Former Big Ten coach hired to lead USC Beaufort women’s basketball program

Former Purdue head coach Sharon Versyp has been named the first coach in USC Beaufort women’s basketball history.

The school announced Versyp’s hire on Wednesday. The Sand Sharks will begin play for the 2023-24 season.

“Coach Versyp’s experience, passion for the development of student-athletes, and vision for the program stood out amongst the tremendous response to our women’s basketball search,” said Genia Montford, Associate Director of Athletics/Senior Woman Administrator and Women’s Basketball Search Committee Chair.

“There is no doubt there are great days ahead for women’s basketball at USCB under Coach Versyp’s direction — not only on the court, but also in the classroom and the community. We are looking forward to Coach Versyp’s leadership in building a program our USCB community, the Lowcountry, and the Sand Shark family can be proud to call ours.”

Versyp’s hire comes a few weeks after the USC Beaufort announced Ron Fudala would be its men’s basketball coach. The teams will compete in the Division II Peach Belt Conference.

“As we look to start women’s basketball, we could not have asked for a better leader and teacher of the game to kickstart our program. Coach Versyp is going to make a great Sand Shark, and I can’t wait to get started working together.” USC Beaufort Athletic Director Quin Monahan said.

Versyp was the winningest coach in Purdue history, with 301 victories on the Boilermakers’ sidelines in her 20 seasons there. Before Purdue, she coached at Indiana and Maine and has won 418 games in her three stops.

Versyp led Purdue to four Big Ten Tournament championships, nine NCAA tournament appearances and two Elite Eight appearances in 15 years before stepping down in 2021. . Her 149 career Big Ten wins is fifth most in conference history.

“I am extremely honored to lead the first women’s basketball program and to build it on a solid foundation at USCB,” Versyp said. “I am also looking forward to partnering with the community of Beaufort and embracing their strong support.”

“A heartfelt thank you to the chancellor, Dr. Al M. Panu, Athletic Director Quin Monahan, the women’s basketball search committee and the Sand Shark family for this amazing opportunity! Our vision, coupled with positive energy and perseverance, is certain to produce leaders both on the court and in the classroom, serving as ambassadors of the university and community.”