Sept. 12, 2011
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Gathering for an 8 a.m. practice, South Carolina’s softball team began its fall practices at Beckham Field, the same field that saw new drainage and sod laid down this summer.
After an early-morning workout with assistant strength & conditioning coach Kelly Dormandy, the Gamecocks descended onto their field for the first time since last spring’s home finale against Winthrop on May 2. The squad went through a regular workout, working on fundamentals, fielding and hitting during the time. Many remarks were made about the smooth new surface, and there was more than one reminder handed out to the team to stay off the infield skirt of grass when not needed.
“Practice went well this morning,” said head coach Beverly Smith. “The excitement and anticipation from the players was high. We have plenty to work on. It was just day 1, but I am excited about this group. I think Gamecock fans will have a lot to look forward to this spring.”
Many players mention being back on the grass, a newly installed Bermuda mix that has had a month to take root at Beckham Field. Smith commented, “I think I was as excited as the players this morning because I couldn’t wait to get on our new field. It proved to be worth the wait. The field is not only beautiful but plays great as well. I love the new bullpens; it was awesome to have three pitchers and catchers working together today. The outfield was already hard at work deciphering the new challenge of the eight-foot fence. The new field has added features of a warning track encompassing the field as well as new grass skirts up the sidelines. The team did a nice job not congregating on the grass. We will find a new place to meet on the field to keep the field striking!”
The Gamecocks start their fall schedule on Friday, Sept. 23 against Furman. The full eight-game schedule will be released on Wednesday here at GamecocksOnline.com, so be sure to check back for the rest.
And here’s reaction from the rest of the Gamecocks on their first practice of the fall, specifically what they liked most about starting practice today.
Kierstyn White: I liked being together with the whole team! I enjoy 1-on-1 drills with Coach Smith during individuals, but being with my sisters on the field makes it that much better!
Dana Hathorn: Finally start practicing to reach our goals, being on the new field and playing as a team!!
Chelsea Hawkins: Being on the new field! Driving by it everyday seemed like it was taking forever, so it felt good to finally be out there with my amazing team! And seeing the new talent we have and how the returners have improved.
Evan Childs: With a new field, comes a new attitude. And EVERYONE had that attitude on the first day of practice. Blessed to be working hard alongside these girls and coaches. We’re coming hard this year! Like a boss.
Lauren Lackey: I loooooooved being able to step on the grass again. I missed being on the field!
Olivia Lawrence: I liked being with the whole team and getting to work together and learn how everyone plays.
Shelby Gonzales: I loved the feeling of lacing up our cleats, working hard and getting better together as a team on our new field. There were a couple occasions when I got goosebumps because I was so happy to be out playing the game I love.
Kaitlin Westfall: I loved getting out there with new and old teammates! It feels great to actually get going on our beautiful new field! I loved getting out there to see my teammates and I be competitive but supporting each other at the same time! day 1=success
Lacey Rother: I was most excited about starting to play again and play together.
Kristen Struett: I liked how everyone was working as a whole and together. Also I really liked the energy and the amount of talk and cheering for your other teammates; that was constant throughout the practice. You never made a mistake without someone picking you up.
Codee Yeske: The thing I liked the most about starting practice was just getting out there. We’ve all been hanging out together and training together, but things just change when you step on the field. We were all excited about the new surface and just itching to get out there, and you could definitely tell how excited and driven we were today, including the coaches.
Julie Sarratt: I really liked the team atmosphere and how everyone was so excited to start a new year on a new field!
Audrey Broyles: It was great to see the new team all together. Everybody is getting along really well, working hard, and we are all really excited to prepare for a great season! But most importantly, it was great seeing the new field, it looks fabulous!
