University of North Carolina Athletics
Tar Heels Sign Two Prep Standouts
June 21, 1999 | Softball
May 19, 1999
In-state standouts Anna Tharrington (Rocky Mount, N.C.) and Lauren Parker (Charlotte, N.C.) have signed letters of intent to play softball for North Carolina, bringing the team's total of incoming student-athletes to five. Coach Donna Papa signed pitchers Stacy Fox (Durham, N.C.) and Michael Parrott (Houston, Texas) and outfielder Quinn Porter (Wesley Chapel, Fla.) during the fall period.
"The group we've signed is very versatile and will add to our depth and talent level," Papa said. "In addition to being quality players, they are all outstanding students."
Tharrington, a catcher/utility player who attends Southern Nash High, is the 1999 North Carolina High School Athletic Association Female Athlete of the Year and will graduate first in her class of 240 students. She was the MVP and conference Player of the Year for her softball and volleyball teams and a member of the Academic All-State Honor Roll in basketball.
Parker, an outfielder who attends Providence High School in Charlotte, captained her school's basketball, softball and tennis teams as a senior. She earned All-Conference and All-County honors in softball and was nominated for the Wendy's High School Heisman Award.
Carolina loses two players to graduation: right-fielder Colleen Lefferts and third baseman Megan Smith. The '99 Tar Heels finished the season 40-22 and set single-season team records for home runs, hits, runs scored and stolen bases.
