Story and photos by Kailee Means:
White County Senior Ashlynn Phillips signed her National Letter of Intent to play softball at Vol State Community College on Wednesday.
Phillips said she has always dreamed of playing college softball. The nerves were exciting when signing, just like they were during the fall when more colleges started reaching out to her.
“I had quite a few places looking at me,” said Phillips. “I was in contact with a lot of people, and Vol State just felt like home.”
“After the fall she started getting a few options,” said WCHS head coach Jerry Roberts. “I think that it was something that Ashlynn wanted to do. She made this decision pretty early with wanting to attend Vol State, and I think it is a great opportunity for her.”
Phillips said one of the things she is looking forward to the most is meeting new people and playing with new teammates. She is among three players within the Upper Cumberland that have signed to Vol State to play softball. She will be alongside Upperman Senior Jaycee Sweeney and Livingston Academy Senior Jazlyn Flowers.
“I am actually very close with Jaycee, me and her talk on a daily basis,” said Phillips. “I do know Jazlyn, so it is going to be cool to have people I already know so I don’t feel alone.”
While the signing was about Phillips continuing her academic and athletic career at the next level, she still has her senior season left with White County. With the new district and Phillips being a versatile player the Warriorettes are looking to make a deep run. Coach Roberts said that Phillips is one of the best softball players to come through White County.
“Ashlynn is great on the mound, on the plate, playing third, wherever I put her,” said Roberts. “She is solid. Coach knows that Vol State is getting a very versatile player that can pitch, hit, play infield, and play outfield for them. A player that can also be that leader in the locker room as well.”
The Warriorettes will have their home opener on March 17 against the Upperman Lady Bees.
