Nov. 11, 2009

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Gaffney pitcher Julie Sarratt became the first signee with South Carolina softball this fall, as she has inked a National Letter of Intent with the Gamecock program.

Sarratt led Gaffney High School to the South Carolina 4A state title last year, going 26-4 with a 0.79 ERA in the circle for coach Kelly Ellis’ squad. That state crown was the first for the Indians in softball. The 2009 Spartanburg Herald-Journal and 4A South Carolina Coaches Association for Women’s Sports (CAWS) Player of the Year, Sarratt also hit .364 last year, cranking five home runs while driving in 24. The Gaffney senior made the 2008 High School Sports Report all-state team and the 2009 South Carolina CAWS all-state squad. She also stands out in the classroom, making the Herald-Journal’s All-Academic Team as well.

“It is always nice to keep the best South Carolina kids in state,” said Gamecock head coach Joyce Compton. “We are very excited to have Julie coming to the University of South Carolina. She is the top pitcher in our state for the 2010 class, and she has a lot of power at the plate. With her work ethic, dedication and commitment to being a Gamecock, she has unlimited potential at our level.”