW has been transformed into a powerhouse of triumphant victories, unyielding determination and an unquenchable thirst for greatness—both in and out of the classroom. The Hurricanes are leading the charge towards a new era of championship glory!

Conquering New Heights

The 2022-23 academic year witnessed an exhilarating ascent of GSW Athletics that surpassed expectations and shattered many previous records. Not one, not two, but three Peach Belt Conference (PBC) championships—the first in GSW's history—were secured by the golf, baseball and women’s basketball teams. These victories have brought immense pride to the University and sent school spirit surging through every corner of the campus community.

The Drive to Succeed

The GSW men's golf team has battled their way to three consecutive appearances in the NCAA Division II National Championship. Glory was almost within their grasp in 2021, as they missed the national title by a mere stroke. Their most recent PBC championship win is proof of their ability to compete at the highest level.

"The Hurricanes' victory in the PBC Championship is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the team," stated Mike Leeder, director of GSW Athletics, expressing his excitement. "They have set a new standard for GSW golf."

Senior Chase McLain and junior Nicolas Escobar were recognized as PING All-American, adding to the team's success this last season. Under the guidance of Head Coach Darcy Donaldson—the 2020 and 2021 NCAA DII Southeast Region Coach of the Year—the golf team's meteoric rise has become a hallmark of excellence, setting the bar for GSW's future golfing legends.

This tremendous success resonates with President Neal Weaver's belief that GSW gives individuals the opportunity to compete on any level, as is the case for former GSW All-American Vincent Norrman, who captured his first PGA Tour victory in the 2023 Barbasol Championship.

The Diamonds of Triumph

The GSW baseball team scripted an unforgettable chapter during the 2022-23 season with 30+ wins, leaving a lasting mark on the program's narrative with a flourish of unprecedented achievements. In a heart-stopping showdown, the Hurricanes clinched the program’s first-ever PBC Regular Season Championship, securing a coveted spot in the NCAA Southeast Regional Tournament.

Led by Head Coach Josh McDonald—2023 PBC Baseball Coach of the Year—the team's accomplishments were further emphasized by numerous player accolades. Four players earned spots on the 2023 All-PBC teams. Nick McCollum was named the 2023 PBC Baseball Pitcher of the Year. McCollum and teammate Rijnaldo Euson made the prestigious American Baseball Coaches Association and Rawlings

NCAA DII All-Region First Team, and first baseman Paul Hegeman earned a Golden Glove Award, another first for GSW. The team’s relentless pursuit of excellence and historic achievements earned them a well-deserved ranking in the Collegiate Baseball NCAA DII Poll.

A Slam Dunk of Success

The success of the GSW’s women's basketball team set the campus ablaze on the path to victory. In a groundbreaking triumph, the team secured their firstever PBC Championship victory. With the momentous win, the team secured their bid to the NCAA Tournament, where they reached the Sweet 16.

Ava Jones, the PBC Tournament’s Most Valuable Player, played a vital role in the Lady Canes' success, leading the team with double-digit scoring. Jones was recognized by the NCAA DII Conference Commissioners Association and earned a spot on the All-Southeast Region Women's Basketball Second Team. Jones and teammate Kayla Langley were also named to the Southeast Regional All-Tournament Team.

The Lady Hurricanes have ignited a championship culture and, with each victory, rallied the GSW campus and community-at-large, creating dedicated new fans along the way.

Line Drive to Victory

Earning multiple All-Conference selections and producing the first PBC Player of the Year in program history, GSW softball added its own brilliance that reflected a level of ferocity that left opponents trembling. The team had a record-breaking 39 overall wins, the highest number of PBC wins in a season (19) and a staggering home record of 22-1.

Marching into the PBC Tournament as the #3 seed, the team left no doubt they were a force to be reckoned with. As they celebrated their first postseason victory since 2019, they set their sights on a future that held nothing but triumphs.

Second baseman and pitcher Zoe Willis shined bright on the softball diamond with numerous honors and distinctions which rewarded her talent on and off the field. She led the NCAA DII in home runs and slugging percentage and was recognized as the DII Conference Commissioners Association Southeast Region Player of the Year, Ron Lenz Player of the Year and PBC Player of the year—the first for the GSW softball program—sealing her legacy in the GSW softball history books.

Willis's accolades extend beyond regional borders. On the national stage, she was heralded as the TUCCI and National Fastpitch Coaches Association

NCAA DII Player of the Year and was the softball finalist for THE Collegiate Women in Sports Awards DII Athlete of the Year presented by Honda.

Willis is an ideal example of a student-athlete succeeding on and off the field. Her 4.0 GPA reflects academic prowess and a commitment to her dream of becoming an orthopedic surgeon.

Molding Strong Minds and Bodies

GSW also celebrates victories inside the classroom with a commitment to academic excellence. GSW studentathletes achieved an impressive cumulative 3.14 GPA. These stellar achievements were recognized with the prestigious 2022-23 Peach Belt Conference Presidents' Academic Award, an accolade that speaks volumes to GSW Athletics' unwavering dedication to the pursuit of knowledge.

The essence of GSW Athletics goes beyond grades and championships. It's about making a lasting impact on the world. GSW student-athletes have demonstrated their commitment to community service, ranking #1 in the 2021-22 NCAA Helper Helper Challenge. Category 5, a new campus initiative, will reach the local K-12 students educating on 5 dimensions of well-being to make a lasting impact by promoting holistic development and well-being.

Building a Solid Foundation

Thanks to the unwavering support of private donors, corporate sponsors and the GSW Foundation, GSW Athletics has ignited a fire of success that burns brighter than ever. State-of-the-art facilities and strategic branding have set the stage for an extraordinary transformation that fuels the passion of players and the entire GSW community. Signature fundraisers like Canes 360, the President's Golf Classic and the legendary Hail Storm have attracted record numbers, ensuring sustained financial support for the program.

Facility enhancements aim to create an unparalleled experience for student-athletes and sports enthusiasts alike. The construction of the $1.2 million Baseball and Softball Indoor Training Facility, Canes 360 Hospitality Suite, Athletics Weight Room, Basketball Film Room, Recruiting Room and more lead to a competitive edge on the field and court. Beyond athletics, the University remains devoted to academic excellence and fostering a holistic student experience. This is evidenced by the $3.4 million renovation of Canes Central, the $3.5 million renovation of Florrie Chappell Gymnasium, the upcoming $5 million renovation of the James Earl Carter Library and the $6.4 million future renovation of the Griffin Bell Golf and Conference Center.

Through private donations and state funding, GSW has invested more than $25 million over the last five years to enhance campus facilities and infrastructure. The power of this collaboration and the vibrance of the GSW community has unleashed a revolution of excellence.

Fostering Quality Talent

Attracting exceptional talent is crucial in pursuing athletic excellence and academic distinction at GSW. The infusion of talented student-athletes and accomplished professionals enhances the institution's quality and enriches the overall campus experience. Creating genuine connections, embracing shared values and providing opportunities for growth are vital aspects to this endeavor.

Dr. Jill Drake, GSW’s newly-appointed provost and vice president for academic affairs, shared that the size of the University offered her a unique opportunity to form personal connections and make a lasting, positive difference in the lives of others. “It was a genuine commitment to a community that shared my passion for education and dedication to uplifting others."

The appointment of Women's Basketball Head Coach Hana Haden demonstrates the institution's commitment to excellence. Haden's track record and dedication to nurturing young athletes aligns perfectly with creating a championship culture. Reflecting on her decision to join GSW, Haden remarked, "The vision our leadership has for this University, along with the investment they have made in athletics, makes GSW a place where students can thrive as people, have a tremendous collegiate experience, as well as outstanding playing careers."

GSW is also nurturing its own talent and developing leaders from within. Several GSW alumni and longtime faculty and staff members now fill important positions on campus, including those of associate vice presidents, deans and directors.

Georgia Southwestern is positioned for growth and success, reflecting the University's dedication to empowering students to thrive in all aspects of their lives. GSW is a place where outstanding talent can flourish, making a profound impact on the world around them.

Academic Excellence Fuels a Championship Culture

The pursuit of academic excellence is the driving force behind the institution's winning culture. This commitment to fostering a dynamic and vibrant learning environment has resulted in numerous accolades and left students, faculty and staff inspired to achieve greater heights.

GSW’s first-ever Hurricane Pitch Competition drew in 36 aspiring student entrepreneurs with business plans to turn their innovative ideas into reality. Additionally, over 100 students presented research at the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium. This emphasis on research enhances students' academic experience and prepares them for successful careers and postgraduate studies. Such experiential learning opportunities have become an integral part of GSW's educational approach, empowering students to explore and apply their knowledge beyond the classroom.

GSW's championship culture extends beyond athletics and academics to encompass other notable achievements. The University's recognition as the Best Place to Work in Sumter County for two consecutive years (2021 and 2022) speaks volumes about the supportive and thriving work environment cultivated by the institution. This positive atmosphere directly translates to a more engaged and motivated faculty and staff, whose commitment to excellence is reflected in their outstanding contributions to academia and beyond.

GSW's dedication to academic excellence serves as the cornerstone of its championship culture. By continually fostering a learning environment that celebrates achievement, innovation, and growth, GSW creates leaders and changemakers who make a positive impact in the workforce and their communities.

Embracing Greatness

As the embers of success continue to burn bright, Georgia Southwestern stands at the helm of greatness. This revolution of champions has sparked a blaze that will never be extinguished, exceeds the boundaries of the field and inspires generations to come.

From the courts to the fields, from the classrooms to the community, Georgia Southwestern has forever altered the course of its history, leaving a memorable mark on the hearts and minds of all who come to know it.

So, let the flames of victory burn brighter, let the hurricanes of triumph surge higher and let the spirit of GSW soar beyond the realms of possibility. Together, as one united force, we shall embrace greatness and etch a legacy of success that shall stand the test of time. As Hurricanes march towards the future, every day is a new chapter in this epic journey—a journey that shall see Georgia Southwestern State University rise to the pinnacle of glory, and beyond. s