Jan. 11, 2013
UCF Athletics Social Media Directory
By Andrew Jennette
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - The second annual UCF Softball Celebrity Golf Tournament was a rousing success as over 90 golfers showed up in force to the Shingle Creek Golf Club to support the softball program as it gears up for the 2013 campaign. Beginning at noon, many UCF softball supporters and golf enthusiasts arrived to take in wonderful weather and the impeccably groomed golf course.
Head coach Renee Luers-Gillispie had her entire coaching staff and players on hand introducing themselves and helping out at various points on the golf course. The players and coaches continued helping during the banquet portion of the event during the live prize raffle.
The turnout today was incredible, Luers-Gillispie said. You look at last year and we had about 55 or 60 golfers and this year we actually had to turn people away because we reached max capacity. This event is just going to keep getting bigger and better for us moving forward. The weather was just tremendous and it was great to see a full course and all the people out to support our softball program.
Many players had fun introducing themselves and teammates to loyal UCF softball supporters. Senior pitcher Alex Hartshorn jumped at the chance to play photographer and she was one of the many Knights who enjoyed their time helping out and meeting celebrities such as former MLB player Johnny Damon.
"We had so much fun today. It was sunny all day and all the golfers were so enthusiastic to be here and have their pictures taken," Hartshorn said. "I jumped at the chance to provide my "photography expertise" and really help out in any way that I can."
Hartshorn and the rest of the Knights are looking forward to the 2013 campaign with the season-opening Sportco Kick-Off Classic in Las Vegas, Nev. under a month away on Feb. 8.
After the dinner banquet, there was a live auction emceed by assistant coach Ruben Felix that featured autographed memorabilia by current major league players such as Troy Tulowitzki, Felix Hernandez, Todd Helton, Matt Wieters and many more. All golfer registration costs and auction proceeds went toward the UCF softball program's program costs for the 2013 season.