South Carolina Women's Soccer to Retire Savannah McCaskill's Jersey
COLUMBIA, SC – The University of South Carolina women’s soccer program announced today that former All-American and two-time SEC Offensive Player of the Year Savannah McCaskill will have her jersey retired in a ceremony at their match against Texas A&M on October 19. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m. while the Gamecocks celebrate Alumni Weekend.
A local native of Chapin, S.C., McCaskill joined the Gamecocks in 2014 as a four-star prospect coming out of Irmo High School and was ranked the No. 5 overall player in the South Atlantic region. In her freshman season, McCaskill started all 25 games for the Gamecocks, and finished tied for the team lead with 15 points. The rookie netted five goals while dishing out five assists, in addition to recording at least one shot in every game. For her efforts, McCaskill was named the SEC Freshman of the Year, becoming just the third in program history.
During her sophomore campaign, McCaskill’s 1.45 points per game were good for the third-best mark in the SEC and ranked 56th nationally. The following year, McCaskill boasted one of the finest seasons in program history, setting single-year school records for points (45) and goals (17). She ranked second in Division I with an SEC-leading and program record 10 game-winners, and her five game-winners in SEC play topped all players. Her 1.88 points per match stood as the 13th best mark in Division I, and she ranked 20th nationally with 0.71 goals per game.
Throughout her career, McCaskill started in all 90 matches she appeared in, as the Gamecocks made the NCAA Tournament all four seasons including the program’s first appearance in the College Cup her senior year. McCaskill held the program record for goals in a season (17), points in a season (45), season and career game winning goals (10, 17), career shots (122) and career shots on goal (51). McCaskill also holds top-5 program records in career goals (40), assists (34), points (114), and game winning assists (7).
She finished her South Carolina career as one of only three Gamecocks to reach 100 points.
The powerhouse forward graduated in 2018, leaving South Carolina as a four-time All-SEC selection, two-time SEC Offensive Player of the Year, two-time MAC Hermann Trophy finalist, and a three-time All-American. Following graduation, McCaskill became the program’s second NWSL College Draft pick after being selected second overall in the first round to the Boston Breakers. It remains the program’s highest overall draft pick.
Since being drafted, McCaskill has played within the NWSL for the past eight years, and is currently a starting midfielder for the San Diego Wave.
“I’m happy to see Savannah being so honored by our department for her contributions to the soccer program and for her successful playing career”, head coach Shelley Smith said. “It is extra special to have such a standout student athlete from the Columbia area having represented this university and the state of South Carolina so well, and who continues to be a top professional in her sport. I’m proud of the player and person Savannah matured into over her college career and the way she propelled in to the professional level to continue being an impact at the highest level. Savannah is well deserving of this honor and recognition and look forward to celebrating with her this fall season.”
Retired jerseys are selected by a committee of representatives from the South Carolina Athletics Department, University Board of Trustees, and the USC Lettermen’s Association.
Factors for jersey retirement include post-season national and conference recognitions, school record holders, impact on team accomplishments and either graduating from South Carolina or leaving the school in good academic standing.
The current athletics department policy states that the school retire jerseys not numbers. Athletics department records indicate the current policy has been in place since at least 2007. Numbers retired prior to then will continue to be in a retired state. Current and future student-athletes can wear numbers that were affiliated with jersey retirements after 2007.
