'I'll make myself available wherever': Will Tippett ready to play multiple positions to help the Gamecocks
From centerfield to middle infield and everywhere in between, junior Will Tippett has worn many hats in his time as a Gamecock. The versatility and selflessness of his talent help him stand out as a valuable asset to first-year head coach Paul Mainieri.
After South Carolina’s postseason run ended in 2024, Tippett headed to the hub of college baseball for the summer, the Cape Cod League. Alongside two other Gamecocks, Ethan Petry and Talmadge LeCroy, Tippett worked to develop his skills ahead of his junior year.
“Every day going to the field, working with Coach (Scott Pickler), Coach (Craig Giannino), Petry, Talmadge. We had a great team out there and it was a lot of fun,” Tippett told GamecockCentral.
In 54 at-bats, Tippett hit .204 with two homers and three RBI, striking out 25 times and walking 10. Like he has throughout his college career, he played a variety of positions in the summer, including second base, shortstop and all three outfield spots.
Ahead of Opening Day, Tippett isn’t set on playing one position for the Gamecocks. He’s more focused on doing what he can to help his team win.
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“Wherever Mainieri wants me,” Tippett said. “Wherever the coaching staff wants me. Give the team the best chance of success, and I’ll make myself available wherever.”
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Since the preseason began, Tippett has been playing all over the field. He hasn’t seen much time at shortstop, which is where he started last season. But since Henry Kaczmar has that spot locked down, Tippett has mainly been at second base with some time at the corner infield spots mixed in.
Preparations did not stop after his summer in the Cape. Tippett immediately started preparing for his third year in garnet and black back home in Georgia.
“I went home, worked with my old coach, travel ball, and kind of just stayed at it. Progress was slow, but, you know, steady,” Tippett said.
With some final work and adjustments, Tippett feels prepared for the season ahead.
“Came back here and kind of just kept working on what we’ve been talking about,” he said. “I went home, worked with (my old coach) more, kind of just make some tweaks and changes with my setup and timing. We’ll see if that carries over.”
