Who is she? Chelsea Hawkins, a former slugging outfielder for the South Carolina Gamecocks.
What is she known for? Hawkins played for South Carolina from 2011-14, becoming the primary right fielder for the Gamecocks over her final three seasons. A versatile player, she started at four different positions during her time in Columbia, including catcher; designated player; and center field in addition to her ‘regular roost’ in right. She finished her career with her name throughout the Gamecock record books, including third all-time in home runs (21) and fourth all-time in home runs per game (0.11).
Here’s something interesting… Chelsea was not the first member of her family to put on a South Carolina softball uniform; her aunt suited up for the Gamecocks some ten years prior to her niece’s own career.
Quotable quote: “Teamwork is an integral part of your life. You will work with people that have a different personality than you and maybe even some that you don’t get along with. It is important that you know how to succeed with those that are different than you. In fact, I think it is good to surround yourself with those that challenge you. You learn to play up to their strengths in areas where you may be lacking, and you help them in their ‘weaknesses’.
What’s she up to now? After the end of her playing career, Chelsea spent a season on the South Carolina coaching staff as a graduate assistant. That served as the beginning of a coaching career that has since led her to UNC-Greensboro and Gardner-Webb. At GWU, she coached an all-American in Katie Prebble, who won the award in 2018. In 2017, Chelsea founded Elevation Softball, an online coaching platform that caters predominantly to hitters via drills and tips.
Keep up: You can find Chelsea on Twitter @CHawksss10 and Instagram @chawks10 and @elevationsoftball.
