Allie Combos joined Charleston Southern University in July 2024 as the Director of Athletic Learning Support. In her role, she oversees academic support services and NCAA eligibility for more than 400 student-athletes across 17Â Division I programs while leading initiatives designed to enhance student-athlete achievement, retention, and overall academic success. She also supports course registration and academic planning processes to ensure student-athletes are making consistent progress toward degree completion in alignment with NCAA compliance requirements.
Since arriving at Charleston Southern, Combos has been instrumental in elevating the department’s academic support model. During her first year, she contributed to a record-setting cumulative student-athlete GPA of 3.37 and helped establish systems and interventions focused on accountability, engagement, and long-term academic development. Building on that momentum, the Buccaneers surpassed the mark the following year with a new department record cumulative GPA of 3.39.
Combos has spearheaded several student-athlete development initiatives aimed at easing the transition to collegiate athletics and promoting academic excellence. Most notably, she created and implemented Allie University, a comprehensive academic transition program for incoming football student-athletes that equips freshmen with the tools necessary to navigate the demands of Division I athletics. The program emphasizes time management, effective communication, campus resource utilization, academic planning, and NCAA expectations, helping student-athletes establish a strong foundation for success from the moment they arrive on campus.
In addition to Allie University, Combos has expanded academic support programming through targeted tutoring strategies, enhanced learning resources, and proactive intervention efforts that promote student-athlete growth both inside and outside the classroom. Her work reflects a commitment to creating a culture of academic achievement while preparing student-athletes for success beyond graduation.
Prior to joining Charleston Southern, Combos earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Clemson University, graduating cum laude in December 2023. While at Clemson, she worked as a tutor within Athletic Academic Services, providing academic support to student-athletes across a variety of disciplines, including psychology, sociology, English, and communication studies.
Combos’ professional experiences also include work with Kelly Education Services, My Sister’s House (a domestic violence shelter), The Parenting Place, and the Medical University of South Carolina, where she developed expertise in student support, advocacy, and trauma-informed care.
She is currently pursuing her master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Liberty University. She is especially passionate about the intersection of mental health, athletic identity, and academic performance, and is committed to developing systems that empower student-athletes to thrive academically, personally, and professionally.
