News Summary
Francis Marion University has appointed Quin Monahan as its new Director of Athletics, effective October 13. With over 17 years of experience, Monahan aims to build on FMU’s tradition of athletic excellence and student success. He succeeds Murray Hartzler, who served for 25 years. Monahan’s past accomplishments include leading USC Beaufort’s NCAA Division II transition, enhancing athletic facilities, and achieving strong GPA results among student-athletes. FMU is poised for growth in its athletic programs under Monahan’s leadership, fostering opportunities for both competition and academic achievement.
Florence, South Carolina – Quin Monahan Appointed as New Athletic Director at Francis Marion University
Quin Monahan has been appointed as the new Director of Athletics for Francis Marion University (FMU), as announced on September 2, 2025. He will officially begin his role on October 13, 2025, succeeding the retiring athletic director Murray Hartzler, who has led FMU athletics for 25 years. Monahan is the fourth athletic director in FMU’s 56-year history, marking a significant transition for the university’s athletic department.
Experience and Accomplishments
Monahan brings over 17 years of experience in leading college athletics programs, including a notable 13-year tenure as athletic director at USC Beaufort. During his time there, he played a pivotal role in USC Beaufort’s transition to NCAA Division II athletics. Under his leadership, the university not only expanded its sport offerings but also made significant improvements to its athletic facilities, enhancing the overall student-athlete experience.
FMU has a long-standing tradition of athletic excellence, with student-athletes achieving a combined department-wide GPA of above 3.0. Monahan has expressed enthusiasm about continuing and contributing to this legacy of “academic and athletic excellence” at FMU.
Support from University Leadership
Dr. Fred Carter, the president of FMU, has expressed confidence in Monahan’s leadership abilities and competitive instinct, viewing him as a strong addition to the university. In recent history, FMU’s athletics department showcased its competitive spirit, with four teams advancing to NCAA Tournament play in the past year and maintaining a combined GPA for student-athletes of more than 3.1.
Previous Experience
Before joining USC Beaufort, Monahan held athletic director and coaching roles at Belmont Abbey College and Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). At SCAD, he notably led the women’s swimming team to an NAIA national championship in 2009, further emphasizing his commitment to developing successful athletic programs.
Monahan’s educational background includes degrees from Kansas City Kansas Community College, Oklahoma Wesleyan University, and Asbury Theological Seminary, which has equipped him with a strong foundation for his role in leading college athletics.
FMU Athletics Overview
Francis Marion University currently sponsors 17 intercollegiate sports, comprising 16 programs competing in NCAA Division II and one in NCAA Division I. This diverse athletic landscape provides FMU student-athletes with various opportunities to excel both in competition and in their academic pursuits.
The appointment of Monahan as the new Director of Athletics comes at a time when FMU is poised to enhance its athletic programs and continue its commitment to fostering student-athlete success. The transition in leadership appears to herald a new era for FMU athletics, with a focus on maintaining the standards of excellence that the university has established over the years.
Recent Coaching Appointments
In addition to Monahan’s appointment, FMU recently announced the hiring of Tyler Boyd as the new head coach at Lamar High School following the resignation of Steven Burris. Jake Zehnder was also named the permanent head coach of FMU’s men’s basketball team after a successful interim period, highlighting a period of changes within the university’s athletic coaching staff.
With Quin Monahan at the helm, FMU athletics looks towards an optimistic future filled with potential for growth and achievement, building upon the strong foundation laid by his predecessor and the dedicated student-athletes within the program.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Francis Marion Taps Monahan as New Director of Athletics
- WMBF News: Tyler Boyd Named New Football Coach at Lamar High School
- Hoop Dirt: Interim Tag Removed, Zehnder Named Head Basketball Coach at D2 Francis Marion U
- Wikipedia: Francis Marion University
- Google Search: Francis Marion University Athletics
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