Many would attribute the Lady Vols recent success to senior pitcher Monica Abbott. Abbott, who holds the SEC career strikeout record, was a heavily touted high school recruit who chose UT over home state schools UCLA and California.
In 2004, she became UT's first All-American in softball and helped the Lady Vols reach the NCAA tournament.
In 2005 the Lady Vols would make the first of consecutive trips to the Women's College World Series.
Recently Abbott and seniors Lindsay Schutzler and India Chiles were selected in the National Pro Fastpitch Draft. Schutzler, a center fielder, went No. 1overall to the Chicago Bandits. Abbott was chosen in the second round by the Washington Glory and Chiles, was drafted by the Akron Racers in the third round.
Chiles returns this season as the SEC's top hitter after recording a .437 batting average with 48 runs scored. Her leadership and production will be counted on to make up for the departure of former first-team All-American Sarah Fekete.
Schutzler is coming off a 2006 campaign in which she ranked in the top five in hitting in the conference with a .409 batting average. She also led the conference in triples with eight and scored 72 runs. Schutzler spent the summer switching from shortstop to center field during the World University Games in T'ai-nan City, Taiwan.
Though there are notable players on the Lady Vols, they would not be here if it were not for co-head coaches Ralph and Karen Weekly.
In six seasons at UT, they have compiled a record of 263-93-1.
After being hired in June 2001, the Weeklys set out to rebuild the softball program's reputation. After coaching the Lady Vols to a school win record in 2004, the duo has since recorded two 60 win seasons.
In addition to the seniors, junior Tonya Callahan returns after an impressive season. A Louisville Slugger/ NFCA All-American at first base, Callahan hit 13 home runs with 73 RBI and a .365 batting average.
With the Weekly duo and the returning seniors together for one last season, it is clear why the Lady Vols were selected No. 2 in the pre-season ESPN.com/USA Softball and USA Today/National Fastpitch Coaches Association polls. The Lady Vols were also clear favorites among SEC coaches to win the 2007 regular season conference title.
With all of their pre-season accolades 2007 could be a special season for the Lady Vols softball team.
Comments
Pat M commented, on February 18, 2007 at 11:32 p.m.:
Go Lady Vols
Sharlene B commented, on February 21, 2007 at 9:33 a.m.:
The Big Orange shines again. Ladys it is your time to glow. Best of luck in 2007 for the Lady Vols. Go Ladys Go!
Diane E commented, on February 21, 2007 at 12:31 p.m.:
Such a great commentary on the Lady Vols..It's your time to shine...Keep up the good work!!
ashley commented, on July 20, 2007 at 12:20 p.m.:
monica ur my idol i play softball i did an eight page report on you
chelsea commented, on July 31, 2007 at 4:10 p.m.:
monica your realy good at pitching
Whitney commented, on August 18, 2007 at 5:47 p.m.:
I love the Vols!! They are my favorite softball team ever. I love you Lady Vols!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Alex commented, on August 24, 2007 at 8:51 p.m.:
OMG i LOve you guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Allyson commented, on August 29, 2007 at 6:22 p.m.:
Monica Your are my FAVORITE PITCHER ever!!!!!
I love the Lady Vols!
sally commented, on September 17, 2007 at 10:22 a.m.:
i love u guy u rock keep playing hard
alyssa commented, on October 2, 2007 at 8:36 a.m.:
the woman's tennessee softball team rocks!!!!!!!! i love meg abbott
abby commented, on October 4, 2007 at 8:13 p.m.:
I love wating Tennesse softball!!! I learned how to pitch like Meg Abbot. _
abby!