April 11, 2007

Columbia, S.C. – The South Carolina women’s soccer team will host its annual Alumni Game this Saturday (April 14) with kickoff at Stone Stadium set for 11 am. The current Gamecock squad and the Carolina alumni will play two halves of soccer with a reception following the game. The Carolina women’s team is expecting a full squad of at least 20 alumni back on campus this weekend.

“We expect a good, competitive game with a mix of older and younger players on the field,” said USC head coach Shelley Smith. “It’s a great opportunity for us and our team to catch up with former players and it has become more special every year to see past players return and bond with our current team.”

The Gamecocks had a strong following from the alumni this past season as Carolina finished the 2006 campaign with an 11-6-5 record to go along with reaching the semifinals of the SEC Tournament for the first time in school history. Several of the alumni were also in attendance this fall at the 1-0 victory over Clemson on Sept. 15th at Stone Stadium. Carolina finished undefeated at home as well with an 8-0-3 mark at the Graveyard.

“The support we had at the Clemson game was outstanding,” said Coach Smit. “We really appreciate how they follow the team and this past year showed how strong of support we have from the alumni. They were excited for the team and we heard from many of them throughout the season. It will be nice on Saturday to reunite our soccer family.”