July 2, 2003
Columbia, S.C. – By Stacey Johnson
After another long vigorous season, the Carolina softball team has the summer off, but instead of a summer full of beach trips, watching T.V, or vacations, the majority of the players decided to use their time wisely. In addition to working and going to classes, nine returning players decided it would be best to stay in Columbia for summer morning workouts and continue to strengthen team chemistry.
Meghan Cornett, a rising junior first baseman, decided the best way for her to keep busy this summer was to work softball camps. The Melbourne, Fla. native traveled to Dublin, Ga., Cocoa, Fla., and took part in USC’s softball camp in Columbia.
“I enjoy instructing kids and sharing my knowledge of softball,” said Cornett. “It was a great way to spend my summer, and help children become better at the sport that I love.”
Cornett’s camp counseling days are over and she is now concentrating on working out in Columbia with her teammates.
“I chose to stay here this summer because I wanted to keep focused on my sport and get away from the distractions at home.”
Junior Kristin Hall also decided to stay in Columbia for the summer while she landed her first job ever, a secretarial position, at Mountain Metals.
“It’s exciting to have gotten my first job,” said Hall, “I’ve learned how to file information and use codes for placing orders in the computer. It is a great experience for me.”
As USC’s Summer I session comes to a close, one Gamecock will be a little less busy for the second half of her summer. Senior outfielder, Melissa Sandel decided to take on three commitments this summer including taking two classes, working as an instructor at Cayce’s Gymnastics’ Center, and working out on weekday mornings to stay focused on softball.
“It is a lot to juggle all at once,” Sandel said, “Summer school was a lot harder to take with my other commitments, but I know this summer will be good for me.”
Senior pitcher, Stacey Johnson decided to not return to her hometown of Newtown, Pa. for the summer. Along with summer conditioning, Johnson is working on her practicum in the South Carolina Sports Information Office. The practicum is required for her major, Sport and Entertainment Management.
“When I was looking for places to do my practicum I chose to stay in Columbia,” said Johnson, “I knew that I was going to have to see doctors for my back and I figured the best place to do that would be at USC.”
Johnson has been battling back problems since October 2001, her sophomore season, but continues to work hard so she will be in top shape for the 2004 season.
Other Gamecocks that remained in Columbia for the summer include Nancy Crane, Amber Curtis, Aleca Johnson, Tia Rogers, and Melanie Henkes.
