University of South Carolina Parts Ways with Softball Coach Beverly Smith

Fisher Brewer | Jun 8, 2024

May 11, 2023; Fayetteville, AK, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Beverly Smith goes over the lineup with the umpire during a quarterfinal game against the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Softball Tournament. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports / Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports

In a surprising move, the University of South Carolina announced today that they have parted ways with their long-time softball coach, Beverly Smith. Smith, who has been at the helm of the Gamecocks' softball program since July 2010, leaves behind a legacy marked by significant achievements and notable milestones.

Background and Tenure

Beverly Smith led the Gamecocks to eight NCAA Tournaments in her 11-year tenure, becoming the second winningest coach in South Carolina softball history with an overall record of 425-299. Under her guidance, the team saw a resurgence in the collegiate softball world, with Smith overseeing all aspects of the program and working closely with the pitchers.

From 2013 to 2019, Smith guided the Gamecocks to a program-record seven-consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. The team was poised for an eighth-consecutive postseason trip in 2020 before the season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During her tenure, Smith also coached 14 All-Region and nine All-SEC players, and recruited and coached standout athletes such as 2015 First-Team NFCA All-American Alaynie Page and 2021 Third-Team All-American Mackenzie Boesel.

Notable Achievements

Smith's leadership saw the Gamecocks reach the regional championship in four-consecutive completed seasons, setting a program record. The 2018 team achieved a historic milestone by reaching the program’s second-ever super regional. In 2023, the Gamecocks made a memorable postseason run, becoming the first double-digit seed to reach the SEC Tournament final. They continued their impressive performance by advancing to the Tallahassee Final and forcing an if-necessary game against the No. 3 ranked Florida State Seminoles. The team finished the season with 40 wins for the second time under Smith.

Smith earned her 400th career win against UNC on March 1, 2023, becoming the 29th active head coach in Division I to amass 400 career victories while coaching at only one school.

Recent Performance and Decision

Despite Smith's achievements, recent seasons have been challenging for the Gamecocks. The team finished the 2022 season with a 26-30 record and a four-spot improvement in its final RPI ranking. The 2021 season saw the Gamecocks achieve a 26-26 record, including a victory over Auburn in the first round of the SEC Tournament. In the shortened 2020 season, the Gamecocks posted a 17-6 record, with notable wins over Ohio State, Kansas, No. 8 Michigan, Iowa State, and No. 13 Georgia.

The decision to part ways with Smith comes after these mixed performances, with the university believing it is time for new leadership to guide the team to future success.

Impact on the Program

Smith's departure leaves a significant gap in the Gamecocks' coaching staff. The university has announced that [Interim Coach's Name] will take over coaching duties while the search for a permanent replacement is underway. The transition period will be crucial for maintaining team morale and preparing for the upcoming season.

Reactions from Players and Fans

The news has elicited mixed reactions from everyone. Many USC fans are happy with this decision despite Smith being the second winningest coach in program history. Many feel that with the money put into the program and its history, the team could be much better than what was seen under her tenure as head coach.

Join the community: Follow Fisher Brewer on X:@USCTalk

You can follow us for future coverage by clicking "Follow" on the top right-hand corner of the page. Also, be sure to follow us on X at @GamecocksDigest and on Facebook!