The South Carolina Gamecocks softball season ended just a couple of weeks ago, with the team falling to UCLA in the Los Angeles Regional Final. Earlier this week, Ashley Chastain's program saw several players enter the transfer portal, seeking new opportunities elsewhere.
But South Carolina has also been active on the recruiting trail in getting players from the portal to come to Columbia. The team landed a new starting catcher in Brooke Bennett on Wednesday. Bennett spent the first two years of her collegiate career at Longwood University. She made the commitment official on her X profile:
COMMITTED!
— Brooke Bennett (@b_rookebennett) May 27, 2026
Thank you so much to everyone who has helped me get to where I am. Special thank you to the USC staff for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. Can’t wait to come home, spurs up!🤙🏻@GamecockSoftbll @FuryPlatinum @Coach_India_C @JordanLMcNary @SoftballPortal pic.twitter.com/DLU9Ep78ZN
As a rising junior in 2026, Bennett will have two years of eligibility left fo Coach Chastain and the Gamecocks. She fills a huge need, as starting catcher Lexi Winters is set to graduate from South Carolina this month. She brings some much-needed experience at the position too. For Longwood this past season, she batted .340 with a 1.028 OPS and led the team with nine home runs and 34 RBIs. She was also a two-time All-Big South First Team selection for Longwood.
She played high school softball at North Oldham High school in Goshen, Ky. Welcome to the Gamecocks, Bennett!
With all the player departures South Carolina has had, this is likely not the only player that Coach Chastain landed from the portal. So it could be a busy few weeks for South Carolina on the recruiting trail.
ALSO READ: Coastal Carolina's Kevin Schnall says he hasn't spoken to South Carolina about job
Add us as a preferred source on Google