Coastal Carolina University Community Grieves the Loss of Alise Svihla

Coastal Carolina University community remembering Alise Svihla

News Summary

The Coastal Carolina University community mourns the loss of Alise Svihla, beloved Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Development, who passed away on March 23, 2025. Known for her positivity and unwavering commitment to the success of student-athletes, Svihla’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations. In her honor, the university has renamed the Student-Athlete Development and Engagement Department, recognizing her profound impact on the lives of many.

Coastal Carolina Community in Mourning Following the Loss of Beloved Associate Athletic Director

Conway, South Carolina – The Coastal Carolina University (CCU) community is in deep mourning following the passing of Alise Svihla, who served as the Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Development and Engagement. Svihla lost her brave battle against cancer on March 23, 2025, after fighting this relentless disease since October 2022.

A Light That Shone Bright

Expressing tremendous sorrow over her untimely death, the university’s president Michael T. Benson recognized her as one of the “world’s brightest lights“. In his heartfelt reflections, he noted that Svihla’s courageous spirit and unwavering positivity made a powerful impact on both the university and its students. Just a week prior to her passing, CCU made a significant move to honor her by announcing the renaming of the Student-Athlete Development and Engagement Department in her memory. This decision was a testament to the loving legacy she leaves behind.

From Struggles to Achievements

Svihla joined CCU on May 23, 2022, and during her limited time, she quickly became an integral part of the athletics department. Before her time at Coastal Carolina, she enriched the athletic programs at various universities, including the University of South Carolina, James Madison University, and Virginia Tech. Her experience and passion for student-athlete development helped her create a thriving environment focused on the well-being of the athletes.

Throughout her career, Svihla’s dedicated efforts helped create a significant impact in collegiate athletics. She was renowned for her heartfelt commitment to improving the lives of student-athletes, nurturing their academic and personal journeys. Under her stewardship, CCU’s academic services department celebrated an impressive streak, achieving a remarkable 20 consecutive semesters with an average GPA of 3.0, showcasing her effectiveness in fostering academic excellence.

A Loving Community Rallying Together

In light of her medical challenges, a GoFundMe page was established in 2022 to assist with her medical expenses, raising over $35,000. Prior to her passing, Svihla announced her transition to home hospice care after conferring with her medical team. Despite the difficulties posed by her illness, she remained a steadfast and inspiring presence on campus, continuously contributing to student-athlete success and departmental initiatives until late 2023.

Leaving a Lasting Impact

Svihla was also the driving force behind the launch of the Teal Impact initiative, a comprehensive program geared towards student-athlete development. Additionally, she established exciting new events that celebrated the accomplishments and contributions of women in sports, reinforcing CCU’s commitment to diversity and empowerment.

In the wake of her passing, former colleagues tenderly remembered Svihla as someone who had an “innate way of making everyone feel loved and valued.” Her vibrant spirit and zest for life left a legacy that will undoubtedly echo throughout the halls of CCU for years to come.

A Unifying Grief

The entire CCU community is deeply affected by this immense loss. As friends, family, and colleagues take to social media to share their messages of grief and remembrance, it’s clear that Alise Svihla’s impact reached far beyond her professional role. She was a beloved figure whose warmth, enthusiasm, and commitment to others made her a cherished member of the CCU family.

As the sun sets over Conway, the Coastal Carolina University family comes together to honor the memory of Alise Svihla, whose light will continue to guide and inspire future generations of student-athletes.