Conway, SC - Welcome back to The Armada Quarterdeck! As we settle into Week Two of the school year, momentum across our athletic department continues to build. We just navigated a major deadline for student-athlete eligibility clearance, ensuring our teams are set up for success on and off the field.

I want to extend a huge shout-out to Coach William Payne. His guidance and support with my onboarding, all the way from Las Vegas, have been nothing short of amazing. His professionalism and drive to make Armada Athletics, and ACA as a whole, successful set a standard we can all be proud of.

The Deck Log: Inside Armada Athletics
Department Headlines & Program Leadership

• New Head Baseball Coach Selected: Following a thorough, process-driven search, ACA has officially hired our new Head Baseball Coach! Be on the lookout for the formal release coming soon.
• Soccer Coaching Opportunities: We are currently accepting and reviewing applications for both our Boys' Soccer and Girls' Soccer Head Coaching positions. This is an incredible opportunity to lead two well-respected programs within our athletic department.
• Coastal Carolina University Internships: We have reconnected with Coastal Carolina University to establish athletic internship opportunities. ACA has a great track record with CCU, including former interns who transitioned into full campus positions.
• Gym Sponsorship Banners: Sponsorship banners in the gymnasium are now available for the upcoming season. If you own or know a local business who would like to support our student-athletes, please reach out to the Athletic Department!

• Freshman Social at "The Flight Deck": Stopped by the Freshman Social for movies and socializing. It was fantastic seeing our newest Armada students connecting and bringing great energy to start the year.
• Student Union Connections: Spent time in the Student Union between academic sessions talking with students about the start of school and what they're excited about this year.
• Traffic Flow & Safety: Directing post-school traffic with Campus Safety Officer Clinton and Mr. Schildt gave me a quick flashback to my valet days! As a reminder to all drivers and students, there is no loitering in the parking lot after dismissal.
• Unified Brand Colors: We have officially established department-wide color standards for all ACA equipment and apparel. No more variations of teal—moving forward, our brand will look sharp, unified, and consistent.

• Sports Interest Questionnaire: Thank you to everyone who submitted feedback! Results have been tallied and will help guide how future sports fit into ACA's long-term vision. (And to address popular rumors: no, there are currently no plans for an Equestrian or Surfboarding team!)
• Student Game Day Playlist: Our students created a custom home event playlist that is guaranteed to keep the stands energized during Armada home games this season!

• JV Football: Due to various weather cancellations across other sports, JV Football competed in our first official contest of the school year. The team played with incredible grit on the road, falling just short to the Lakewood Gators, 20-13. Game highlights are available on ScoreStream!
• Varsity Football Rescheduled: Friday's matchup at Mullins was cancelled due to weather and rescheduled for Monday, August 24 at 7:30 PM.
• Community Partnerships: Met with the City of Myrtle Beach Sports Tourism team. They have been outstanding with facility scheduling, and we look forward to growing this relationship for our athletic programs.  We hope to have good news soon!

• Student-Athlete Recognition Programs: Be on the lookout for the official launch of our new Student-Athlete of the Week and Student-Athlete of the Month awards! With official competitions just underway, our inaugural August Student-Athlete of the Month recipient will be announced towards the conclusion of the month as full contest schedules pick up.
• Monday, August 31 Inaugural SAC Meeting: We are hosting the first official meeting of the Student-Athlete Council (SAC) between sessions outside the Coaches' Office! This council gives team representatives a direct platform to share their perspectives regarding their team culture, Armada Athletics, and ACA as a whole. Modeled directly after collegiate athletic councils, SAC provides our student-athletes an invaluable preview of next-level leadership and administration while ensuring student voices actively shape our athletic programs.

#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.