Former South Carolina softball star earns coaching gig

On Thursday, James Madison University announced the hire of former South Carolina softball star Sam Gress. She will serve as the Dukes’ new pitching coach. Gress spent the 2025 season with the Gamecocks after moving from the Charlotte 49ers alongside head coach Ashley Chastain Woodard.

James Madison head coach Loren LaPorte cited Gress’ “knowledge, energy, and passion” as reasons for her fit at JMU in a Thursday afternoon statement.

According to the University, Gress began working with the Dukes on November 1st; she joins LaPorte’s staff for her 14th year at James Madison.

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Gress, who began her collegiate playing career at NC State, spent three years with the Wolfpack. Then, she was at Charlotte for two years with Chastain Woodard before becoming one of the top arms for South Carolina softball last spring.

During her one season in Columbia, Gress earned All-SEC honors after posting a 2.83 ERA and a career-best strikeout rate. She also earned a spot on the SEC All-Defensive team. Following the season, Gress made the third All-Region team of her career, too.

With Gress leading the way from the circle, South Carolina had one of its best seasons ever. The Gamecocks won 44 games and earned a top-eight national host seed in the NCAA Tournament. The big-time season saw USC finish in the top 15 of all four major polls. That included a best-ever No. 10 finish according to the USA Softball/ESPN.com.

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