Dec. 20, 2011

by Koby Padgett
Assistant Media Relations Director

COLUMBIA, S.C. –
South Carolina softball coach Beverly Smith added one more piece to her 2012 team, as Pitt (N.C.) Community College standout Charity Watson has signed a financial aid agreement with the Gamecocks for the spring.

“I am excited about Charity Watson joining our 2012 roster,” said Smith. “She will be a great addition to the pitching staff. She is an experienced pitcher and had achieved a tremendous amount of success at Pitt Community College. I am looking to draw from both her experience and success in the circle for the next two years. She is a fierce competitor on the mound and will be fun to watch!”

A 5-6 pitcher, Watson spent the past two years at Pitt, posting two stellar seasons for coach Junior Bailey’s team. As a freshman, she ranked second in the junior college ranks with a 0.42 ERA, going 31- 5 in 44 appearances. She tossed 250.2 innings, allowing just 75 hits while fanning 431 batters. In 2010 as a sophomore, she led the NJCAA Division I with her 0.50 ERA, going 32-7 in 45 appearances. She struck out 401 batters and allowed 66 hits and 65 walks in 225.2 innings. Her pitching led the Bulldogs to consecutive Region X titles and appearances in the NJCAA Division I World Series. Twice, Watson earned Region X Pitcher of the Year and all-region honors.

At Washington High School in her hometown in North Carolina, Watson tossed five perfect games and 17 no-hitters in her career and ranks fourth in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association career record books with 1,245 strikeouts. A two-time conference player of the year, Watson posted a career ERA of 0.29, fifth-best in North Carolina prep history. On four occasions, the <> named her their pitcher of the year.

South Carolina begins its 39th season of intercollegiate softball in early February.