USCSPORTSREPORT.COM

The temperatures say spring is in the air, and the South Carolina softball team began its practice period for the 2012 season with two practices on Sunday and another hitting workout on Monday at Beckham Field.

University of South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney has been named to the 11th annual Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) Freshman All-America team, it was announced today.

The South Carolina men's basketball team (8-7, 0-1 SEC) will host Vanderbilt (11-4, 1-0 SEC) in its SEC home opener on Tuesday at Colonial Life Arena. Tip off for the contest is set for 9 p.m. ET, with the game to be televised on ESPNU. Garnet Army T-shirts will be distributed to the first 1,000 students, while free pizza will be provided for the first 500 students. Doors are set to open at 7:30 p.m.

Be sure to catch a Gamecock Spotlight on men's basketball junior forward Lakeem Jackson.

South Carolina freshman Shelbretta Ball will serve as GamecockOnline.com's embedded reporter this season, giving fans a true inside look at the women's basketball team.

University of South Carolina junior cornerback Stephon Gilmore will enter the NFL Draft, Gamecock defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward confirmed today.

University of South Carolina women's basketball is ranked No. 24 in the nation this week in the Associated Press poll. It is the first national ranking for the Gamecocks since March 17, 2003. The Gamecocks are 14-2 on the season, including a 3-0 start in SEC play, making it the best start to a season in nearly a decade.

South Carolina forward Aleighsa Welch has been named AgSouth Athlete of the Week.

University of South Carolina forward Aleighsa Welch (Goose Creek, S.C./Goose Creek) was named SEC Women's Basketball Freshman of the Week, the league office announced today. Welch led the team with 14.5 points per game while pulling in 6.5 rebounds per game in wins over then-No. 24/21 Vanderbilt and Florida last week as the Gamecocks extended their win streak to eight games, including their first three SEC contests.

A limited number of season tickets for the 2012 baseball season are available to the general public. Season tickets for the outfield bleachers are available for $240 per ticket with no seat donation required. Fans may purchase season tickets by calling the Gamecock Ticket Office at (803) 777-4274 or at the Colonial Life Arena Box Office. South Carolina has already exceeded last year's season total with 5,414 season tickets sold this year, surpassing last year's mark of 4,990. The 2012 season begins on Friday, Feb. 17 with Carolina hosting VMI in a three-game series at Carolina Stadium. South Carolina's total attendance of 297,279 for 40 games last year at Carolina Stadium was second highest in the country.