Coach Ashley Woodard’s Full-Circle Journey Drives Gamecock Softball’s Success

In an exciting season of milestones, the University of South Carolina’s softball team continues to make waves under the leadership of first-year head coach Ashley Chastain Woodard. The Gamecocks secured a 4-2 victory over Wofford College in a midweek Palmetto State matchup, improving to 28-7 on the season. The win, which took place during the team’s “Bark in the Park” event, was highlighted by fans bringing their dogs to the stands, adding a fun atmosphere to the game. While the team showed strength, Woodard noted areas that still need improvement.

“We won the game, found a way to squeak it by,” Woodard said in a post-game news conference. “I felt like we just were a little complacent after the bottom of the first when we took the lead. Just could never get anything going again.”

Woodard emphasized the importance of solid defense, pointing out a game-changing catch by center fielder Quincee Lillo, who made a crucial grab in right-center field.

This victory comes after a thrilling away series win against LSU, and the Gamecocks have now won their last three series against top 15 teams. Their performance has earned them unanimous Top 10 rankings in major college softball polls, with the D1Softball Poll ranking them at No. 6. This year’s squad has already surpassed last season’s win total, with a month left in the regular season, solidifying their status as one of the most improved teams in the country, as noted by On3.

“Even though, luckily tonight, we didn’t have to learn a terrible lesson with a loss, but we learned, you know, we I think we learned a lot,” Woodard said. “We’ve got to stay hungry… We’ve got to keep expecting really high standards every time we play – you know, just to protect ourselves.”

Woodard, who pitched for the Gamecocks from 2009 to 2011, has also coached internationally, including a stint with the German national team. Her coaching journey has prepared her well for this moment, both on and off the field.

“We won by two tonight just because, you know, we have talent,” she said. “… And it’s a fine line between, like, grace and humility and being really confident with where we’re at.”

Her team’s poise was on full display last weekend when they traveled to Baton Rouge and swept a top 5-ranked LSU team.

“Really proud of that day as a whole,” Woodard said. “It was really exciting after the game, getting on the bus. … Those are the moments that, you know, you dream of, that you live for.”

As the season progresses, keeping the team focused has become more challenging, especially as the buzz surrounding their success grows. Woodard jokingly shared that she takes the team’s phones away to prevent distractions from social media.

“I don’t think there’s a price tag on them feeling like they belong, which I think they do right now,” Woodard added. “And, you know, my job is to keep them in that place, whatever that looks like.”

With the Gamecock men’s baseball team struggling and being unranked for the first time since 2019, and Dawn Staley’s women’s basketball team continuing to dominate, South Carolina softball is now drawing significant fan attention.

“I definitely feel the momentum and the support because people have been so gracious,” Woodard said. “… And to be in the conversation, with South Carolina baseball and South Carolina women’s basketball is, you know, it’s an honor. I mean, those programs are perennial.”

Woodard knows that her role is pivotal in elevating the Gamecock softball program, and she embraces the expectations placed upon her.

“That’s why I was hired, to be honest,” Woodard said. “… (Athletic Director Ray Tanner) hired me to change the program and, you know, I’m just pouring my heart into it every day. And our staff is doing a really good job of… trying to make it something people want to follow.”

For many fans, Woodard embodies the spirit of Gamecock Nation, which has helped deepen their connection to the team.

“I’m kinda living my dream right now,” Woodard said. “This place is home. And, you know, I’m biased, but I do think it’s … the best place in America.”

With the team’s success, attendance at Beckham Field has surged, with multiple sellouts this season, according to the USC Athletic Department. Longtime supporter Emily Mack shared her excitement about the team’s rise.

“It’s incredible to see the energy and determination the girls bring to the field,” Mack said. “They’re making us proud every game. I first started following the team in 2018, but I’ve never seen this much buzz around them.”

Looking ahead, the Gamecocks are set to face No. 19 Ole Miss this weekend in a crucial SEC series.

“We’ve got to put our best foot forward,” Woodard said. “You cannot play not your best ball and expect to win an SEC series at this point. I think that we will match up well, and we’ll give them a battle through the weekend.”

The series coincides with Alumni Weekend at home, a significant event for the program.

“We’ve got 75 alumni coming back,” Woodard shared. “… We’re going to have a ton of support and excitement in the park and, you know, it’s going to be a hot one.”