April 24, 2006

COLUMBIA, S.C. – In their final home series of the season, South Carolina softball will host Alumni Weekend in conjunction with Senior Weekend, April 29-30. Saturday’s doubleheader against Auburn originally scheduled for 1 p.m., has been changed to 3 p.m. due to finals tests. Sunday’s game is still set for 1 p.m. In honor of Joyce Compton’s 20th year at South Carolina, limited edition Joyce Compton bobblehead dolls will be given away to the first 100 fans to Saturday’s doubleheader.

On Saturday, USC will honor Coach Compton for her achievement prior to the doubleheader. In addition, USC will recognize the former players that are in attendance in between games, including members from the 1997 World Series team and the two SEC Tournament Title teams.

Coach Compton has served as the head coach of Gamecock softball for 20 years and is the longest tenured female coach in South Carolina history. A member of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Hall of Fame, Compton has coached 21 All-Americans at USC and has led the Gamecocks to an 858-366-3 record under her reign.

She has also led the Gamecocks to two Women’s College World Series, 12 NCAA appearances, including a school record, six straight, two SEC Tournament Championships, and one SEC title. She is 27 wins from her 1,000th Division I victory and she is one of the top 25 winningest coaches in NCAA history. She is one of 13 coaches in NCAA history to serve at one school for at least 20 years, and among seven active coaches to reach this milestone.

Sunday is Senior Day and the 2006 senior class of Ashley Smith and Melanie Henkes, will be honored prior to the game. Smith is one of USC’s all-time home run leaders and is a two-time CoSIDA Academic All-American. Henkes ranks among USC’s all-time pitchers in wins and strikeouts.