Softball Program Once Again Looking to Recognize 'Super People'

South Carolina softball is looking for Super People. If you know somebody who is doing something super in the community, the Gamecocks want to recognize them at a home game at Carolina Softball Stadium at Beckham Field while also having the individuals throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the game.
 

 Bhavna Vasudeva

“My favorite people to recognize are the ones you don’t know about,” said head softball coach Beverly Smith. “When you ask people to tell you about someone doing great things in your community, you end up learning about great individuals who are doing wonderful things in the schools, in the community, and a lot of other places. If you feel like someone around you is worthy of the recognition, then we’d like to honor them.”

Smith came up with the idea of honoring leaders in the community several years ago after hearing a young woman sing Alicia Keyes’ “Super woman” at an event with then-governor Nikki Haley. Since then, she not only enjoys recognizing the individuals, but she also wants young fans in the stands as well as her players to see role models who are doing meaningful things outside of the realm of athletics.

“I like the direction that this has gone,” Smith said. “What we’ve found is that there are all these great men and women in the community who are doing great things. I’m a big believer in the idea that if you can see her, you can be her! It’s great modeling for our student-athletes and kids in general.

“It has evolved over the years. It was originally about ‘super women’ in the community, but then last year I didn’t want to make it exclusive to women, so now it’s ‘super people’ who deserve the recognition.”

“It’s neat to learn about all the great things that are going on in the community.”
– Beverly  Smith

In addition to South Carolina coaches from other sports, including women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley and women’s soccer coach Shelley Smith, many individuals from all walks of life have been honored including South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, members of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department “Live P.D.” crew, members of the military, and community volunteers.

“We’ve had cancer survivors, people from the military, the first female South Carolina Supreme Court Justice (Jean H. Toal), and people from a lot of different areas,” Smith said. “It’s neat to learn about all the great things that are going on in the community.”

If you are nominated but have reservations about your ability to throw a good first pitch, Smith said she would be glad to offer some tips and a bullpen session before the game. She also wants you to know it’s all in good fun.

“I think anyone who is nervous should look at (Richland County Sheriff’s Department Investigator) Kevin Lawrence’s first pitch video.  He set the bar so low,” Smith laughed. “I’ve never seen someone try to throw a pitch to home plate and have it land almost 90 degrees in the wrong direction. So, watch that video and have no fear.  There will never be one as bad as that one.”

To nominate someone for the Super People First Pitch program, contact Rebecca Piner at 803.777.3886 or email PINERR@mailbox.sc.edu.