Nov. 13, 2008

KNOXVILLE, Fla. - Head women's golf coach Judi Pavon announced the signing of 2008 Florida Junior Player of the Year Erica Popson on Thursday.

Popson, of Davenport, Fla., is expected to make an immediate impact when she joins the Lady Vol golf team next fall.

"I'm thrilled that Erica has decided to come to Tennessee," Pavon said. "She has been committed since the summer and has become a huge Tennessee fan in that time. She is going to be a tremendous asset to our team."

Popson attends Ridge Community High School, where she was a four-time individual state qualifier and a two-time Polk County Player of the Year. On Oct. 29, she finished tied for third with a score of 2-under 142 (71-71) at the Florida Class 1A state golf championship.

Additionally, she has found success on the junior circuit, winning 13 times on the Florida Junior Tour, while being named the 2008 Florida Junior Tour Player of the Year as well as the Florida State Women's Golf Association Junior Player of the Year.

She won her third straight Florida Junior Match Play Championship in July and competed for the North Team in the Florida Junior Cup in 2007 and 2008.

Popson is currently ranked No. 37 in the nation in the Golfweek/Titleist junior performance index.

"She is a great player - a long hitter and good putter, so she will adapt to the college game very well," Pavon said. "We expect her to step in immediately and make an impact on our team."

The Lady Vol golf team just began its winter training after wrapping up its fall season with a 2-1 record at the Hooters Collegiate Match Play Championship from Nov. 2-4. UT will be back in action on Feb. 8 at the Lady Puerto Rico Classic in San Juan, Puerto Rico.