Peace, Lady Stags reel in more honors
By Rob Gantt, rgantt@berkeleyind.com
To the victor go the spoils.
Adding to what has already been a colossal several weeks, Berkeley High School's Crystal Peace was recognized as the South Carolina Athletic Coaches Association’s girls basketball coach of the year. Back in March, Peace and the Lady Stags became the first female sports team in BHS history to claim a state championship.
“It’s a momentous honor that reflects not only her personal excellence but the growth, pride, and achievement of the entire Berkeley High School community,” Berkeley athletics director Brian Welch said. “As a proud Berkeley High alumna, Crystal embodies what it means to give back to your roots, leading our program from the sidelines after once playing in the same uniform. Her story is powerful, and this recognition validates the impact she’s had on student-athletes.”
Peace was a five-time letter winner in basketball for the Lady Stags and twice earned all-state honors before graduating BHS in 2000. She was a member of two region title teams and guided the Stags to the Lower State championship game in 1999-00. After that season, Peace represented South Carolina against North Carolina in an all-star game and eventually went on to play college basketball at Liberty University.
“Crystal’s coaching style is grounded in discipline, love for the game, and a deep sense of purpose,” Welch said. “Her approach builds more than just basketball players. It builds strong, resilient young women. She demands excellence, but leads with empathy, instills accountability and holds herself to the highest standard as a coach and mentor.”
This past winter, the Lady Stags claimed the Class 5A Div. II crown inside the Florence Center with a come-from-behind, 60-54 victory over Upper State champion Greenwood High. Berkeley finished the campaign on a 13-game win streak and posted a 24-4 record. Peace was named the Region 7-5A coach of the year and Live 5 News’ coach of the year. And, on April 8, The Town of Moncks Corner declared April 8, 2025, as Lady Stags Basketball/Coach Crystal Peace Day.
“That’s a testament to just how much her legacy means to our community,” Welch said. “She is the living embodiment of “students today, leaders tomorrow, Stags forever.”
The Lady Stags also captured Carolina Invitational and Region 7-5A crowns under the leadership of their veteran coach. Peace was an assistant from 2006-10 and became the head coach prior to the 2010-11 season. Welch said she has tirelessly poured into the program with passion, preparation and pride.
“Coach Peace’s influence extends beyond wins and trophies,” Welch said. “She has instilled values of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship, and has become a model of consistency in a space that demands leadership and trust.”
Zooming out further, Peace is a former BHS teacher of the year and went into the school’s athletic hall of fame in 2015. She also served as a North-South all-star game assistant coach in 2023.
“Young girls throughout our community now have a blueprint for success and leadership, right here at home,” Welch said. “Coach Peace is helping redefine what’s possible for female athletics at Berkeley.”