South-Carolina

South Carolina Athletics See Major Coaching Overhaul

Published

2 years ago

July 1, 2024

South Carolina Athletics See Major Coaching Overhaul

A deep dive into the coaching changes that have occurred with the South Carolina Gamecocks during the offseason across all sports.

The University of South Carolina’s athletic department recently shook up its coaching staff, bringing in new leadership to bolster its sports programs. The most significant changes are new head coaches for the softball and baseball teams. There were also strategic additions to the football coaching staff. Shawn Elliott’s return to the football program also adds excitement and experience.

Ashley Chastain Takes the Helm for Softball

Ashley Chastain steps in as the new head coach of the South Carolina softball team, the first change in this position since 2010. Chastain, a former player and graduate assistant for the Gamecocks, brings extensive experience and a fresh perspective. She aims to build on the solid foundation left by former coach Beverly Smith, who departed on June 8, 2024. Chastain’s familiarity with the program and her vision promise to propel the Gamecocks to new heights.

Paul Mainieri Leads the Baseball Team

Paul Mainieri takes over as the head baseball coach. Mainieri’s hiring comes after Mark Kingston’s seven seasons and a disappointing first-round exit in the NCAA Tournament. Mainieri, who led LSU to a national championship in 2009, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record. His ability to develop talent and lead successful teams will be crucial as he steers the Gamecock baseball program forward.

Football’s Strategic Coaching Hires

The football program saw several key additions to its coaching staff. Joe DeCamillis joined as the special teams coordinator, bringing over 30 years of NFL experience, including two Super Bowl victories. His expertise aims to enhance the Gamecocks’ special teams performance significantly. This hiring followed Pete Lembo’s departure to become the head coach at the University of Buffalo.

Marquel Blackwell came on board as the running backs coach. This hire is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the team’s offensive capabilities and provide a more dynamic and run game.

Shawn Elliott’s Return

Shawn Elliott rejoined the South Carolina football coaching staff, adding his extensive experience to the team. Elliott, who previously served as an assistant coach for the Gamecocks and recently as the head coach at Georgia State, returned as the run game coordinator and tight ends coach. With 23 winning seasons and 21 postseason appearances in his career, Elliott brings a wealth of knowledge and success. During his tenure at Georgia State, he led the team to five bowl games and established a formidable rushing attack, highlighting his ability to elevate the Gamecocks’ performance.

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South-Carolina

Tessa Johnson injury update for Dawn Staley, South Carolina vs Kentucky

Published

7 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Tessa Johnson injury update for Dawn Staley, South Carolina vs Kentucky

South Carolina women’s basketball starting guard Tessa Johnson was not listed on the injury report Feb. 28 for the Gamecocks’ final regular-season game at Kentucky.

Johnson was practicing on Feb. 27 after missing the 112-71 win over Missouri, but coach Dawn Staley wouldn’t confirm her status for the next game.

No. 3 South Carolina (28-2, 14-1) travels to play No. 18 Kentucky (21-8, 8-7 SEC) on March 1 (2 p.m. ET, SEC Network) to close the regular season.

South Carolina called it an “upper body contusion” on social media not long after she was listed as out on the SEC injury report that published an hour before tipoff vs Missouri.

Staley joked that media would post on social media that Johnson was practicing with the starters, setting the tone that she isn’t hiding the latest on Johnson’s health.

Johnson is a junior guard averaging 13.1 points and 3.5 rebounds. She leads the SEC in 3-point shooting at 45.5%, which is also eighth in the nation.

Johnson struggled in her two most recent games. She went combined 2-of-13 for six points against Alabama and Ole Miss, just after going 8-of-13 for 21 points against LSU.

Staley said sophomore reserve post/center Adhel Tac is day to day dealing with a lower leg injury. Tac hasn’t played since Feb. 5. She’s still using a medical scooter to move around and has been sitting out practices. She was listed as out again vs Kentucky.

Tessa Johnson injury update, status for Kentucky

The Wildcats have talented guards who can score and defend, in addition to post players like 6-foot-5 center Clara Strack, who averages 16.4 points and 10.2 rebounds. Tonie Morgan scores 14.4 points and dishes a nation-high 8.3 assists a game.

Johnson is third in the nation in 3-point shooting at 45.5%. By posing a threat behind the arc, players like Joyce Edwards and Madina Okot get more action in the paint.

Raven Johnson hit a career-high four 3-pointers against Missouri and Maddy McDaniel drained two, but there’s no denying how much Johnson elevates the offense.

Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her at LKesin@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X@Lulukesin and Bluesky‪@bylulukesin.bsky.social‬

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South-Carolina

Men’s Golf Visits South Carolina for Colleton River Collegiate

Published

19 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Men’s Golf Visits South Carolina for Colleton River Collegiate

BLUFFTON, S.C. – Kentucky men’s golf begins the month of March at the Colleton River Collegiate this Sunday and Monday at Colleton River Club (par 72, 7403 yards).

UK joins a 15-team field for the 54-hole event, which will consist of 36 holes of continuous play on Sunday, followed by 18 holes on Monday. An 8 a.m. shotgun start will kick things off on Sunday, while Monday’s final round will begin with another shotgun start, this time at 7:45 a.m.

UK is paired with Indiana, Kansas State and Ohio State for the first day of play.

The Wildcats will utilize the same starting five, albeit in a different order, as was featured at the Watersound Invitational just two weeks ago. There, the Cats finished seventh in a loaded field and found themselves as high as third place during the final nine holes.

Sophomore Jacob Settles had the best showing of his collegiate career, finishing tied for seventh at 5-under par, while senior captain Jack Schoenberger had his highest finish of the season, placing tied for 14th at 2-under.

Jacob Lang, Luke Coyle and Cole Stockard will complete UK’s starting five alongside Settles and Schoenberger, the fourth time in six events the Wildcats have featured this starting unit.

Freshman Cameron Phillips will tee it up as an individual once again after an impressive showing in the same role at the Watersound where he tied for 29th and had two rounds under par.

Fans can follow along with live scoring on the Scoreboard Powered by Clippd website.

Kentucky Lineup:

Jack Schoenberger: Senior, Alpharetta, Ga
Jacob Lang: Sophomore, Alvaton, Ky.
Jacob Settles: Sophomore, Winchester, Ky
Luke Coyle: Junior, Campbellsville, Ky.
Cole Stockard: Freshman, Dalton, Ga.
Ind. Cameron Phillips: Freshman, Portsmouth, Ohio

Competing Schools (15): Chattanooga, Cincinnati, ETSU, Indiana, Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas State, Kentucky, Memphis, Michigan State, Minnesota, Missouri, Northwestern, Ohio State, Rutgers

For the latest on UK Men’s Golf follow the Wildcats on X and Instagram @UKmensgolf, and online at ukathletics.com.

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Biden visits Columbia, thanks SC Democrats for 2020 primary support

Published

1 day ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Biden visits Columbia, thanks SC Democrats for 2020 primary support

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – Former President Joe Biden spoke Friday at the Columbia Art Museum in downtown Columbia at an event hosted by the South Carolina Democratic Party to honor his more than 50 years with the party and to mark his 2020 South Carolina Democratic primary victory.

Biden entered the South Carolina primary having lost Iowa, New Hampshire and Nevada. His win in the state gave his campaign momentum heading into the rest of the primary calendar.

“People in this room brought my campaign back from the brink — a lot of pundits, people in the press had given up on me,” Biden said.

Biden said South Carolina’s support was central to his path to the presidency.

“If I could just get to South Carolina I could win the nomination, and I knew if I won the nomination I’d win the presidency because I knew what Bill Clinton and Barack Obama knew before me — South Carolina picks presidents,” Biden said.

South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain said Biden’s performance in the state went beyond a primary win.

“Biden didn’t just win, he delivered,” Spain said.

Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., whose endorsement of Biden ahead of the 2020 primary was a key moment in the campaign, attended the event. Clyburn praised Biden’s record of public service.

“There is no American ever who has demonstrated through his service more substance — and I might add sustenance — than Joseph Robinette Biden,” Clyburn said.

Biden also directed remarks at the current Trump administration and called on Democrats to turn out for November’s midterm elections to help flip the House or Senate.

“There’s no time to give up — it’s time to get up, get up, get up, continue to fight,” Biden said.

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