MOBILE, Ala. - Three University of South Alabama softball signees earned post season accolades following the completion of their prep careers. Farrish Beard was named the Mobile Press-Register’s Player of the Year, and Blair Johnson was named the Birmingham News’ Player/Pitcher of the Year. Kaitlyn Griffith was recognized as the class 4A Hitter of the Year by the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA).
“I am proud of these young ladies and all that they have accomplished,” Jaguar head coach Becky Clark commented. “It's exciting to see them finish up their high school careers on such a high note. They have worked incredibly hard and have definitely earned these honors. They have great things ahead of them and I am looking forward to working with them for the next four years at South Alabama."
Beard (29-5) finished her senior campaign at Fairhope High School with a 0.49 ERA, while adding two saves and 324 strikeouts in 189 innings pitched. The Fairhope, Ala., native concluded her prep career with 100 wins, 1,461 strikeouts and a 0.49 ERA.
As a junior, she went 25-9 in the circle with 356 strikeouts and a 0.68 ERA. During her prep career, she was a four-time 6A honorable mention all-state selection, Mobile Press-Register Super 12 honoree, and a first-team all-county selection.
Johnson led Mortimer Jordan High School to its third 5A state title in four seasons. With a .377 batting average, 41 runs, 11 double, two triples and seven home runs. She struck out just eight times, had an on-base percentage of .444 and slugging percentage of .672.
As a junior, she recorded 12 doubles and 10 home runs with a .561 batting average. In the circle, she posted a 12-1 record with a 1.11 ERA.
She was an all-state selection, and a Birmingham News all-metro selection. The Kimberly, Ala., native was named the Birmingham News 2009 North East/Pitcher of the Year.
Griffith, who is joining Beard and Johnson in the Jaguars 2011 signing class, was named the class 4A Hitter of the Year by the AHSAA. After the completion of her senior year, she moved into second-place on the state and national single-season record list with 27 home runs during the 2011 season.
The Centre, Ala., native is a shortstop who comes to South Alabama after lettering the past six seasons for head coach Travis Barnes at Cherokee County. She was named the 2009 and ‘10 Cherokee County softball Player of the Year by the Gadsden Times.
During her prep career, she was a four-time first-team all-county selection, and all-area selection, and she was name all-state three times. She was also selected to participate in the Alabama North-South All-Star game.
As a junior, she recorded a .550 batting average, 16 home runs and 23 doubles, drove in 68 runs, scored 61 times and stole 20 bases. She also helped lead her team to the 2010 class 4A state softball tournament.
For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).
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