Alumni Spotlight: Tiff Tootle

Jan. 15, 2015

Gamecock History

Four-year letter-winner 1990-93
Three-time All-American
Three-time all-region performer
Tied for 12th in NCAA Division I history with 351 career hits
24th in NCAA Division I history with a .432 batting average
Her 123 hits in 1992 stand second in NCAA Division I history for a season
Stole 114 bases in 121 career tries, tying for 15th in career stolen base percentage (.942) in NCAA Division I history
Gamecock career leader in batting average, on-base percentage, runs, hits and stolen bases
2006 USC Lettermen’s Association Hall of Fame inductee

From Reidville, Ga., Tiff Tootle came to SC after playing slow-pitch softball growing up.
Head coach Joyce Compton recruited her because of her speed and defense, though Tootle thought it was because of her accent.
She thought the people were genuine and “my mama said they would take good care of me.” She was right.
Beating rivals, winning tournaments and pulling together as a team after talk of being disbanded as a program were some of Tootle’s best memories.
She enjoyed spending time with her teammates on and off the field as well.

Tootle coached for a number of years, including nine at Division II power Columbus (Ga.) State.
After spending a year as the volunteer assistant at SC, Tootle moved on to become the maintenance/inspection supervisor at Edisto Reality on the barrier island.
She says she hopes anyone who knows her would say she’s very unselfish and hardworking, an independent woman who follows her heart.
She enjoys life and her family, which includes five nieces and nephews, three in nearby Mt. Pleasant.

Interview conducted by Kamryn Watts