Conway, S.C.- Welcome back to The Armada Quarterdeck! As we hit the heart of October, our student- athletes continue to shine across local, regional, and state stages. Beyond the
impressive performances on the scoreboard, our focus remains on building sustainable, high-caliber programs, expanding opportunities for future sports, and recognizing the individual dedication of our student-athletes inside and outside of ACA.

Department Headlines & Program Leadership

• •Coaching Openings & Hiring Realities: We are re-opening searches for our Head Boys Golf Coach and an Assistant Girls Basketball Coach. While wehad committed candidates lined up, circumstances changed and those positions are once again open. One unique challenge of our otherwise outstanding school model is finding qualified coaches for stipend-only roles that are unattached to a full-time, on-campus position. We remain committed to finding high-caliber leaders who align with our mission and vision for Armada Athletics.
• Sports Interest Survey Launch: We are planning for future growth! Please visit https://atlanticcollegiate.academy/sb_output.aspx?form=21 to complete our official survey on sports expansion. We are gathering feedback from families and students on potential additions such as Girls Flag Football, Boys Volleyball, and Esports.

Game Recaps & Competition Highlights

• Football Dominates Lakewood HS in the Rain: Playing at home against Lakewood High School, our squad controlled the controllables and didn't allow any distractions or tough weather to interfere with their focus and determination on the field. Battling through hurricane remnant conditions, the Armada delivered a dominant performance to secure a big 39-12 victory! This win puts us in great position as we push toward the regional playoffs.
• Volleyball Senior Night – A Bittersweet Celebration: Senior Night is always abittersweet milestone, and Thursday's match was no exception as our players,parents, family, and fans gathered to reflect on the remarkable winning highschool careers of our seniors. These young women have established a standardof excellence and built a winning culture in our program. A heartfelt thank yougoes out to all of our parents and families for their unbelievable dedication,support, and energy, filling the gym and creating an electric home-courtenvironment for our student-athletes. While it was an emotional night honoringtheir leadership, our seniors' eyes remain firmly set on trophies, region titles, and championship runs as postseason play approaches!
• Volleyball Sweeps Crestwood: On the court, our volleyball squad delivered acommanding performance for Senior Night, sweeping Crestwood High School in straight sets (3-0). The team continues to build tremendous momentum as they lock in for playoff action!
• Broderick Evans Earns Regional Honors: A huge congratulations to Broderick Evans, who was named the WBTW Blitz Grand Player of the Week for his outstanding performance against Aynor High School! It is fantastic to see our student-athletes recognized across regional media for their hard work and playmaker ability on the field.
• ACA Student-Athlete Spotlight – Michael Bailey (Swimming): Congratulations to ACA sophomore Michael Bailey, who competes with the Myrtle Beach High School Swim Team! Michael had an outstanding performance at the Regional Championships in North Myrtle Beach, earning 4th place in the 100 Backstroke and 5th place in the 200 IM with personal-best times in both events. He also helped his relay teams secure 2nd place in the 200-yard Freestyle Relay and 3rd place in the 400-yard Freestyle Relay. Michael qualified for the South Carolina State Championship Meet at the University of South Carolina on Saturday, October 10th, competing in the 100 Backstroke and two freestyle relays, marking his second consecutive year competing at the state level! As of the writing of this column on Saturday, October 10th, final state results are not yet in, but we are extremely proud of Michael representing ACA at the state championships!

Postseason Focus

• Championship Season Ahead: With football in prime position for regional playoff action and volleyball preparing for a postseason run with region and state titles on the line, our programs are hitting their stride at the perfect time.
• Shape the Future of Armada Athletics: Help guide our department's long-term sport additions by taking a moment to complete the Athletic Interest Survey at https://atlanticcollegiate.academy/sb_output.aspx?form=21!

#GoArmada #AnchorDown

Douglas Leichner
Director of Athletics

About Atlantic Collegiate Academy: Atlantic Collegiate Academy (ACA), located in Conway, S.C., serves high school students in a safe, small and family-centered setting. Our students seek the opportunity and challenge of rigorous curriculum, high academic standards and elite athletics while also earning up to two years of college credit. ACA serves students in grades 9-12 using an honors curriculum in 9th and 10th grades with a dual enrollment curriculum in 11th and 12th grades.

---

Learn more about ACA by visiting our website at AtlanticCollegiate.Academy and by following us on social media on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (X).