Gamecock Legend Charles Waddell Retires After Two Decades of Impact at South Carolina
A monumental chapter in South Carolina athletics has come to a close, as longtime Associate Athletics Director Charles Waddell officially announced his retirement on Wednesday. Waddell, a fixture in Columbia for nearly 20 years, leaves behind a legacy of championship success, student-athlete mentorship, and unwavering dedication to the Gamecock community.
A former three-sport athlete at the University of North Carolina, Waddell lettered in football, basketball, and track and field before graduating in 1975. His athletic prowess earned him the prestigious Patterson Medal, the highest honor for a UNC athlete, as well as All-ACC and All-American honors in football. He later played in the NFL with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Seattle Seahawks, and San Diego Chargers—an athletic résumé that rivals legends.
“I’m a team guy, and I like being involved in teams,” Waddell said, reflecting on his two decades at South Carolina. “That’s what college athletics is about. You work with people, and you’re pulling for a common goal. The biggest thing I’ve gained from all these experiences is the people that come into your life. Those relationships turn into friendships.”
A Legacy of Championships and Leadership
Since arriving in Columbia in 2006, Waddell helped oversee one of the most successful eras in Gamecock history. During his time, South Carolina secured seven team national championships—including two in baseball, two in equestrian, and three in women’s basketball. He witnessed the winningest period in football program history, a Final Four run in men’s basketball, multiple NCAA Tournament berths in men’s soccer, and SEC titles in women’s soccer. Individual track and field standouts also brought home national titles under his watch.
Waddell worked closely with three athletic directors during his South Carolina tenure: Eric Hyman, Ray Tanner, and Jeremiah Donati. He also served as the sport administrator for multiple programs, including football, women’s basketball, track and field, men’s basketball, and equestrian.
“I just wanted to say thanks for the opportunity to come down and work here! It’s been a great run,” Waddell shared. “Looking back at the success we had in our programs during my time here has been off the charts. I spent the most time with football, women’s basketball, and track and field. Curtis [Frye], Steve [Spurrier], and Dawn [Staley] are all Hall of Fame coaches. It was great being along for the ride with them.”
From the NFL to the Boardroom
Waddell’s impressive career extended far beyond the field. Before joining South Carolina, he held administrative positions at Fayetteville State University, where he served as Vice Chancellor for Advancement, and at the Big Ten Conference as an Assistant Commissioner. He also spent nearly a decade with Richardson Sports, overseeing marketing and sponsorships for the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte.
Even as he leaves his professional role, Waddell remains passionate about guiding and mentoring the next generation—particularly underserved youth.
“Now, I’ll try to get a little more involved with kids in different ways,” he said. “Letting them know that they have an opportunity for a good life if they make good decisions. They can achieve more than they think they can sometimes.”
A Voice on the Changing Landscape
As a seasoned leader, Waddell has witnessed firsthand the evolution of college athletics. With the rise of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals and increasing commercialization, he expressed both hope and concern for student-athletes today.
“The growth that we’ve seen in college athletics and the money involved has changed the scope of what it’s all about,” Waddell noted. “You now have more people from the outside getting involved with the athletes. Unfortunately, you’re probably going to hear more stories of kids who were taken advantage of… This might be the most money they’re making for their entire life. Hopefully, we can get kids to do the right things by investing and setting aside money.”
He credits his parents for instilling a strong foundation that guided him through life. “My dad was a janitor, and my mom cleaned houses,” Waddell recalled. “She went back to junior college while I was in high school. They were solid, hard-working, spiritual people. My mom threatened me that if I ever brought in a B, I couldn’t play for my team. My parents gave us a good structure.”
Looking Ahead
With his retirement now official, Waddell looks forward to spending quality time with his wife, Sandra, their three children, and three grandsons—whose schedules are already packed with soccer, basketball, and now a bit of football.
“I’m going to hang out and catch up with the family,” Waddell said. “Sandra and I might do a little bit of traveling, but most of what we do will be centered around those three grandboys.”
From the locker room to the executive suite, Charles Waddell’s influence on college sports—and especially on South Carolina—will be felt for years to come.
