Nov. 4, 2009

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Seniors Molly Johnson and Natalie Smith were elected team captains for the 2010 season it was announced by head coach Rachel Lawson. Captains were selected on a vote by their teammates, coaches and support staff.

The duo has been a mainstay in the UK lineup since their arrival in 2006. Together they have played in 318 career games and still with a season remaining they have already etched their names among UK all-time greats. Johnson and Smith have been the epitome of success for the Blue and White excelling both on the field and in the classroom.

“Both Natalie and Molly have proven to be excellent representatives of Kentucky softball both on and off of the field,” Lawson said. “I cannot imagine that there are two individuals more deserving of the distinction of team captain, and I wish them well as they strike to lead UK softball to new heights in 2010.”

Johnson has started all 162 career games of her career. She became UK’s first-ever All-America selection when she was voted onto the second team after her junior season. Johnson is a three-time All-SEC performer and a three-time member of the All-SEC Academic team. As a junior she broke three Kentucky single-season records including hits and runs scored. Johnson was named to the All-SEC Tournament team and was named the National Player of the Week once last season.

Smith has started 154 games in her career and was an NFCA Academic All-American as a junior. She is the softball representative for UK’s SAAC. As a junior she was initiated into the Frank G. Ham Society of Character – one of the most prestigious honors for a Kentucky student athlete. Smith is also a three-time member of the All-SEC Academic team. Smith ranks among UK’s all-time bests in batting average and career hits.

Stay tuned to UKathletics.com for the most up-to-date information about the UK softball team.