Under the direction of Director of Athletics, Jenn Bell, Converse Athletics has grown from 13 women's only athletic programs to 21 programs that now include six men's programs and three coed programs. Currently, the Valkyries sponsor programs for men and women in basketball, cross country, soccer, swimming, tennis, and track and field. Additional women's programs include acrobatics and tumbling, field hockey, golf, lacrosse, softball, and volleyball. Converse also sponsors coed programs in equestrian (IHSA) and esports, as well as a spirit squad.
Since the fall of 2008, the Valkyries have competed as a member of Conference Carolinas at the NCAA Division II level and represent the only Division II athletics program in the Upstate of South Carolina.
The Valkyrie Way
Together, we will rise to the occasion and be bold and resilient, as we strive to maintain excellence for Converse Athletics.
Vision
We will develop and empower student-athletes to live a life of purpose by optimizing achievements in academics, competition, within our community, and in life.
Core Values for Athletics
Excellence: Pursuing greatness in all we do - in the classroom, in the sports venues, in the community, in life
Respect: Valuing self and others while embracing individual differences
Strength: Having the physical and mental resilience to overcome adversity
Integrity: Maintaining character by acting honestly and justly
Accountability: Holding self and others to a higher standard
Vision: Setting goals and striving to achieve them
Leadership: Using our voice and actions in a positive manner to maximize effort
Service: Meeting the needs of others for the greater good
Our Philosophy
Converse student-athletes have the opportunity to participate in a competitive sports environment that helps them learn the value of excellence, respect, strength, integrity, accountability, vision, leadership, and service. As an athletics department, we have identified significant existing strengths that will serve as platforms from which we will continue to deliver, expand, and improve: a proven track record of academic excellence, a measure of competitive success with two national championships and several conference titles, a focus on financial stability, emphasis on retaining student-athletes and growth, and prioritizing a well-rounded experience for all student-athletes. Together, we will rise to the occasion and be bold and resilient, as we strive to maintain excellence for Converse Athletics, as this is The Valkyrie Way.
