Preston Long Returns to Carolina Softball as Director of Operations

COLUMBIA, S.C. – University of South Carolina softball head coach Beverly Smith announced the addition of Preston Long as the program’s director of operations. Long previously worked with Smith and the Gamecocks from 2015 to 2020 as both an undergraduate and graduate manager.

“We are delighted to welcome Preston back to our Gamecock family,” Smith said. “I must thank Kacey Friedman who has been by my side since 2010. Kacey started as a student worker and developed into a fantastic director of operations. She cares deeply for the program and our student-athletes. I appreciate of all her hard work and dedication over the years, she has my heartfelt gratitude. Like Kacey, Preston started with Gamecock softball as a student and was a manager with the program for five years. Preston is passionate about softball and the Gamecocks, and I am thrilled to have him on the team.”

Long returns to South Carolina after spending the last two seasons at North Carolina, and the 2021 season at NC State in the same role. Over the last three seasons, Long has coordinated all team travel, planned and executed team meals, and cut and tagged practice and game film. He also oversaw alumni relations, as well as on-campus recruiting, and recruit mailings. Additionally, he served as tournament director for home tournaments and was the director of on-campus camps.

Long holds two degrees from South Carolina, graduating in 2018 from the College of Arts and Sciences with a Bachelor of Arts in criminology and criminal justice with a minor in sport and entertainment management. In 2020 he earned his master’s degree from the College of HRSM in sport and entertainment management.

During his five seasons with the Gamecocks, he held multiple roles within the softball program. Long assisted with day-to-day team operations, including the ordering of equipment from Under Armour, taking inventory, managing laundry, and compiling team analytic reports for each opponent. He also aided in coordinating tournaments and visiting team practice. He not only assisted off the field, but Long also helped on the field, throwing batting practice and hitting infield and outfield practice.

For the latest on South Carolina Softball, visit GamecocksOnline.com or follow the team’s social media accounts on Twitter @GamecockSoftbll, Facebook /GamecockSoftball, and Instagram @GamecockSoftball.