Weeklys put focus on finding more speed, power

Tennessee softball co-head coaches Ralph and Karen Weekly put the finishing touches on a 2010 signing class of six players Wednesday.

"Our goal with this class was to recruit good students with an emphasis on definite speed or definite power,'' Ralph Weekly said. "We wanted to recruit players who had been to the best tournaments and played the best competition.''

The Lady Vols signed three outfielders, one pitcher, a shortstop and a catcher in the class, though most all of the signees can play multiple positions.

Two of the players are from Tennessee, another pair come from talent-rich California, and the Lady Vols signed a player from Colorado and another from Georgia.

Here's a look at the signing class:

Melissa Davin, IF/OF, Clovis East (Calif.) High School

Davin broke every major school record, batting .459 with five home runs en route to being chosen her conference's player of the year. She's a two-time all-state selection as well.

"Melissa has been one of the top hitters for the Orange County Batbusters the last three years," Weekly said. "She is a legitimate long ball hitter who possesses that rare blend of speed and power. ''

Tory Lewis, OF, Chattanooga Girls Prepatory School

A three-sport standout, Lewis has won six state high school titles, three straight in Division II Class AA softball, two in volleyball and another in track.

Lewis is a two-time all-state selection on the softball diamond, and helped lead the Chattanooga Fury travel team to the 2009 ASA state title and batted .466 with four homers and 22 stolen bases at the ASA Gold nationals..

"Tory is one of the fastest players ever to come to Rocky Top,'' Weekly said. "She's tough mentally and physically.''

Chelsea O'Connor, OF, Windsor (Colo.) High School

O'Connor was the 2009 MaxPreps Colorado 4A player of the year after hitting .585 with six home runs and 32 RBIs, leading her team to a final four appearance at her state tourney. O'Conner is a two-time all-state selection and also holds her school record in the pole vault (10-0).

"Chelsea is a leader and a fierce player who will make an impact right away," Weekly said. "Chelsea is an outfielder with speed, a great glove, and legitimate long ball power.

Kourtny Thomas, C-IF, Houston County (Ga.) High School

A two-time first-team all-state selection, Thomas hit .370 last season with six home runs. She led Houston County to its fourth consecutive region title and a Georgia Class 5A State Runner-Up finish at 31-6.

"She's a six-foot player who her summer coaches call 'the future,' '' Ralph Weekly said. "She excels on the corners and can also catch and play outifeld. She's extremely quick and athletic, but her main attribute is power.''

Madison Shipman, SS, Valencia (Calif.) High School

Batted .411 and earned Louisville Slugger/National Fastpitch Coaches Association Honorable Mention All-American honors as well as a 2008 NFCA First-Team All Western Region.

Shipman was named First Team All-California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) in 2008 and 2009 as well as all-state and to the All-Foothill League Team.

"Madison is one of the best all-around athletes we have ever recruited," Ralph Weekly said. "She is an outstanding shortstop with a rocket arm, hits for average and can drive the long ball.''

Ellen Renfroe, P, Trinity Christian Academy

Helped guide TCA to Tennessee Class A state titles in 2006, 2008 and 2008 . She has a career record of 75-7 and 790 strikeouts with a 0.36 ERA.

"Ellen is tall, very athletic and is also a very good hitter,'' Ralph Weekly said. "Ellen is a 'can-do' player who is posied and mature beyond her years.''

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
Want to use this article? Click here for options!