'This is the best place in America': Culture of belief drives South Carolina in 1st season under Ashley Chastain Woodard

When the preseason polls came out, Ashley Chastain Woodard saw her South Carolina program projected to finish last in the SEC standings.

The program was experiencing its first coaching change in 14 years. Beverly Smith, Chastain Woodard’s coach in her senior season, was relieved of her duties on June 8, 2024. In her final season, she led South Carolina to a 36-24 (8-16 SEC) record.

Former athletics director Ray Tanner hired Chastain Woodard three days later, on June 11. Chastain Woodard said that as an alumna, she followed the program heavily. When she started her journey as the new coach in the summer, the belief in her program was what she wanted to change the most.

“I just think that the respect it had and the belief that was within the program, the belief that was even on the outside of the program was something for me that’s got to change,” Chastain Woodard said. “Like, this is the best place in America. We have the best facilities, best fans in a wonderful city with wonderful people.”

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11 months later, Chastain Woodard said belief changed the most in her first year. Chastain Woodard closed her first season as head coach at her alma mater Saturday with a series win over No. 19 Alabama. Her regular season ended by breaking the program record for most wins as a first-year head coach.

However, the record is not something Chastain Woodard wants to take full credit for.

“I’m the head coach, but so many people poured their heart into the program this year,” Chastain Woodard said. “That goes from the administration to the staff to the players. It’s a lot of hard work. Winning is hard.”

Sam Gress said being part of the program’s foundation under Chastain Woodard is “special.”

“It’s special to play in front of a crowd like we did today, it’s special to make history,” Gress said. “To bring back a lot of passionate fans back to the sport of softball here at South Carolina … Just so proud and so privileged to wear this uniform.”

South Carolina’s 39 wins came in large part due to a 20-0 start to the season through all of non-conference play.

“I would have obviously never expected that. But, I mean, gosh, what a run,” Chastain Woodard said. “I think through that period of our season, I think the girls looked around and actually started to believe they were really good and they can compete with anyone they played against.”

Chastain Woodard led the Gamecocks to their second winning record in conference play in 22 years. Accomplishments are something Gress said she doesn’t think will hit the team until the season is all said and done.

“But just looking back, I’m so proud of this team, what we’ve done,” Gress said. “… Just goes to show who those coaches are, what they do and how they prepare us every single weekend.”

Emily Vinson said the team’s identity became a “comeback team” throughout the season.

“You don’t want to let us get any momentum because we’re gonna ride the wave,” Vinson said. “I think, too, just knowing that we can beat anyone at any time.”

Chastain Woodard called the progression of the program’s belief a “slow drip.” Its growth started day one in the summer of 2024.

“You can come here and be a really good softball player, have a shot at winning championships, win a lot of games, get developed as a better player,” Chastain Woodard said. “And all of that comes from the belief about the program.”

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