News Summary
Legion Collegiate Academy is making a return to the South Carolina High School League after leaving in 2021. Although they face several challenges—including a fine and restrictions on sports—it marks a new chapter for the school. Principal Julie Marshall aims to prioritize academics over athletics while navigating these changes, including the recent suspension of the girls’ lacrosse team and the loss of a beloved coach. The community is set to rally together to redefine the academy’s identity and focus on academic excellence.
Legion Collegiate Academy Returns to South Carolina High School League Amid Changes and Challenges
Located in the heart of Rock Hill, Legion Collegiate Academy is stepping into a new chapter as it prepares to rejoin the South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) starting July 1, after having left voluntarily in 2021. Thanks to a recent decision by the SCHSL’s executive committee—who voted 10-1 in favor of allowing the school to join as an at-large member—the stage is set for an exciting, albeit challenging, year ahead.
While this is a triumphant return for Legion Collegiate, it’s worth noting that the school still has a fine of $2,400 outstanding with the SCHSL that it owes from its previous membership. Unfortunately, the school will not be eligible for playoffs next year because of a new rule that prevents first-year schools from participating in playoff games.
As an at-large member, Legion will face some restrictions. While the school can participate in non-region sports like golf and swimming, it won’t be able to compete in popular sports that require region play, such as football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and tennis. Legion Collegiate currently offers seven boys’ sports and seven girls’ sports, and they are even in the process of adding cross country to their growing athletics program.
As for classification, it is still up in the air, but it’s likely that Legion will fall into either Class 4A or 5A. This classification is influenced by the SCHSL multiplier rule, which comes into play for schools that have a significant number of out-of-district students. At present, the academy has around 637 students, many of whom hail from Fort Mill, Indian Land, and Lancaster.
Notably, Principal Julie Marshall is keen to reshape the school’s reputation, emphasizing that academics take precedence over athletics. The decision to eliminate the football program was part of this effort and was aimed at changing the previously sports-centric image of the school, which had raised eyebrows among neighboring institutions.
In a related note, the girls’ lacrosse team at Legion Collegiate has received a suspension due to difficulties in finding a coach. This decision has sparked frustration among parents who feel the school has been inconsistent with the coaching staff over the past two seasons. While the school insists this suspension only applies to the current year and does not signify the end of the program, many are left seeking options, as not everyone can play lacrosse at their designated home-zoned school—especially since some schools do not offer the sport.
Adding to the somber atmosphere, the school community is grieving the loss of beloved baseball coach Jalen Benjamin, who tragically died in a vehicle crash while heading to a game. The 29-year-old coach was fondly remembered for his immense positive impact on student-athletes. To honor his memory, a scholarship is being established, which will serve as a lasting tribute to his contributions to the academy.
As the school embraces these changes, it will be interesting to see how students and staff rally together to meet the challenges ahead. With a focus on balancing academics and athletics, Legion Collegiate Academy is on a mission to redefine its identity within the South Carolina High School League, all while forging a path that fosters academic excellence above all.
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Additional Resources
- Herald Online: Legion Collegiate Academy Returns to SCHSL
- Google Search: Legion Collegiate Academy South Carolina
- WSOC TV: Girls Lacrosse Program Suspended
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Athletics
- WBTV: Beloved Rock Hill Baseball Coach Killed in Crash
- Google News: Rock Hill Baseball Coach Crash
