Shelley Smith Adds Familiar Face in Taylor Leach

COLUMBIA, SC – South Carolina women’s soccer head coach Shelley Smith has announced the addition of alum Taylor Leach to the Gamecock’s staff as an assistant coach. Leach played for South Carolina from 2010-2014.

“We are thrilled to welcome back one of the greats in our program and former captain, Taylor Leach” Smith said. “Not only was she a fantastic player here and also beyond college with her pro career, but a wonderful person, teammate and leader.  A true professional in every way, she will be a great asset to our staff and players.  We are so thankful to have her return to Columbia and continue her positive impact on the program here at South Carolina.”

During her time as a Gamecock, Leach was a two-time United Soccer Coaches’ All-Region and All-SEC First Team selection. As a centerback, Leach tallied four career goals, three assists and 11 points. Leach started in 43 of 62 career games, including all 22 matches her senior year, finishing with 2,127 minutes on the field (second-most on team).

“Being offered the opportunity to return to USC as part of the very same program that has given me so much as a player, student and person was an absolute no-brainer,” Leach said. “Shelley and Jamie have been such an integral part of both my collegiate and professional career, and so now to be able to learn from them in the coaching role is a true blessing. The culture they have created within the program is not only a testament to them as coaches, but more importantly, as people as it still stands true ten years later.

This is truly a full circle moment for me to come back to the place I’ve always considered home and have the pleasure of working alongside those I consider my family.”

Leach was an integral part to the Gamecocks’ defense, contributing to South Carolina’s 12 shutouts her junior year, the second-most in program history (as of 2013). The former Gamecock also made an appearance in the program’s first NCAA Tournament quarterfinal against No. 2 Florida State (Nov. 28) her final season.

In the classroom, Leach was a United Soccer Coaches and CSC (formerly CoSIDA) Scholar All-American. Following her collegiate career, Leach went on to play professionally, making her NWSL debut in the 2020 Challenge Cup for Utah Royals FC. She later played for Kansas City Current before retiring after the 2022 season.