A message from Matt: An update from USC Upstate Director of Athletics Matt Martin
3/1/2024 10:54:00 AM | Do Not Use UAF, General, Upstate Athletic Fund
Spartan Army -
March Madness is almost in full swing, and it is not just about basketball! While the nation tunes in for buzzer-beaters and Cinderella stories, there is plenty of action right here in Spartanburg to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Our spring sports have hit the ground running, with baseball leading the charge. The preseason Big South-favorites have lived up to their hype in the batter's box, hitting over .300 as a team while launching 17 home runs in just eight games. Congratulations to Spartan outfielder Jace Rhinehart, who leads the team with five home runs, and was named National Hitter of the Week by the National College Baseball Writers Association. Be sure to come see the slugfest in person this weekend when our team hosts Penn. A reminder that tickets to all our spring sports are free of charge thanks to our wonderful partnership with Ingles!
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Additionally, Spartan Baseball will return to Fluor Field in Greenville for two games this spring. Be sure to pencil in Tuesday, March 19th at 6pm as we take on the #19-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks, and Tuesday, April 2nd when we play #10-ranked Clemson. Tickets for both games are on sale now!
Meanwhile, our softball team, who was also picked as preseason favorites in the Big South, has been dominating on the dirt with seven wins already. Junior outfielder Denver Lauer was named Big South Co-Player of the Week and freshman second baseman, Abby Polk was named Big South Freshman of the Week after impressive performances in the Wings, Etc. Classic. One of the things I love about our teams at Upstate is that we're not afraid to play anyone – and that continues this weekend when softball travels to #25-Auburn, who they will play twice, in addition to North Texas. Their next homestand will be against Radford on March 15 as they kick off Big South Conference play.
Upstate track and field wrapped up their indoor season with remarkable performances at the 2024 Indoor Big South Championships. Rachel Davis stole the show, clinching first place in the women's weight throw with a school record-breaking toss of 18.78m. Congratulations Rachel!
In women's golf, the Spartans showcased their resilience at the RiverTowne Invitational in Mount Pleasant, SC, finishing sixth in a 15-team field packed with multiple top-125 teams. Despite facing numerous challenges, including a bout with the flu during their road trip, the Spartans delivered an impressive performance in Mount Pleasant. Join me in wishing them rest and recovery before heading to the Low Country Intercollegiate in Hilton Head, SC on March 15-17. On the men's side, they will head west to the Jackrabbit Invitational on March 8th-9th in Boulder City, Nevada.
And let us not forget about basketball—the heart of March madness! Both our men's and women's teams will be battling it out in the Hercules Big Tires Big South Basketball Championships at the Qubein Center, High Point University. The tournament tips off on March 6 and concludes on March 10. Our women's basketball team has secured the #2 seed, a testament to their hard work throughout the season. They will play at 6:00pm on Thursday, March 7th against a to-be-determined opponent. On the men's side, the Spartans won in thrilling fashion Wednesday night with a last-second layup by Trae Broadnax to secure a 74-72 over Presbyterian. With a bye on Saturday, our teams earn a well-deserved rest before diving into the conference tournament next week. Our men's seed will be determined by the results of other games this Saturday. Our communications staff will be sending out information on days, times, and tickets as soon as we know our seeding on the men's side!
Even as the campus quiets down for Spring break next week, the excitement of Upstate Athletics never wanes. Your continued support means the world to us, and we invite you to join us as we charge into the final stretch of the sports schedule this year. Whether you are a seasoned fan or new to the game, we would love to see you cheering on the green and white. Do not be a stranger—let's make memories together as we celebrate the pride that defines USC Upstate Athletics!
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One last item – a reminder that this year's Sparty's Ball will be Saturday, May 18th at Indigo Hall in Downtown Spartanburg.  This is our largest fundraising event of the year, with all proceeds going toward student-athlete scholarships and support, so we need everyone there – whether you're a former USCS Rifle, an Upstate Spartan, a parent, or a community member who loves our teams – we ask that you join us in celebrating what scholarships are doing for our student-athletes, while also launching our programs into the future. The night will feature great food, drinks, a silent auction & live auction with great items, as well as live music and dancing!  Tickets and tables are on sale now – and I have challenged our staff to make sure it's a sell out this year – so make sure to secure your tickets now before it is too late!
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Go Spartans!
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March Madness is almost in full swing, and it is not just about basketball! While the nation tunes in for buzzer-beaters and Cinderella stories, there is plenty of action right here in Spartanburg to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Our spring sports have hit the ground running, with baseball leading the charge. The preseason Big South-favorites have lived up to their hype in the batter's box, hitting over .300 as a team while launching 17 home runs in just eight games. Congratulations to Spartan outfielder Jace Rhinehart, who leads the team with five home runs, and was named National Hitter of the Week by the National College Baseball Writers Association. Be sure to come see the slugfest in person this weekend when our team hosts Penn. A reminder that tickets to all our spring sports are free of charge thanks to our wonderful partnership with Ingles!
Â
Additionally, Spartan Baseball will return to Fluor Field in Greenville for two games this spring. Be sure to pencil in Tuesday, March 19th at 6pm as we take on the #19-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks, and Tuesday, April 2nd when we play #10-ranked Clemson. Tickets for both games are on sale now!
Meanwhile, our softball team, who was also picked as preseason favorites in the Big South, has been dominating on the dirt with seven wins already. Junior outfielder Denver Lauer was named Big South Co-Player of the Week and freshman second baseman, Abby Polk was named Big South Freshman of the Week after impressive performances in the Wings, Etc. Classic. One of the things I love about our teams at Upstate is that we're not afraid to play anyone – and that continues this weekend when softball travels to #25-Auburn, who they will play twice, in addition to North Texas. Their next homestand will be against Radford on March 15 as they kick off Big South Conference play.
Upstate track and field wrapped up their indoor season with remarkable performances at the 2024 Indoor Big South Championships. Rachel Davis stole the show, clinching first place in the women's weight throw with a school record-breaking toss of 18.78m. Congratulations Rachel!
In women's golf, the Spartans showcased their resilience at the RiverTowne Invitational in Mount Pleasant, SC, finishing sixth in a 15-team field packed with multiple top-125 teams. Despite facing numerous challenges, including a bout with the flu during their road trip, the Spartans delivered an impressive performance in Mount Pleasant. Join me in wishing them rest and recovery before heading to the Low Country Intercollegiate in Hilton Head, SC on March 15-17. On the men's side, they will head west to the Jackrabbit Invitational on March 8th-9th in Boulder City, Nevada.
And let us not forget about basketball—the heart of March madness! Both our men's and women's teams will be battling it out in the Hercules Big Tires Big South Basketball Championships at the Qubein Center, High Point University. The tournament tips off on March 6 and concludes on March 10. Our women's basketball team has secured the #2 seed, a testament to their hard work throughout the season. They will play at 6:00pm on Thursday, March 7th against a to-be-determined opponent. On the men's side, the Spartans won in thrilling fashion Wednesday night with a last-second layup by Trae Broadnax to secure a 74-72 over Presbyterian. With a bye on Saturday, our teams earn a well-deserved rest before diving into the conference tournament next week. Our men's seed will be determined by the results of other games this Saturday. Our communications staff will be sending out information on days, times, and tickets as soon as we know our seeding on the men's side!
Even as the campus quiets down for Spring break next week, the excitement of Upstate Athletics never wanes. Your continued support means the world to us, and we invite you to join us as we charge into the final stretch of the sports schedule this year. Whether you are a seasoned fan or new to the game, we would love to see you cheering on the green and white. Do not be a stranger—let's make memories together as we celebrate the pride that defines USC Upstate Athletics!
Â
One last item – a reminder that this year's Sparty's Ball will be Saturday, May 18th at Indigo Hall in Downtown Spartanburg.  This is our largest fundraising event of the year, with all proceeds going toward student-athlete scholarships and support, so we need everyone there – whether you're a former USCS Rifle, an Upstate Spartan, a parent, or a community member who loves our teams – we ask that you join us in celebrating what scholarships are doing for our student-athletes, while also launching our programs into the future. The night will feature great food, drinks, a silent auction & live auction with great items, as well as live music and dancing!  Tickets and tables are on sale now – and I have challenged our staff to make sure it's a sell out this year – so make sure to secure your tickets now before it is too late!
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Go Spartans!
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Players Mentioned
OUT
/ Softball
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