South Carolina Athletics Director Jeremiah Donati Shares Exciting Updates Across Gamecock Sports
As the holiday season approaches, South Carolina Athletics Director Jeremiah Donati expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support of Gamecock fans. “From wearing Gamecock gear wherever you may be, to cheering on our teams at home and on the road, to supporting our student-athletes through philanthropic donations and Gamecock Club memberships — none of what we do would be possible without your continued support,” Donati said. “Every day I am proud to come to work and represent the Garnet & Black.”
Basketball on a Roll
Both South Carolina men’s and women’s basketball programs have started strong, each standing 3-0. The No. 2 women’s team secured a 65-37 win over Clemson on Tuesday, earning a point in the SC Education Lottery Palmetto Series, and will face Southern Cal in Los Angeles at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday.
On the men’s side, Meechie Johnson shined with a career-high 33 points, including seven three-pointers, in Sunday’s overtime victory. The Gamecocks followed up with a win over Presbyterian and now prepare for a matchup against Radford at Colonial Life Arena. Donati encouraged fans to grab tickets and support the team in person.
Fall Sports Shine in Attendance
South Carolina continues to lead in fan support, ranking first in average attendance for both men’s and women’s soccer for the second consecutive year. The football team ranks 14th nationally, and volleyball sits at 28th. “We are one of only five Division I schools to have all four of these sports ranked in the top 30 in average attendance,” Donati noted. Students are also showing record attendance, helping maintain the Gamecocks’ status as a national attendance leader.
Women’s Soccer Heads to NCAA Tournament
Donati congratulated head coach Shelley Smith and the women’s soccer team on earning their 13th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. The team will travel to Winston-Salem to face Wake Forest in the first round.
Williams-Brice Reimagined
Excitement continues with the Williams-Brice Reimagined project, set to break ground within a month. Fans can expect new restrooms and concession areas on the West Main and East Ground levels, as well as expanded concourses for the 2026 season. Donati encouraged fans to explore the project online to see how the stadium experience will be enhanced while preserving tradition.
Historic Cross Country Season
The Gamecocks’ cross country team made history at the SEC Championships, earning the program’s first podium finish with a bronze medal. They recently finished as runners-up at the NCAA Southeast Regional, qualifying for the NCAA Championships as a team for the first time in program history.
Hall of Fame Inductions
Six former Gamecock student-athletes were inducted into the University of South Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame: Natasha Hastings, Brandon Hulko, Paul Jubb, Akram Mahmoud, Mollie Patton, and A’ja Wilson. Donati congratulated the honorees for their outstanding contributions to Gamecock Athletics.
Soccer Accolades
Senior Gracie Falla was named SEC Defender of the Year for the second time and earned her third All-SEC First Team selection. Teammates Katie Shea Collins, Taylor Bloom, Cuyler Zulauf, and Mackenzie Johnson also received conference honors. On the men’s side, Ethan Ballek and Matthew DeJianne were recognized with All-Sun Belt honors.
GarNET & Black Madness
Last month, fans celebrated the start of basketball season at GarNET & Black Madness, featuring Waka Flocka Flame. Donati thanked the staff and fans for making the inaugural event a success.
SEC Weekly Honors
South Carolina swimming and diving seniors Sophie Verzyl and Amy Riordan earned SEC Weekly Awards. Verzyl received her second SEC Diver of the Week honor, and Riordan was named SEC Women’s Swimmer of the Week, contributing to a victory over No. 14 North Carolina.
Gamecocks Give Back
Next week, the Student Athlete Development team will lead the department’s Week of Giving, including a canned food drive, holiday card making, and Habitat for Humanity ReStore assistance. Donati praised the team for planning ways to give back to the community.
Baseball and Softball Look Ahead
The Gamecocks’ baseball and softball teams concluded fall practices and are preparing for the 2026 season. Softball opens on February 5, and baseball starts February 13. Donati encouraged fans to mark their calendars and attend games at Carolina Softball Stadium and Founders Park.
Closing Thoughts
“As we enter the holiday season, I hope you are able to relax and spend time connecting with your family and friends,” Donati said. “I am extremely thankful for your continued support of Gamecock Athletics and look forward to accomplishing great things together as we close out 2025. Forever to thee!”
