Shane Beamer reveals lessons learned from first year at South Carolina

Year One of the Shane Beamer era at South Carolina was a solid opening season for the Gamecocks. Going 7-6 overall and winning the Duke’s Mayo Bowl to cap off the 2021 campaign, Beamer’s club was able to compete in the SEC and finish with a winning record – and that’s a step in the right direction for the program.

Coming into Year Two, Beamer and his club have plans to keep improving and be a consistent contender in the SEC – and South Carolina is putting in the work in spring practices to prepare themselves to accomplish just that.

Meeting with the media last week, Beamer was asked by a reporter what he has learned the most about being a head coach and where he feels he stands heading into his second full season in 2022.

“Just doing it the second time through knowing what’s coming,” Beamer said. “Every day something’s going to happen that you don’t prepare for. Coach [Steve] Spurrier always used to tell me be flexible, and things happen, and you’re going to have to adjust, and stuff like that – and I get it. That’s probably the biggest thing – knowing that the players in this program better in Year Two, and what makes them click, and their backgrounds, and their stories, and their challenges and goals. I feel like that helps me better as a coach.

“I have better relationships with the guys that have been here for last year and now for this year. So, I know how to connect and reach guys better. … Constantly learning and trying to do a better job of that. They know me better as well.”

After winning seven games last season, South Carolina is scheduled to kickoff its 2022 slate on Saturday, Sept. 3 against Georgia State in Columbia. Following their opener, the Gamecocks will jump right into SEC play with a road trip to Arkansas on Sept. 10.