Locklear Joins Brevard Softball Staff for 2012 season

BREVARD, N.C. - Former University of South Carolina Aiken softball standout Lauren Locklear has been tabbed as an assistant coach at Brevard College for the spring 2012 season.

"I am very excited to have Lauren join us and want to congratulate her on her first coaching opportunity. Her knowledge, passion, and determination for the game of softball is such a delight to add to our dynamic and program here at Brevard," commented Brevard head coach Britne Stubbs. "She was an unbelievable athlete in the Peach Belt Conference and a stand-out player for a very reputable USC Aiken softball program. I look forward to having her on board and am very optimistic for her future in coaching collegiate softball."

Locklear starred during her four years with the Pacers, achieving numerous athletic and academic accolades.

"I am beyond excited for the opportunity I have been given here at Brevard," said Locklear. "I am thankful for the many opportunities softball has made possible. Playing collegiate softball has allowed me to meet and learn from players, coaches, teammates, and parents, who all have a great love for the game. Coaching just seems to me to be a natural progression that gives me the chance to pay it forward, and pay it back."

Locklear was a two-time Peach Belt All-Conference player, ranking second in the Peach Belt Conference in assists from the shortstop position. She ranked in the top 10 in nine different career offensive categories while at Aiken, finishing among the top players in Pacer sports history in batting average, base hits, runs batted in, slugging percentage, doubles, total bases, home runs, stolen bases and runs scored.

She was a three-time Dean’s List recipient and was named to the USC Aiken’s President’s List. She was also named to the Athletic Director Honor Roll and was a 2010 Peach Belt Conference All-Academic First-Team selection.

In addition to her playing career, Locklear also worked at the Mt. Pleasant Recreation Department in Mt. Pleasant, S.C. where she worked as both a field supervisor and umpire. Her duties included maintaining the facilities at various recreational locations and assisting umpires with their daily tasks, as well as officiating assigned t-ball games and enforcing the rules of play. She also communicated with coaches, players and sponsors to help maintain order both on and off the field.

She also served as a Summer Camp Coach with Baseball and Softball teams and participated in the JDRF walk, as well as served as a volunteer at the Trinity Lutheran Nursing Home. 

Locklear also served as a USC Aiken Sports Information Department intern during the fall of 2011. 

"I would like to thank my parents for supporting me in all my endeavors, and never doubting me," commented Locklear. "Also I would like to thank all of my teachers, and coaches who encouraged me to take a stand, be a leader on and off the field, and to always have fun."

The Brevard College softball team begins the 2012 regular season on Sunday, Feb. 5 on the road as the Tornados travel to Bristol, Va. for a doubleheader against Virginia Intermont. The Tornados open the 2012 home season on February 11th at the BC Softball field as Brevard hosts Belmont Abbey.

Story by Seth Montgomery, Brevard Athletic Media Relations Director