Sweeney Named Athletics Academic Advisor
6/10/2025 5:00:00 PM | Academic Services, General
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – USC Upstate Athletics has announced the hiring of Natalie Sweeney as its new Athletics Academic Advisor, bringing with her a strong background in higher education advising and collegiate athletics as a coach and former student-athlete.
Sweeney transitions into this role after serving as an Academic Advisor and Adjunct Professor in the Department of Exercise Science at USC Upstate since 2022. In that role, she supported over 150 students, coordinated key events such as life skills workshops and career fairs, and taught courses including Principles of Coaching and Coaching the Mind/Body Connection. Her familiarity with the university and passion for student development make her an immediate asset to Spartan Athletics.
"Natalie is no stranger to the USC Upstate family; she served as the Academic Advisor for Exercise Science, so she has a leg up on an understanding of the uniqueness of our campus," said Sarah Gildersleeve Jones, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Enrichment. "She has experience in athletics as a former women's basketball student-athlete at Morehead State, as well as a college basketball coach. I am excited that she is going to bring that perspective for both our student-athletes and coaches."
Before joining USC Upstate, Sweeney spent several years as an assistant women's basketball coach at Presbyterian College, Transylvania University, and the University of Illinois Springfield, where she provided academic support, coordinated team logistics, and led summer camp operations. Her background as a former Division I student-athlete at Morehead State also equips her with firsthand insight into the academic and athletic balance required for Spartan student-athletes.
"I want to thank Matt and Sarah for the opportunity to become the athletics advisor for USC Upstate Athletics," Sweeney said. "Our family loves Spartanburg and this campus community. I can't wait to get started and help our student-athletes."
Sweeney earned a Bachelor of Arts in Health and Physical Education from Morehead State and a Master of Education in Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
