Anderson, S.C. – The Anderson University Softball team used two intrasquad scrimmages held over the weekend to celebrate its' 2020 Senior Class and announce the first recipient of the David Child ASA Softball Hall of Fame Scholarship.
With the spring stoppage of play, due to Covid-19, softball was unable to honor its' three seniors in late April. On Saturday, Meghan Majeski, Kayla Pepper and Mattie Hamilton were celebrated.
Coach Hewitt on Meghan Majeski
When the 2020 season ended, Majeski was batting a team second best .369. For the shortened season, Majeski swiped 10 bases which ranked third in the South Atlantic Conference. For her career, she stole 76 bases which ranks second on AU's all-time list and I feel comfortable saying that had the season not ended, she would have broken the all-time record of 83. Meghan also ranks 6th all-time with most career runs scored (127) and tied for 10th in career batting average (.333).
Meghan is currently attending Physical Therapy School at Flagler College and has plans to be a Physical Therapist among graduation.
Coach Hewitt on Kayla Pepper
Kayla played a huge part in the Trojans 6-0 record the last week of our season with a one hitter verses Chowan while also throwing three complete games, posting a 3-0 record. Overall, Kayla pitched 22 innings allowing just 24 hits and striking out 23 batters in that span, earning SAC Pitcher of the Week.
Last year, Kayla earned 8 wins pitching a team leading 62 innings. Kayla pitched nine complete games while striking out 72 batters. The southpaw from Anderson, S.C. ranked third in the SAC in wins and sixth in the SAC with a 1.81 earned run average. In just two and a half seasons, Kayla ranks in several AU career records. Kayla ranks second in career earned run average (2.26), fourth in strike outs (335), t-4th in wins (35) and eighth in innings pitched (362.1)
Kayla currently teaches 4th grade at Keowee Elementary School.
Coach Hewitt on Mattie Hamilton
Mattie is a 2020 senior, however opted to come back for a 5th year under the NCAA Covid-19 guidelines.
During last years shortened season, Mattie drove in 25 RBI ranking tied for fourth in the SAC and second on the team. Mattie posted a .328 batting average with five doubles and four home runs to her credit.
Mattie ranks in multiple AU career records…5th in RBI (152), 7th in Runs Scored (123), 7th in Slugging % (.6132), 9th in Total Bases (295), 6th in Home Runs (30), t-7th in Doubles (38) and 8th in Batting Average (.339).
Mattie is attending AU in the Graduate Program for her Masters in Leadership.
"Meghan leaves a huge hole in our offensive line up as well as in the outfield and trying to replace Kayla in the circle will be a difficult task," explains head coach Tommy Hewitt. "At the same time we are so lucky Mattie has decided to come back for a 5th year."
Sunday's celebration featured the naming of the first David Child ASA Softball Hall of Fame Scholarship.
Mr. David Child was the grandfather of former AU Softball players Abby Child '14 and Molly Child '16. He unfortunately passed away after tough battle with cancer, shortly before he could experience his granddaughters play college softball. Mr. Child played and coached the sport of softball for over 55 years, he was widely known and respected for always playing and coaching with integrity and an infectious love of the game. He won the ASA National Championship as a player/coach of the Atlanta Yesterstars. Mr. Child was awarded for his lifetime achievements when he was selected as a member of the ASA Softball Hall of Fame Class of 1999. It is in his name, David Child that he honor an AU softball player. This scholarship is $8,000 and will be awarded over the four year duration of the softball athlete. The 2020 recipient is Hannah Whittaker, a freshman from Liberty, S.C.
"The David Child family have been so gracious to AU over the years and with this scholarship it shows how much passion and support they have for this university," said Hewitt. "The recipient, Hannah Whitaker, displays the same passion and integrity for the game as David was known for."
