John Whittle

Columbia

Writer at 247Sports

Managing Editor at The Big Spur

Reporter covering South Carolina athletics | @247Sports | @TheCanesBB

Articles

Breaking down South Carolina baseball's incoming high school recruits

1 week ago | 247sports.com | John Whittle

South Carolina has a six-man high school recruiting class coming in this Fall with the hopes of having a positive impact on the program. While short in numbers, which correlates with team ranking, the Gamecocks do have some players in the class who could make their mark on the upcoming team.
Rodi brings home Gold Glove Award

1 week ago | 247sports.com | John Whittle

South Carolina softball first baseman Arianna Rodi has been named a Rawlings Gold Glove Award® winner, presented by the NFCA, it was announced Wednesday (May 28) during a press conference at the Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City. Rodi becomes the first Gamecock to earn a Rawlings Gold Glove Award®. She is also the first player from the SEC to earn the award at first base.
Closer look at South Carolina's softball roster

1 week ago | 247sports.com | John Whittle

Here's a look at who's departing the South Carolina softball program after a remarkable season under first-year head coach Ashley Chastain Woodard, and who's slated to return. The South Carolina softball team had a magical season in 2025, even if it fell one win short of making the Women's College World Series.
Chastain Woodard named D1Softball Coach of the Year

1 week ago | 247sports.com | John Whittle

South Carolina softball first-year head coach Ashley Chastain Woodard was named the National Coach of the Year by D1Softball on Wednesday (May 28). Press release written by USC Athletics Communications and Public RelationsUnder Chastain Woodard's leadership, the Gamecocks set or tied five team records and earned a national seed for the first time in modern program history. The team was ranked as high as No. 9 during the season in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association poll.
Closer look at RISP: Gamecocks who performed well in the clutch

1 week ago | 247sports.com | John Whittle

South Carolina didn't have a banner season offensively finishing near the bottom of the conference in most major categories. In all games played this season, the Gamecocks finished 14th in the 16-team league in batting average (.267), 15th in slugging percentage (.420) and 15th in on-base percentage (.369). The team was 11th in doubles (92) and 14th in home runs (58).
VIP Room: Memorial Day scoop

1 week ago | 247sports.com | Hale McGranahan |John Whittle

The latest from behind the scenes in South Carolina athletics. VIPThis is a quiet time for South Carolina football, but players are starting to return to campus to prepare for summer workouts. A few players had their first day on campus today and the rest will be in soon. But there's more happening in Gamecocks athletics. Let's take a look.
The good, bad and disappointing from 2025 baseball season

1 week ago | 247sports.com | John Whittle

This certainly isn't an all-inclusive list, but let's take a look at some of the good, the bad and disappointing elements of the most recent 2025 baseball season. VIPThe 2025 South Carolina baseball season will be remembered for a lot of the wrong reasons. The Gamecocks posted the most losses in program history and its worst record in Southeastern Conference play as well. All of the historical aspects of the year have been discussed ad nauseum, so we'll shift the focus a little bit in this story.
Historic season ends in heartbreak

1 week ago | 247sports.com | John Whittle

A historic season comes to an end. South Carolina was just one out away from sweeping through the Super Regional against UCLA but after a walk-off home run on Saturday thwarted those plans, the Bruins proved to be the better team in a 5-0 series finale on Sunday to clinch a spot in the Women's College World Series. Only two first-year head coaches have led their team to the WCWS in the last 20 years, and Ashley Chastain Woodard and the Gamecocks (44-17) fell just short.
'We've shown resilience and grit all year'

1 week ago | 247sports.com | John Whittle

South Carolina has now played 60 games so far this season and only three times has endured a run of losses. Typically, first-year head softball coach Ashley Chastain Woodard has watched her team bounce back from defeat. After beginning the season with a program-best 20-game winning streak, the Gamecocks (44-16) dropped five straight games - all three in a series to Oklahoma, a home game to Coastal Carolina, then the first game of the series to Georgia.
Who is eligible to return?

1 week ago | 247sports.com | John Whittle

With the end of any season comes a change in roster. The South Carolina baseball season ended with a first round loss in the SEC Tournament, and the coaching staff has now completed its exit meetings with individual players. There are some players who are graduating and without eligibility remaining, some will return and some will enter the NCAA Transfer Portal looking for a new home. The NCAA Transfer Portal opens for all players on June 2 and will remain open until July 1.

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John Whittle @johnmwhittle

14 May 25

Pop up shower at Founders Park halts batting practice and requires a quick tarp pull https://t.co/kJSlwWg4dB

John Whittle @johnmwhittle

14 May 25

South Carolina will have its Senior Day for baseball prior to the game on Friday. Matthew Becker, Talmadge LeCroy and Evan Stone are all four-year guys with the program. Several others have been here multiple years, and a couple one-and-doners, too.

John Whittle @johnmwhittle

14 May 25

KJ Scobey needs to be given some props for the season he's had this year, but he also gets my vote for best walkup song, too. I also freely admit that my opinion on music (and fashion) means almost nothing.