Gamecocks Softball Stays Hot, Adds Former Star to Coaching Staff
COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina softball is off to a red-hot start in 2025, remaining perfect at 5-0 after an electrifying opening weekend. The Gamecocks delivered two thrilling walk-off wins over ranked Virginia and secured three shutout victories, setting the tone for an exciting season under first-year head coach Ashley Chastain Woodard.
But the wins didn’t stop on the field.
On Tuesday, Chastain Woodard made a key addition to her coaching staff, bringing in former Gamecock pitcher Karsen Ochs Hanna as the team’s director of operations.
Bringing a Gamecock Back Home
The University of South Carolina announced that Ochs Hanna, who pitched for the Gamecocks from 2020-2023, will now take on a pivotal role behind the scenes.
“It’s always a great day for our program when you have the opportunity to bring your own home,” Chastain Woodard said. “I am thrilled to announce Karsen Ochs Hanna as our new director of softball operations.”
She continued: “Karsen and I share a deep love and passion for this program. She has a servant’s heart and an excellent skill set to thrive in this particular role. Our program will be better due to her pouring her heart into our players and staff each day. Karsen is the perfect person at the perfect time and everything we need to take this program to a championship level.”
A Star On and Off the Field
Ochs Hanna was a standout for the Gamecocks, pitching in 82 games, making 29 starts, and logging 210.1 innings. She finished with 17 career wins, three saves, and ranks second all-time in program history in relief appearances.
Her achievements extended beyond the diamond. A double Summa Cum Laude graduate, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in public relations (2023) and later completed a Master’s in coaching education (2024), focusing on collegiate sports and mental performance.
As a student-athlete, she earned SEC Academic Honor Roll honors all four years and was a three-time National Fastpitch Coaches Association Scholar-Athlete. In 2023, she was also named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team.
Excited for the Next Chapter
For Ochs Hanna, the opportunity to return to Columbia and contribute to the program’s growth is a dream come true.
“I am so excited to join the staff,” she said. “Their Carolina roots run deep, as do mine, and I’m excited to come alongside them to continue building this program towards greatness. My time as a student-athlete here was invaluable, and I’m grateful to Ashley for the opportunity to come back home and aid in creating an even better experience for our current and future players.”
Since graduating, Ochs Hanna has remained deeply involved in the sport. In 2024, she served as the Gamecocks’ broadcast analyst for SEC Network+ and took on the role of head coach at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School. Most recently, she worked as a collegiate area representative for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, where she mentored eight collegiate teams, including five softball programs.
With the Gamecocks already making waves to start the season, the addition of Ochs Hanna only strengthens a program aiming for championship-level success in 2025.
