(Photos by Edward Walker)
By Thomas Grant Jr.
You can’t spell CHAMPION without the letters in CHAPIN.
It’s an adage proudly adopted by the Lexington County school near Lake Murray. Over the years, Chapin has claimed over 60 state titles in nearly every S.C. High School League sport.
The 2025-26 school year saw the school add to its trophy coffers. It started with competitive cheer adding to its state record for championships and ended with the baseball team winning for the first time since 2018.
In between, both basketball teams had winning seasons, the boys’ cross country and soccer teams were state runner-up and the girls’ soccer team was crowned champion for the first time in a decade.
This enabled Chapin to finish second to Fort Mill in the annual Carlisle Cup. Based on a points system to recognize overall athletic excellence by a school in its classification, the Carlisle Cup tabulates performances in 24 sporting events.
“Chapin Athletics had an incredible year, and earning 2nd place in the Carlisle Cup for (5)A Division II is a tremendous honor for our entire athletic department,” Athletics director Billie Williams said. “This recognition reflects the success of all of our programs , from winning state championships and state runner-up finishes, to making deep playoff runs across so many sports.
“It is a testament to the commitment of our coaches, the work ethic and dedication of our student-athletes, and the unwavering support of our parents, administration, and community. It was a great year to be an Eagle, and we’re excited to build on that momentum as we begin another season.”
Next year, Class 5A will have one sole division and Chapin will compete in Region 3-5A.
2025-26 CARLISLE CUP RESULTS
CLASS 5A DIVISION II
1.Fort Mill (1,130), 2. Chapin (1,020), 3. Lucy Beckham (970), 4. Greenville (860), 5. Eastside (850), 6 (tie). T.L. Hanna (830), Riverside (740) and St. James (720), 9. Nation Ford (670), 10. West Florence (620)
