South Carolina softball hires Ashley Chastain as coach from Charlotte

COLUMBIA — Ashley Chastain is coming home. Officially.

News broke on Monday that Chastain was being tapped to become South Carolina’s next softball coach, but that was awaiting board approval. Athletic director Ray Tanner announced the hiring on Tuesday.

At the board of trustees meeting, it was revealed that Chastain would receive a 5-year contract worth $300,000.

Chastain has been Charlotte’s coach since 2019. She played softball at South Carolina from 2009-2011 and was a graduate assistant in 2012.

“Ashley Chastain is the right choice to take our softball program to the next level,” Tanner said in a news release. “She has been successful at every stage of her coaching career. It’s exciting that we brought in a graduate from South Carolina to lead our softball program.

Since taking over the 49ers program, Chastain has an overall record of 154-96 and has competed in NCAA Regionals the past two seasons. The 49ers won the 2023 Conference USA regular season title.

“I am honored and excited to return to the University of South Carolina to lead this program,” Chastain said in a news release. “As an alumna, this university and program hold a special place in my heart, and I am committed to building on its proud tradition.”