“This is a great opportunity for our University. Affiliation with the Atlantic Sun is more than an athletic identity. This relationship will strengthen our academic profile, our metropolitan mission and the public awareness that USC Upstate is truly a major catalyst in the Upstate of South Carolina and beyond. The Conference has very strong leadership and institutions with outstanding reputations, both academically and athletically.  I am very excited to be able to implement our plan to join the A-Sun and am very grateful for the widespread campus support.”
--Mike Hall, athletic director

“The University has undergone tremendous changes during my four years here. We have had a name change to the school, a change in the nickname of our athletic teams, continued growth in our enrollment, and the construction of new facilities both for the University in general and the athletic department. I have watched the athletic department improve with many of our teams competing on a national level. The move to Division I is one I believe the University and the athletic department is ready to make. The move will bring national exposure to the University, enhance the educational and social experiences of all students, and allow the University to continue its exceptional growth and improvement.” 
--Erin Driggers, a senior and member of the women’s softball team

“The move to Division I reflects the strength of the University in the region, the support the University has for the athletic department, and the caliber of people in the athletic department.  As a student-athlete who will make the transition and play Division I, I can tell you that there is a lot of excitement among all of the student-athletes and we all look forward to the challenge of playing on the Division I level. I believe we will be able to help build a strong foundation for success at Division I.”
--Katie Adams, a sophomore and member of the women’s softball team

“We are very excited about the opportunity to promote USC Upstate as a Division I university. I am confident the increased publicity, level of athletic competition and excellent reputation of the Atlantic Sun Conference will have a positive impact on student recruitment efforts. I anticipate our athletes will have increased support from our student body that will elevate school spirit and pride to a new level generating a lot of interest from new students. I believe the move to Division I will help us sustain our positive momentum in student enrollment growth.”
--Donette Stewart, assistant vice chancellor for enrollment services

"This is very exciting and it will definitely help with recruiting future players. There is a lot of local talent that plays at Division I level and USC Upstate will now be an option for them. It’s also an opportunity to play bigger schools and get more attention.”
--Tammy George, head coach of the women’s basketball team