May 9, 2006

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Southeastern Conference announced the 2006 SEC Softball Good Works Team Tuesday afternoon, and South Carolina’s Melanie Henkes was named to the team. A senior pitcher from Aiken, S.C., Henkes becomes the third Gamecock player in four years named to the team.

Henkes was recognized for her community service efforts including serving as volunteer for Katrina relief with the S.C CARES Organization and the American Red Cross. She is also a volunteer for Home Works of South Carolina, an organization that repairs homes for the elderly, and for the Harvest Hope Food Bank. As an active member of Team Gamecocks, she visits and assists as an elementary school classroom volunteer, in addition to participating in the annual “Back to School Bash”, which promotes the importance of education to school-aged children.

With 43 career victories, Henkes ranks 10th on USC’s all-time list for winningest pitchers and is eighth in career strikeouts with 303.

Previous USC SEC Good Works nominees include: Adrianna Baggetta (2002) and two-time selection, Meghan Cornett (2004, 2005).

Also named to the 2006 team was: Jordan Praytor (Alabama), Blaire Perry (Arkansas), Jorja Bell (Auburn), Lauren Roussell (Florida), Ashley Godfrey (Georgia), Ashley Fertic (Kentucky), Kristen Hobbs (LSU), Stacy McCommon (Ole Miss), Callye Williams (Mississippi State) and Sarah Vaughn (Tennessee).