Before the first pitch of the inaugural season, head coach Christy Johnson is continuing to build the young Valkyries Softball program by adding two players, one from South Carolina and Florida.
Ashton Coker, a Hollywood, S.C. native, is a member of the West Ashley High School softball program where she is a four-year varsity member. Coker was named 2014 team MVP, 2013 Best Offensive Player, a two time 4A All-Region 7 selection and High School Sports Report All-Rookie in 2013.
Ashton is a member of the National Honor Society and plays for the South Carolina Bandits 18U travel team under the direction of Ken Bailey. She is a versatile player playing first and third as well as pitcher.
Mariah Blackmon, a Brandon, Fla. native, plays at Bloomingdale High School. Blackmon played in 22 games last season racking up six doubles and 21 rbi while hitting at a .391 clip. Blackmon had a .976 fielding percentage at first base. Mariah was named MaxPreps Player of the Game three times. Blackmon was a member of the 2013 Class 8A State Championship squad.
Converse takes the field for the inaugural season on February 6, 2016 against Lander. The Valkyries will feature the squad at home for the first time on February 13, 2016 against St. Andrews with a doubleheader starting at 1pm. All home games will be played at Tyger River Stadium in Duncan, S.C.