USCB athletics director Monahan departs after 13 years; Montford named interim leader

The University of South Carolina Beaufort announced a leadership transition in its athletics department, with longtime Director of Athletics Quin Monahan stepping down after 13 years of service. Deputy Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator Genia Montford has been appointed interim director.

Monahan, who began leading Sand Shark Athletics in 2012, guided the program through its transition from the NAIA to full NCAA Division II membership in the Peach Belt Conference.

His tenure included adding men’s and women’s basketball, overseeing a men’s golf conference championship and watching the men’s basketball team finish as runner-up in the 2025 Peach Belt Tournament.

“It has been a great honor to serve as Director of Athletics at USCB,” Monahan said in the university’s announcement. “Together, we built a department that embodies the spirit of NCAA Division II and has earned its place on the national stage. USCB will always hold a special place in my heart.”

University officials noted that Sand Shark student-athletes maintained a department-wide GPA of 3.0 or higher during his tenure. USCB Chancellor Al M. Panu credited Monahan for his vision and dedication.

“We are deeply grateful for Quin’s vision and commitment, and we wish him the very best in his next chapter,” Panu said.

Monahan is leaving USCB to become the new athletics director at Francis Marion University.

Francis Marion University, located in Florence, S.C., competes in NCAA Division II as part of Conference Carolinas and sponsors 15 varsity sports for men and women. Its men’s golf team competes at the Division I level as an affiliate member of the Southland Conference and, beginning July 2025, will join the Big Sky Conference.

Monahan will succeed Murray Hartzler, becoming the fourth athletics director in FMU’s history. In announcing the nappointment on Sept. 2, FMU officials emphasized Monahan’s “dynamic leadership, a fiercely competitive instinct, and decades of experience developing successful student-athletes.”

Montford will take the helm with deep institutional experience. Montford steps into the interim role with more than two decades of experience at USCB, including 11 years in athletics. She was instrumental in the NCAA transition and is a two-time recipient of the Sun Conference Charles Morris Administrator of the Year award.

“We are thankful for Quin Monahan’s outstanding leadership,” Montford said. “I look forward to continuing the mission of Sand Shark Athletics, supporting our student-athletes, and building on the strong foundation he helped create.”

The university did not announce a timeline for selecting a permanent athletics director.