Nov. 24, 2009

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Two-time South Carolina all-state selection Chelsea Hawkins signed a National Letter of Intent to play softball at South Carolina starting in 2011, closing out the class for Gamecock head coach Joyce Compton.

Hawkins, a Piedmont, S,C., native, was twice named to the High School Sports Report All-State team, while also making the 2009 S.C. Coaches Association for Women's Sports (CAWS) all-state squad. The Wren High School product helped her club to two district crowns, the Region 1-4A title in 2007 and the state 4A championship in 2008. An all-region player the past four seasons, the outfielder also made the 2007 Anderson Independent Mail All-Area team and the Wren High School honor roll. Hawkins led the team in batting average in 2007 and 2009, posting a .521 on-base percentage and a .740 slugging percentage as a junior. She also lettered in basketball for the Lady Golden Hurricanes while maintaining her spot on the Principal's List and as a Hurricane Scholar.

Hawkins joins previously announced signees Julie Sarratt and Dana Hathorn in the signing class that will begin play in the spring of 2011.