Ashley Chastain Woodard, the head softball coach of South Carolina, was selected the national coach of the year.
In 2025, Ashley Chastain Woodard achieved a remarkable milestone in her coaching career by being named the National Coach of the Year in NCAA Division I softball. This prestigious recognition came after a transformative season at the helm of the University of South Carolina Gamecocks, where she orchestrated a resurgence that captivated the college softball community.
Chastain Woodard’s journey to this accolade began on June 11, 2024, when she was appointed as the 11th head coach of the South Carolina softball program. A former Gamecock student-athlete and graduate assistant, she returned to Columbia with a vision to elevate the program to new heights. Prior to her return, she had spent five successful seasons as the head coach at Charlotte, compiling a 154-96 overall record and leading the 49ers to two NCAA postseason berths. Her tenure at Charlotte was marked by significant achievements, including the program’s first-ever outright regular season conference championship and an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, where the team advanced to the regional final .
Upon taking the reins at South Carolina, Chastain Woodard faced the challenge of revitalizing a program that had not made a significant postseason impact in recent years. The Gamecocks had not reached the Women’s College World Series since 1997 and had finished in the bottom three of the Southeastern Conference standings in five different seasons. Despite these challenges, Chastain Woodard’s leadership quickly began to yield results.
One of her first initiatives was to foster a strong team culture. She emphasized the importance of unity and belief in the program’s potential. Through team-building activities, including dinners at her residence and surprise trips to the South Carolina State Fair, she cultivated an environment where players felt valued and motivated. This sense of community was further reinforced by the team’s practice rituals, such as forming a circle around the pitcher’s circle to set intentions and reflect on their sessions. These practices not only strengthened team cohesion but also instilled a championship mindset among the players .
Chastain Woodard’s impact was evident on the field as well. Under her guidance, the Gamecocks achieved a historic 18-0 start to the 2025 season, marking the best beginning since 1976. This impressive run included a series sweep against the No. 8 Duke Blue Devils, showcasing the team’s resilience and skill . The Gamecocks’ performance was characterized by a potent offense, solid defense, and effective pitching, all hallmarks of Chastain Woodard’s coaching philosophy.
A key component of the team’s success was the infusion of talent through strategic recruiting and player development. Chastain Woodard brought in six freshmen in the 2024 recruiting class, which was ranked No. 11 nationally. These newcomers, along with transfers and returning players, contributed to a dynamic and competitive roster. Notably, senior infielder Ella Chancey, a transfer from Charlotte, made significant contributions both offensively and defensively, earning recognition for her impact on the field .
The culmination of these efforts was a 44-17 overall record and, for the first time in program history, hosting a Super Regional in Columbia. Although the Gamecocks fell short of reaching the Women’s College World Series, their performance under Chastain Woodard’s leadership was a testament to the progress and potential of the program.
The National Coach of the Year award was a fitting acknowledgment of Chastain Woodard’s exceptional leadership and the team’s achievements. Her ability to rebuild the program, instill a winning culture, and develop players both on and off the field was instrumental in the Gamecocks’ successful season. This recognition not only highlighted her coaching acumen but also underscored the bright future of South Carolina softball under her guidance.
In conclusion, Ashley Chastain Woodard’s inaugural season as head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks was marked by significant achievements that revitalized the program and set a new standard for success. Her leadership, vision, and dedication to player development were key factors in the team’s historic season and her well-deserved recognition as the National Coach of the Year. As the Gamecocks look to build on this success, Chastain Woodard’s impact will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of South Carolina softball.
