South-Carolina
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
South Carolina Room at CCPL Main Library closes May 1 for 8-10 weeks
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — Researchers and history buffs will soon have to plan around a temporary closure at the Charleston County Public Library’s Main Library as renovations approach.
The library’s South Carolina Room, located at the Main Library at 68 Calhoun St., will temporarily close to the public beginning May 1, as the building prepares for renovation later this year.
The South Carolina Room is expected to be unavailable for about eight to 10 weeks during the transition. During that time, services, collections and in-person research assistance will not be accessible.
READ MORE | “Charleston County Public Library introduces new Youth Library Card options.”
The department will reopen to the public in a temporary location at 1248 Camp Road, though an official reopening date has not yet been announced.
The South Carolina Room is CCPL’s primary local history and genealogy research department. It preserves and provides access to materials documenting the history and people of Charleston County and South Carolina, including historical documents, maps, photographs, manuscripts, newspapers and other archival resources used for scholarly research, family history and community exploration.
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CCPL said the temporary relocation will allow continued preservation of materials while renovations at the Main Library are underway. Updates on reopening timelines and services will be shared at ccpl.org and through the library’s official communication channels.
South-Carolina
South Carolina Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 results for Feb. 25, 2026
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The South Carolina Education Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at Feb. 25, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from Feb. 25 drawing
50-52-54-56-64, Powerball: 23, Power Play: 2
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL numbers from Feb. 25 drawing
Midday: 1-3-3, FB: 3
Evening: 1-6-4, FB: 6
Check Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL numbers from Feb. 25 drawing
Midday: 4-6-9-8, FB: 3
Evening: 2-6-1-8, FB: 6
Check Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from Feb. 25 drawing
Midday: 10
Evening: 08
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Palmetto Cash 5 numbers from Feb. 25 drawing
26-30-36-38-39
Check Palmetto Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from Feb. 25 drawing
11-24-47-59-63, Powerball: 05
Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
The South Carolina Education Lottery provides multiple ways to claim prizes, depending on the amount won:
For prizes up to $500, you can redeem your winnings directly at any authorized South Carolina Education Lottery retailer. Simply present your signed winning ticket at the retailer for an immediate payout.
Winnings $501 to $100,000, may be redeemed by mailing your signed winning ticket along with a completed claim form and a copy of a government-issued photo ID to the South Carolina Education Lottery Claims Center. For security, keep copies of your documents and use registered mail to ensure the safe arrival of your ticket.
SC Education Lottery
P.O. Box 11039
Columbia, SC 29211-1039
For large winnings above $100,000, claims must be made in person at the South Carolina Education Lottery Headquarters in Columbia. To claim, bring your signed winning ticket, a completed claim form, a government-issued photo ID, and your Social Security card for identity verification. Winners of large prizes may also set up an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for convenient direct deposit of winnings.
Columbia Claims Center
1303 Assembly Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Claim Deadline: All prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date for draw games.
For more details and to access the claim form, visit the South Carolina Lottery claim page.
When are the South Carolina Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 3: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Pick 4: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Cash Pop: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Palmetto Cash 5: 6:59 p.m. ET daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Carolina editor. You can send feedback using this form.
South-Carolina
Why South Carolina is having a Darius Rucker concert instead of spring football game
COLUMBIA — South Carolina is hosting a Darius Rucker concert and block party in lieu of the 2026 spring football game.
The university announced on Feb. 25 that “Gamecock Athletics, in partnership with Rock Block, has announced that country music superstar and longtime Gamecock supporter Darius Rucker, along with country singer, songwriter and actress, Lauren Alaina, will headline the Garnet & Black Spring Fest.”
Williams-Brice Stadium has been under construction since the end of the 2025 football season and will not be operational in April, when coach Shane Beamer typically hosts the Garnet and Black spring game.
The event will take place on Saturday, April 11, at Colonial Life Arena with a free pre-conference block party at the corner of Lincoln and Greene Streets, outside of CLA.
Rucker is a Charleston native and a South Carolina graduate. His band Hootie and the Blowfish was formed at the university.
Tickets will first go to Gamecock Club members, Letterman Association members, University of South Carolina students and Colonial Life Arena Cyber Club members. It’s open to all ages.
The block party will begin at 1 p.m. ET and will feature a meet and greet with Gamecock football players, food and drinks, inflatables, live music and more. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6 p.m.
“Due to the ongoing stadium construction, our ability to host a spring game this year was going to be challenging as our top priority is ensuring Williams-Brice Stadium is ready for Sept. 5 home opener,” athletics director Jeremiah Donati said in the release. “As a result, the Garnet & Black Spring Fest was created to not only provide fans with the opportunity to meet and greet our football student-athletes but to come together as Gamecocks.”
Rucker is often involved in things on campus, ranging from attending games to supporting Beamer and women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley, or things more formal like events like these.
At a concert in Columbia in December 2024, Beamer joined Rucker on stage to sing “Wagon Wheel.”
Alaina is from Rossville, Georgia.
South Carolina has not announced dates for spring football practice.
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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