USC Upstate, Chris Hawkins Ink Extension Through 2031
9/14/2026 10:26:00 AM | Softball
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – USC Upstate Director of Athletics and Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Matt Martin announced a five-year contract extension for Head Softball Coach Chris Hawkins, who will enter his 33rd season leading the Spartans. The new deal will keep Hawkins in Hub City through May 2031.
Hawkins has built one of the most successful programs in USC Upstate history, recording more than 1,100 career victories, 10 conference championships and 12 NCAA Regional appearances. He has also coached seven All-Americans and dozens of all-conference performers while guiding the program from NCAA Division II to Division I.
"Chris Hawkins' impact on USC Upstate goes well beyond wins and championships," Martin said. "For more than three decades, he has developed outstanding student-athletes who have succeeded on the field, in the classroom and in our community. The standard he has built within our softball program speaks for itself, and we are excited to have him continue leading the Spartans."
USC Upstate has won three consecutive Big South Conference Tournament Championships and advanced to the NCAA Tournament in each of the past three seasons. In 2026, the Spartans advanced to the NCAA Tuscaloosa Regional, earned their first NCAA Regional victory since 2017 and reached a Regional Final for the first time in program history.
"Playing baseball here, graduating from Upstate and coaching softball for 32 years has truly been a blessing," said Hawkins. "I've spent more than half my life loyal to Upstate, keeping my head down and working hard. Putting Upstate on the national stage several times has been incredibly rewarding. My job has been my hobby, and I love this University and community. I'm excited for the next five years!"
Since joining the Big South in 2018, Upstate has consistently competed among the conference's top programs while producing Players of the Year, Freshmen of the Year, all-conference and all-academic selections, along with multiple Coach of the Year honors for Hawkins.
Terms of the agreement were approved in accordance with university policy.
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Hawkins has built one of the most successful programs in USC Upstate history, recording more than 1,100 career victories, 10 conference championships and 12 NCAA Regional appearances. He has also coached seven All-Americans and dozens of all-conference performers while guiding the program from NCAA Division II to Division I.
"Chris Hawkins' impact on USC Upstate goes well beyond wins and championships," Martin said. "For more than three decades, he has developed outstanding student-athletes who have succeeded on the field, in the classroom and in our community. The standard he has built within our softball program speaks for itself, and we are excited to have him continue leading the Spartans."
USC Upstate has won three consecutive Big South Conference Tournament Championships and advanced to the NCAA Tournament in each of the past three seasons. In 2026, the Spartans advanced to the NCAA Tuscaloosa Regional, earned their first NCAA Regional victory since 2017 and reached a Regional Final for the first time in program history.
"Playing baseball here, graduating from Upstate and coaching softball for 32 years has truly been a blessing," said Hawkins. "I've spent more than half my life loyal to Upstate, keeping my head down and working hard. Putting Upstate on the national stage several times has been incredibly rewarding. My job has been my hobby, and I love this University and community. I'm excited for the next five years!"
Since joining the Big South in 2018, Upstate has consistently competed among the conference's top programs while producing Players of the Year, Freshmen of the Year, all-conference and all-academic selections, along with multiple Coach of the Year honors for Hawkins.
Terms of the agreement were approved in accordance with university policy.
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