ANDERSON, S.C. - Anderson University head softball coach Tommy Hewitt has announced that prep standout Ali Anderson has signed a National Letter of Intent and will compete for the Black and Gold beginning this fall.

The Pendleton, S.C., native joins Kasey Grant, Madison Bivins, Michaela Smith and Virginia "V" Moore, who committed to the Trojans and signed during the early signing period last November.

"It will be a great pleasure to have Ali join our program next year," said Anderson head coach Tommy Hewitt. "She is a local talent who is coached by her father, who has really taken their program to another level since taking over. Ali is a multi-talented player who can play the corners well and also has good catching skills. She can hit for average and can take you yard. Ali will be a great asset to our University and the softball program. I expect her to have an immediate impact on our program."

Anderson, who was named the Anderson Independent-Mail's Area Player of the Year, earned All-Region 1-Class 2A honors as a seventh and eighth grader and followed up by being named All-Region and All-State as both a freshman and sophomore. The left-handed power hitter, who helped lead her Pendleton High Lady Bulldogs to their second consecutive appearance in the district finals a year ago, also possesses the ability to slap and move baserunners along with a bunt.

During her freshman and sophomore campaigns, Anderson posted a combined 29 doubles, four triples, 11 homers, 87 RBI and stole 30 bases. As a 10th-grader with the Lady Bulldogs, Anderson led the team to the Class 2A Upper State playoffs.

As a junior this season, Anderson is hitting a career-high .618, with five doubles, a pair of triples, a home run and has driven in 19 runs, while swiping 11 bases.

During her stellar career, Anderson has also played travel ball with the elite Carolina Crush for the last seven seasons, helping the Crush to appearances in the 12U ASA Nationals in Indiana in 2010 and the 14U ASA Nationals in South Dakota in 2012.

Anderson will graduate this May with the long-term career goal of becoming a pharmacist. She performs in the classroom and the community as well as on the diamond, as the shortstop/catcher is a member of the National Beta Club and National Honor Society. Anderson has been an active youth member of her church and served in several positions working with young children. She is making preparations to take her first mission trip with New Life Fellowship to Guatemala, where she will help with vacation Bible School and constructing houses.