Feb. 20, 2017

South Carolina softball is honoring “superwomen” who are leaders in the community by allowing those individuals to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before games at Carolina Softball Stadium at Beckham Field this season.

“This is a neat way to recognize people who have done some really great things in our community,” said South Carolina head softball coach Beverly Smith.

Smith came up with the idea after attending the One SC fundraising event last summer, and watched American Idol winner Candice Glover sing “Superwoman” by Alicia Keys to (then) Governor Nikki Haley. That inspired her to recognize the accomplishments of women in the community who have made a difference.

Robbin Moss, who is on the board of the Lexington County Gamecock Club, was selected to be the first “superwoman” to throw out the first pitch this Friday, February 24, before the game against North Dakota State. Moss is a retired choral director from Lexington School District 5, and the Rock Hill, S.C., native has been following the Gamecocks for nearly 50 years.

“I was floored,” Moss said about being selected. “This is so exciting. It’s such an honor. Women’s sports are important to me. I grew up in the days before Title IX, so we had to play church league sports to be able to play.”

“She gets people together in support of women’s athletics, and I just appreciate everything she does across all sports,” Smith said.

This is a neat way to recognize people who have done some really great things in our community.

Coach Beverly Smith

Moss started a yearly fundraising brunch at a local country club which focuses on women’s athletics, and South Carolina women’s sports coaches attend as speakers.

“We call it `It’s a garnet girl thing,'” Moss said. “It started out small, and it has grown each year. All of the money we raise goes to women’s athletics. We doubled our profit in the second year, and we’ll do it again next August.”

Although she has thrown out a first pitch before, the 62 year old admits she has a few “butterflies.”

“I’m a little nervous because I don’t want to embarrass myself and throw a dirt ball,” Moss laughed. “Or I could go crazy with it and throw it in the stands. Thank goodness they have the nets over both of the dugouts.”

Although throwing out a ceremonial first pitch might be a little nerve wracking for some, the Gamecocks are offering their advice and support.

“Just let it fly,” said senior pitcher Nickie Blue. “There’s no shame if it goes all the way up or all the way down in the dirt. You’re there for us to honor you. My one piece of technical advice would be to snap your wrist right at your hip.”

“We’ll offer them a practice round in the bullpen if they want it,” Smith laughed. “But I’d just tell them, you’re a superwoman. Go for it!”

In addition to being honored at the game, the individuals selected will also receive a superwoman shirt.

Anyone interested in nominating someone to be recognized as a superwoman can contact the South Carolina softball office at 803.777.6008 or email.