South Carolina is five days away from the ending of an era on the field, as softball coach Joyce Compton will coach her final games as a Gamecock at sixth-ranked Florida. Since announcing her retirement on April 17 to her team and alumni, an outpouring of comments on Compton's place in the sport of softball has been collected. While some of those quotes made the official release, more have come in from former players and competitors, including national figures like U.S. Junior National Softball Team coach and former Gamecock All-American Karen Johns and former UCLA head coach Sue Enquist. You can read those on the NCAA.com blog post on Compton's retirement.Also, Coach Compton was presented a gift basket from Georgia head coach Lu Harris-Champer prior to the Sunday action in Athens on April 25. Included are some photos courtesy of the University of Georgia Sports Communications Office.
And here are a few more quotes that have come into our offices from more figures across the softball map.Tennessee co-head coach Karen Weekly:
"Joyce was one of the pioneers of our game. She has been a wonderful mentor and friend to me since I came into the Southeastern Conference. I will really miss seeing her on the field and competing against her."
Lacy Lee Baker, National Fastpitch Coaches Association Executive Director:
"Joyce has truly been one of the greats of the game for many years, and we'll miss her in the coaching ranks. An exceptional athlete herself, Joyce has always been a player's coach, with the well-being of her players the primary focus. Those who have played for her are better for it, which is really what coaching is all about."
Tennessee co-head coach Ralph Weekly:
"Joyce is one of the true legends in our sport. She is a person that I followed early in my Division I career, and someone that I learned a lot from. She is both a teacher and molder of young women and epitomizes everything good about the sport of softball."
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