May 2, 2006                                                                 

Hartley Signs with SMC Softball

Batesburg-Leesville Athlete Signs Letter of Intent

SPARTANBURG, S.C. –  Amber Hartley of Batesburg has signed a National Letter of Intent to compete on the Lady Pioneers Softball Team for the 2006-2007 Season.

Head Softball Coach, Rick Pauly, is pleased about the signing of Hartley because she is both a talented player and an excellent student.

“Hartley is an outstanding defensive catcher with an exceptionally strong throwing arm. Offensively Amber is a very strong hitter with power to both alleys,” commented Pauly. What Pauly also likes about Hartley is her enthusiasim and hustle on the field and her ability to maintain her composure in tough situations.

According to her high school coach, Haywood Bouknight, a former SMC graduate, Hartley is a real team leader while directing the defense from her catching position.

Hartley is the daughter of Cindy and Ramon Hartley of Batesburg.

SMC plays in the competitive Region X of the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) with teams from South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Their upcoming competition also includes numerous games with area NCAA Divison I and II teams.