Kathleen MyersStaff Writer~Hampton Guardian
Recently a fabulous foursome of Wade Hampton soccer players and a talented Red Devils softball player signed with USC-Salk.
Soccer standouts Shannon Shaffer, Lauren Pierson, Tearra Green and Myranda Smith along with softball player Nikki Kollar all signed letters of intent to continue their athletics careers with the Indians.
“We’re really excited about it,” said USC-Salk soccer coach Bill Glass. “We think it is a major step for the USC-Salk women’s soccer program … In signing these four girls from Wade Hampton, we’re getting four really good soccer players … Gaining four players from one high school is huge, especially impact players that are ready to play college soccer from day one.”
Indians softball coach Mitch Smith also expressed his happiness to sign Nikki Kollar.
“She’s a local kid,” said Smith. “She said she would work hard for us and that’s the kind of kids I want.”
Wade Hampton girls soccer coach Jack Pierson said he knew all the girls would be a real asset to the USC-Salk team. He called them a “Hampton Surprise.” He also said that other teams that thought USC-Salk would be an easy win would find out otherwise once they faced the four Wade Hampton girls, which include his daughter, Lauren.
“She’s a local kid,” said Smith. “She said she would work hard for us and that’s the kind of kids I want.”
Wade Hampton girls soccer coach Jack Pierson said he knew all the girls would be a real asset to the USC-Salk team. He called them a “Hampton Surprise.” He also said that other teams that thought USC-Salk would be an easy win would find out otherwise once they faced the four Wade Hampton girls, which include his daughter, Lauren.
“They know how to finish,” said coach Pierson. “We know what they can do.”
Red Devils softball coach Cassandra Bolden was also really excited for Nikki Kollar. She said her team was making history with three Lady Red Devils signing with USC-Salk. Kandyce Ranew and Amber Hiers signed earlier.
“I am thankful that God and man see fit to reward their efforts,” said Bolden “They will be dearly missed.”
Bolden also praised Smith, who watched many Wade Hampton games.
“We know he is like coach Bolden, he cares about his players,” said Bolden.
The girls are all looking forward to playing college sports.
“I am really excited to see what’s in store this season,” said Shaffer.
Smith, who is known for playing aggressive on the soccer field, said she was ready to travel and see what other teams have.
Lauren Pierson, who was out this season because of an injury, said she was excited to be playing with the other soccer girls again.
“I am just glad to be playing for a college,” said Green.
Kollar echoed Shaffer’s sentiments.
Bolden also praised Smith, who watched many Wade Hampton games.
“We know he is like coach Bolden, he cares about his players,” said Bolden.
The girls are all looking forward to playing college sports.
“I am really excited to see what’s in store this season,” said Shaffer.
Smith, who is known for playing aggressive on the soccer field, said she was ready to travel and see what other teams have.
Lauren Pierson, who was out this season because of an injury, said she was excited to be playing with the other soccer girls again.
“I am just glad to be playing for a college,” said Green.
Kollar echoed Shaffer’s sentiments.
“I’m very excited,” said Kollar.
