Softball: Successful in the Strike Zone

Clark Atlanta University Lady Panthers made great strides this year as they brought home a third place trophy in the SIAC Conference East. It is a huge triumph for the softball team since the program's start in 1999.

The softball team has experienced much success under the leadership of head coach Lawanda Pearson. Since 2003, the team has improved each year with several students receiving all- conference accolades. Latisha Maxwell received New Comer of the Year, Cristal Malone received an All-Conference team and All- Academic team, and Jennifer Stegall received All-Conference 2nd team awards. Coach Pearson was also named 2005 SIAC Conference Softball Coach of the year. She remains humble about the team's accomplishments but does admit it is a challenge coaching the softball team and holding a second position as Sports Information Director.

Pearson is eager to receive more support from Alumni and the community in helping the softball program to stay afloat. "We've had some success in getting supporters to contribute to the CAU softball program, but we need more," said Coach Pearson. She especially likes to thank Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Lewis, Dr. Raymond Harris, Alfred Knox, Henry Collins, Theodore Jones, Publix, The Parking Spot, and Algernon Crumpler of the Atlanta Falcons for their support of CAU softball. This year the team was invited to participate in the Jamaican Softball Association's 60th anniversary, after having the first Jamaican student to join the team on a scholarship from the Invaders Softball Club. Pearson states, "This young lady is definitely a true athlete and a shining point on the team." The team is currently raising money to make the trip to Jamaica in July to make CAU a part of Jamaican history.