by Rusty Ellis
Cookeville senior Laylah Turner took the next step in her athletic and academic journey on Wednesday afternoon, as she signed her national letter of intent to play softball at Missouri S&T after graduation.
It’s a rewarding moment for Turner, who’s spent much of her time in the last several years playing softball either for CHS or her travel team.
“I’m feeling pretty good, I’m feeling excited about my future,” Turner said. “The recruitment process was long, it was a lot of going to camps and getting seen on social media…academically they’re a fit for me as a future STEM major, the coach believes what I believe and I have teammates that are also similar like that.”
CHS head coach Jordan Webb has also seen the work Turner has put in since she arrived at Cookeville High School, and he notes that there’s a lot of things she does on the field and off that make her ready for the next level.
“Laylah has been an important part of our team for all four years,” Webb said. “Sophomore and junior year, she hit in the middle of the order for us and started at first base every game for us…she plays well defensively, and moves around the base really well. We’re going to miss that stability in the middle of the order and at first base.”
And all of those abilities are due to her work ethic at both practice and in the work she does on her own.
“You put all of those things together and that’s why she’s going on to the next level,” Webb said. “She works harder than most players, she’s constantly in the weight room and going to the batting cages…she’s doing all the extra things that have gotten her to this point.”
Webb admittedly knows little about Missouri S&T, but what he felt was most important was Turner’s comfort-level with the program.
When he saw how much she liked it, he knew it was the right fit for her.
“Anytime I have a player that’s going to play college ball, it’s great to shoot for the stars and want to play SEC ball, but if that’s not the right fit for you, then it won’t turn out well,” Webb said. “What I do like is she’s comfortable with it…she’s been excited about this school for a long time, ever since she verbally committed. You can tell she’s ready.”
As far as what she’s going to miss the most, Turner says she’ll miss the bonds she’s created with her teammates, but that she’s also looking forward to meeting new friends.
“What I’m going to miss most is playing with my teammates who I’ve played with since I was seven,” Turner said. “I’m most excited about playing with teammates who I’ve not played with before, it’s a new culture…I think I’m ready, I think I’ll work hard enough that I’ll be ready for it.”
