Dec. 13, 2005

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina softball staff officially announced its 2006 signees Tuesday. Head coach Joyce Compton received signed letters of intent from Anna Johnson (Reynolds, Ga.), Adele Voigt (Dacula, Ga.), Caitlin Marsh (Capistrano Beach, Calif.) and Lindsay Walker (Fayetteville, Ga.).

“Our ’06 signees can provide us skills in areas where we will need depth or will be vacant,” said Compton. “I am excited about our commitments this year and I think they will fit in well with what we are trying to accomplish as a team.”

Johnson is a 5-9 catcher from Westfield H.S. in Reynolds, Ga. and plays for Georgia Elite, one of the top fastpitch programs in the southeast. Johnson is a three-time all-region and a two-time all-state selection. She helped her team earn three region championships and was selected to the Lisa Fernandez All-Prospect Team. Johnson was also named first team all-middle Georgia. During her freshman and sophomore years, her team finished second and third in the GISA AAA State playoffs.

“Anna is a power hitter who can hit from both sides,” said Compton. “With this being Ashley’s last year, we are hoping to have Anna come in and help out in that position next year.”

Joining Johnson is Elite teammate, Adele Voigt. Voigt is an outfielder from Dacula H.S. A two-time letterwinner for the Lady Falcons, Voigt is a dual-sport athlete in track and field and softball. She was also named first team All-Region and all-county last year in softball.

“Adele will provide us depth in speed and versatility in the outfield,” said Compton.

The Gamecocks also signed San Clemente High School’s Caitlin Marsh. A talented outfielder, Marsh hit .423 last year with 18 runs and 33 hits for San Clemente. Her travel ball team is the 18U Anaheim OC Batbusters Gold.

“Like Adele, Caitlin has speed that we can use in our outfield,” said Compton.

Lindsay Walker is the Gamecocks’ fourth signee. Walker is a standout shortstop from Starr’s Mill H.S. in Fayetteville, Ga. Also a member of the Georgia Blitz travel team, Walker helped lead the Lady Panthers to the 4-A Region title last year. She was named the Panther’s Defensive Player of the Year and first team All-State. A team co-captain, she was also named to the Georgia High School 2005 All-Region team and All-Star team.

“Lindsay is a true shortstop,” said Compton. “She has solid defensive skills, good reflexes and is very agile. Those skills will be very beneficial to us.”