Columbia, South Carolina – The University of South Carolina will be seeking a new baseball coach for the upcoming 2025 season, as announced by Gamecocks Athletics Director Ray Tanner today.
After seven years at the helm of the Carolina baseball program, Mark Kingston will not be returning for another season. During his tenure, Kingston achieved an overall record of 217-155, with a 58.3 percent win rate, and an 83-96 SEC mark, amounting to a 46.4 percent win rate. Under Kingston’s leadership, the Gamecocks made appearances in post-season play four times, reaching the Super Regionals stage twice before the 2020 season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Joining the program on June 30, 2017, Kingston became the 30th head coach in its history. He steered the team to six winning seasons, three of which were in SEC play. The Gamecocks secured third place in the SEC East on two occasions, in 2018 and 2023, leading to NCAA Super Regional appearances both years.
The most recent season saw Carolina finishing with a 37-25 overall record, including a 13-17 record in SEC play. The team’s season ended at the NCAA Raleigh Regional. Notably, Carolina reached a high of #7 in the RPI national rankings and closed the regular season with a #21 ranking.
Over the last 50 seasons, South Carolina’s baseball program has participated in 35 NCAA Regionals, claiming victory in 19 regional titles and making 11 appearances at the College World Series. The team notably clinched the NCAA championship in 2010 and 2011. Following Kingston’s departure, Associate Head Coach/Recruiting Coordinator Monte Lee will step in as the interim head coach.
In the search for a new head coach, the University of South Carolina will aim to build on its successes and uphold the legacy of excellence within its baseball program.