Pictured above: Front row (L to R): Raymond Sarratt (father), Julie Sarratt, Nancy Sarratt (mother), Justin Sarratt (brother). Second row (L to R): Marlene Davis (GHS principal), Dave Reams (GHS asst. coach), Kelly Ellis (GHS head coach), Jack Key (GHS asst. coach), Phil Strickland (GHS athletic director).  Third row (L to R): David Parris (family friend/coach), Tammy Pace (Asst. coach Carolina Crush), Vickie Corn (Head coach Carolina Crush)

Gaffney standout pitcher Julie Sarratt signs National Letter of Intent to play Softball with the University of South Caroina.  GaffneyAthletics.com exclusive interview below:

I had the pleasure of sitting down for a few minutes with Gaffney's own Julie Sarratt right after she signed her National Letter of Intent to play softball at the University of South Carolina on Wednesday morning November 11th 2009. From the moment you talk with her you can tell she is a very well grounded young lady.

As a 10 year old kid Julie burst on to the scene of the softball world as a hard throwing and hard hitting player. After many weekend trips with long time family friend David Parris to various different pitching coaches and the many bruises on her dad Raymond's legs from throwing in the back yard she developed into one of the most dominate pitchers in the state. Don't let her strong arm be the only thing that makes you say "WoW" when you watch her play. She is also a very dangerous hitter. I had the pleasure of watching nearly every inning she played last season for the Lady Indians as she helped lead them to their first state championship in school history and learned really quick that she is not only a great player but a great person as well. Her family has done a great job of raising her. Coach Compton is getting a great player and person for her team. Go out this season and support Julie and the rest of the Lady Indians as they try to re-peat as the class 4A State Champions. The following are a few questions that she took the time to answer for me as well as some comments from her family friends and coaches. I would like to thank Julie for taking the time to speak with me and her parents Raymond and Nancy for allowing it.

GA: How old were you when you started playing softball?

Julie: "10"

GA: What is your favorite softball memory

Julie: "Winning the State Championship"

GA:What can you share with us about your recruiting process?

Julie: "It was long but if you keep faith then it will happen"

GA: What advice if any can you give to younger girls as they go through the same process?

Julie: "Work hard and never quit"

GA: Is there anything you would do different?

Julie: "No"

GA: When did you know that South Carolina was the school for you?

Julie: "I had a feeling the whole time and everything fell into place"

GA: What other schools did you consider when making your decision?

Julie: "College of Charleston, Virginia Tech, Presbyterian and Samford"

GA: Are you just going to be used as a pitcher or will you get a chance to play other positions to ensure that your bat stays in the line up?

Julie: "I will hit and pitch and it is possible I will play other spots when I am not pitching"

The following are some comments made by people that have been close to Julie throughout her career thus far. When you read some of these comments you will see that I am not the only person that thinks she is a great person.

David Parris a longtime family friend and someone very close to Julie's career said " It's been an honor to have been a part of Julie's softball career. She is a devoted teammate and player who deserves to play at the next level. God has blessed her with an amazing talent and me with an amazing friend"

Kelly Ellis is the head coach at Gaffney High School " Julie is a great athlete and a wonderful girl. I'm going to miss Julie when she graduates but wish her the best at Carolina. I can't wait to come and watch her play. Congratulations Julie and I love you!!"

Vickie Corn head coach of the Carolina Crush of the Upstate said " Julie is a phenomenal player. She has been an asset to the Carolina Crush. We have grown to love her and her family over the past several years. Julie is a great player and a great individual on and off the field. Congratulations and good luck!! We love you"

Jack Key varsity assistant at Gaffney High School and Julie's former coach with the Palmetto Gators said " I've been around Julie from a very young age when she was playing recreation ball in Gaffney. Julie played on her first travel ball team the Palmetto Gators as a ten year old where I was an assistant coach and now head coach. I am also an assistant with Gaffney High School. Julie is a coaches dream, she can play any position on the field and can hit for power and control the game with her pitching. One of the biggest things I can say about Julie is that she has always been the same from an early age to the present. She plays for the team to be successful and not herself"

Dave Reams assistant coach Gaffney High School said " Julie is a true competitor in every sense of the word. She has a great work ethic and has the highest level of intensity while on the mound. She will have a great impact on Carolina Softball, just as she has at Gaffney High School"

Justin Sarratt, Julie's brother who was a former standout for the GHS Baseball team and is now a star for the Clemson Tigers on the diamond had this to say " she deserves this! Julie has always put in the work and played hard. I wish her all the best of luck at Carolina and I know she will do great if she plays like she always has"

Julie, we at GaffneyAthletics.com wish you continued success! Good Luck and God Bless!!!

GO GAMECOCKS!!!!!!!

Staff Reporter

Kevin Ramsey