Mackenzie Moler

-Sport: Softball
-Position: Outfield
-Bats: Left
-Throws: Left
-GPA: 3.9 cumulative; 4.1 as a junior
-High school: Woodgrove
-Club: Jersey Intensity Premier

Woodgrove High School rising senior Mackenzie Moler’s verbal commitment to attend and play softball at the University of South Carolina is a great match for both sides.

Moler aims to compete in an elite Division I conference, while South Carolina sought an aggressive left-handed slap hitter to add to their 2013 recruiting class.

“I’m really excited about competing at the D1 level in the SEC, one of the most competitive conferences in the nation,” Moler stated about the Southeastern Conference.

“I love the coaching staff there, head coach Beverly Smith and assistants Calvin Beamon and Lisa Navas,” Moler continued. “I love the campus and the atmosphere of the school. They’ve all welcomed me to the Gamecock family.”

South Carolina’s staff first noticed Moler during the summer of 2011 when she was competing in a tournament with the Ashburn Shooting Stars Gold in Colorado. Moler took an unofficial visit to South Carolina in May and has planned her official visit for the first weekend in October.

“I checked out the campus and met with the coaches about the program, and I fell in love,” Moler said of her unofficial visit. “The facilities they have to offer were unbelievable and are anchored by a brand new stadium. Overall, I had an amazing trip.”

Moler added that it was important to find a school where she could be successful on and off the field. She plans to be on a pre-med track at South Carolina, most likely focusing on the sciences.

The speedy outfielder is coming off a stellar junior season for Woodgrove. Moler batted .408 during the regular season and .435 in the postseason in helping the Wolverines win Dulles District, Region II and Virginia Group AA state championships in just their second season as a program.