Editor’s note: This story appears in the March/April 2021 issue of New England Soccer Journal. Subscribe here for insider access.
Since the mid 2000s, few programs in Division I women’s soccer have been as consistent as South Carolina.
The Gamecocks have, as of this spring, made 13 of the past 14 NCAA tournaments and earned eight straight postseason bids. Their deepest run occurred in 2017 and included a College Cup trip. Along the way, Southeastern Conference tournament trophies have been raised in 2009 and 2019.
The architect behind it all is a New Englander, with head coach Shelley Smith (Shaftsbury, Vt.) now in her 20th season at South Carolina. She earned her 300th career win this past October, a testament to her staying power and vision.
