Kazee-Hollifield brings 2016 signing class to 13

Kazee-Hollifield brings 2016 signing class to 13

VIDEO: Vickee Kazee-Hollifield Interview

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman head softball coach Vickee Kazee-Hollifield has announced the signing of Peyton Bacon (Greeneville, Tenn.) and Donna Ryan (Orlando, Fla.) to bring Carson-Newman's 2016 signing class to 13.

"You're always trying to get better and the spirit of competition will be something that's good for us with this group," Kazee-Hollifield said. "Throughout the year when we had injuries we had to move people around. Now we're two and three players deep at positions and that will definitely be an advantage for us."

Peyton Bacon (5-7, 1B/RF, L/L, Greeneville, Tenn., Chuckey-Doak HS)

A product of Chuckey-Doak High School in Greeneville, Tenn., Bacon hit .436 as a senior with 41 hits, 33 runs scored, 15 doubles and 30 runs batted in.  She reached base 47.7 percent of the time and touted a .702 slugging percentage. 

She was an all-conference selection for the Black Knights as a junior and senior

Off the field, she was a member of the National Honors Society.  She graduated with honors and distinction and was named a Tennessee Scholar. She is the daughter of Dee and Kathy Bacon.

Kazee-Hollifield on Bacon: "When I saw her hit, the ball exploded off her bat and that got my attention.  Offensively she'll be a great edition for us.  Plus, she's a great kid.

Donna Ryan (5-7, OF, S/R, Orlando, Fla., Dr. Phillips HS)

Ryan played for Danielle Perotti at Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando, Fla.  While starring for the Panthers, she set her school's record for career RBI while also hitting .426 for her high school career.

She received the Principal's Award, Offensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year and team MVP for her efforts on the diamond throughout her high school career.

Ryan helped Dr. Phillips to a district title. She also was a competitive weight lifter for Dr. Phillips.

She is the daughter of Kevin and Dominique Ryan. She was a member of the National Honor Society and Honor Roll in High School. 

Kazee-Hollifield on Ryan: "A Florida kid, she's an all-around good athlete. She's got a good arm, speed to burn and she takes a good cut in the batter's box."