Everything Ashley Chastain Woodard said after South Carolina’s regional win over North Florida
In a landmark victory that propelled the South Carolina Gamecocks into the Super Regionals, head coach Ashley Chastain Woodard addressed the media following her team’s decisive win over North Florida. Her comments reflected both pride in her players and a clear vision for the road ahead.
Opening Remarks
“I’m incredibly proud of this team—not just for the win today, but for the way they’ve carried themselves all season. This is what we’ve been working toward since day one. To see them execute under pressure, to see them believe in each other and in the process—it’s everything we’ve talked about.”
On the Team’s Growth
“When I took this job, I said we were going to compete at the top of college softball. That wasn’t just talk—it was a standard. And today, we showed that we belong. We’ve built this program on belief, on trust, and on a relentless pursuit of excellence. This win is a testament to that.”
“We’ve come a long way from being picked last in the SEC. Our players have bought in, and they’ve shown what they’re capable of. This is just the beginning.”
On the Game’s Key Moments
“There were so many pivotal moments today. Our pitchers were outstanding—Sam Gress and Jori Heard set the tone early. Our defense was sharp, and our offense capitalized when it mattered most. But what stood out was the poise. We didn’t panic. We executed. That’s championship-level softball.”(University of South Carolina Athletics)
On the Leadership of Seniors
“Seniors like Sam Gress and Ella Chancey have been the backbone of this team. They’ve led by example, they’ve mentored our younger players, and they’ve set the standard for what it means to be a Gamecock. Their leadership has been invaluable.”
Looking Ahead to the Super Regionals
“We’re not satisfied with just making it this far. Our goal is to win championships. The Super Regionals will be a new challenge, but we’re ready. We’ve faced adversity all season, and we’ve come out stronger each time. We’ll take it one game at a time, but we’re not backing down.”
On the Culture of the Program
“This program is built on more than just softball. It’s about developing young women, building character, and creating a family. We’ve worked hard to foster a culture of belief and trust. Today’s win is a reflection of that culture.”
“I’m just so proud of these players. They’ve earned this moment. But we’re not done yet. We’ve got more to prove, more to accomplish. And we’re going to do it together.”
With this victory, Ashley Chastain Woodard has not only led the Gamecocks to their first Super Regional appearance in recent memory but has also solidified her vision for the program’s future. As the team prepares for the next challenge, the foundation she’s laid promises a bright future for South Carolina softball.
