McDonald Inks Three In Fall Signing Period

Nov. 16, 2016

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Head coach Bill McDonald and the South Carolina men’s golf program announced the addition of three signees on Wednesday for the fall signing period. Andrew Spiegler (Abingdon, Va.), William Sheppard (Mount Pleasant, S.C.) and Jack Parrott (Columbia, S.C.) all signed National Letters of Intent to continue their golf careers with the Gamecocks next fall.

“Coach (Jake) Amos and I are excited to announce the signing of our 2017 Class. All three of these young men possess the athletic ability, character and work ethic to be successful here at Carolina, both academically and athletically,” McDonald said. “It has been a pleasure watching them play and develop their games throughout the recruiting process, and getting to know their families has been enjoyable as well. We look forward to their arrival in Columbia, and we are honored that they chose our golf program and the University of South Carolina for their careers as student-athletes.”

Andrew Spiegler (Abingdon, Virginia/Abingdon High School)

• Son of Michael and Sherrie Spiegler, and has one older sister, Abbey.
• National Honor Society member that plans to major in business.
• Two-time Class-3A individual state champion (2015-16). Team won Class-3A state title in 2015.
• Three-time all-state selection (2014-16).
• Named all-conference and all-region four times (2013-16).
• Two-time conference player of the year (2013-14) and three-time region player of the year (2013-15).
• Recorded multiple wins and top-five finishes on the Tennessee Junior Tour.
• His uncle, Ron Ramsey, is the Lieutenant Governor of Tennessee.
• Also recruited by Clemson, Georgia Tech, Auburn, Vanderbilt, Virginia, Virginia Tech and Tennessee.

Coach McDonald on Spiegler

“Andrew caught our eye two summers ago. His simple golf swing and athleticism immediately jumps out at you when you watch him play. Andrew has grown considerably over the past year or so and his added strength and speed has only enhanced his ball striking. He has a tremendous work ethic, an infectious love for the game and the journey it takes to get better. Andrew’s foundation fundamentally is excellent in all aspects and his game will continue to develop and improve with maturity and the collegiate level of competition.”

William Sheppard (Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina/Wando High School)

• Son of Trey and Christy, and has two sisters — Lee and Kate.
• Grandfather Ken Tomlinson played golf at the University of South Carolina.
• Was a part of three Class-2A State Championship teams at Bishop England High School in Charleston.
• Also made the Class-2A All-State team individually those three years.
• Qualified for 2014 U.S. Junior Amateur.
• Had top-five finishes at the 2016 Southern Cross Invitational (T-3), 2015 Junior Azalea (4th) and 2014 Junior Azalea (T-2).

Coach McDonald on Sheppard

“Wil has a great work ethic and is a very talented ball striker. He continues to improve in every area. He has worked extensively with a former teaching partner of mine and noted PGA Tour Instructor, Scott Hamilton. Scott has been impressed by his ability to understand concepts and he’s made some significant changes to his game the past couple of years. I have always been a fan of Wil’s attitude and grind in tournament conditions and the competitive team environment we provide here will only help his game mature and become more consistent.”

Jack Parrott (Columbia, South Carolina/A.C. Flora High School)

• Son of Talley and Krista Parrott, and has two sisters — Lillian and Maddy.
• Qualified for 2015 and 2016 U.S. Junior Amatuers, reaching the round of 64 in 2016.
• 2014 South Carolina Golf Association Junior Champion.
• Three-time SCISA region individual champion at Heathwood Hall.
• Four-time all-state team member.
• Tied for third individually at 2016 SCISA State Golf Tounramnet.
• Played in the 5th annual Junior Invitational at Sage Valley.
• Tied for third at the 2016 Grant Bennett Jr. Invitational.

Coach McDonald on Parrott

“Jack first impressed me at The South Carolina State Junior a couple of years ago. He chipped in for eagle to send the Championship into a playoff. He then went on to win the playoff. The manner in which Jack handled that final round and the moments toward the end of the tournament made a big impression on me. Jack has that innate and instinctive ability to work himself around the golf course in a way that is mature beyond his years. I feel strongly that his game will blossom in the collegiate environment as his body matures physically and as his mechanics are refined.”