VIDEO: Michael Graves Interview
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman head softball coach Michael Graves has announced the signings of six student-athletes for the 2022 softball season.
Carson-Newman welcomes two pitchers and four position players to the program. The hurlers are Lauren Baker (Saratoga, Calif.) and Journey Mitchell (Columbia, Tenn.), while the position players are Hayden Dye (Knoxville, Tenn.), Mari Robbins (Sweetwater, Tenn.), Boo Sturgill (New Boston, Ohio) and Mary Vandergriff (Chattanooga, Tenn.).
Lauren Baker – Saratoga, Calif. – Saint Francis – P – 5-5 – R/R
HIGH SCHOOL: Baker tallied 154 strikeouts during the 2019 season while earning pitcher of the year honors, first team all-league and all-state honors as a junior. She helped Saint Francis to a West Catholic Athletic League championship and a CCS title.
PERSONAL: The daughter of Julie and Dave Baker.
Hayden Dye – Knoxville, Tenn. – Powell – INF – 5-7 – R/R - @haydendye4
HIGH SCHOOL: Produced big offensive numbers in her first two high school seasons. She hit .458 with 15 doubles, 10 home runs and 45 RBI before hitting .536 with 21 doubles, four triples and 64 RBI as a sophomore. She was an all-district choice as a freshman as she led all freshmen in the state of Tennessee that year in dingers. She helped Powell to a state title in 2018.
PERSONAL: The daughter of Brad Dye, she plans to study family and consumer science at Carson-Newman. She was a member of the National Honor Society in High School.
Journey Mitchell – Culleoka, Tenn. – Columbia Academy – P - 5-5 – L/L - @journeymitchell3
HIGH SCHOOL: A two-sport athlete at Columbia Academy, Mitchell played basketball in addition to her exploits on the softball diamond. In the circle she tallied 218 Ks and a 1.42 ERA while hitting .304 with a .419 OBP. She played club ball for Atlanta Premier where she struck out 302 with two perfect games and three no-hitters. She was an all-district selection and helped Columbia Academy to a state title as a junior.
PERSONAL: The daughter of Sherrie and Charlie Mitchell, she plans to study nursing at Carson-Newman. In high school, she carried a 4.02 GPA.
Mari Robbins – Sweetwater, Tenn. – Sweetwater – OF - 5-5 – R/R - @MariRobbins05
HIGH SCHOOL: As a freshman at Sweetwater high school, she hit .637 with 58 runs scored, 65 hits nine doubles, three triples and 23 runs batted in. An accomplished basketball player as well, she was an all-district and all-region choice for Sweetwater High School. She helped Sweetwater's softball program to a state tournament appearance and region/sub-state titles.
PERSONAL: The daughter of Charlie Robbins, she plans to study biology-health professions at Carson-Newman. She was a member of the Beta Club, Club 21 and the A Honor Roll in high school.
Boo Sturgill – New Boston, Ohio – Wheelersburg - INF – 5-1 – R/R - @BooSturgill
HIGH SCHOOL: As a freshman at Wheelersbur, she hit .530 with 10 home runs and 24 doubles. She was a first team all-conference choice as a freshman in addition to earning district player of the year and all-state honors.
PERSONAL: The daughter of Stephanie Morrow, she plans to study to be a pharmacist. She is a member of the honor roll.
Madison Vandergriff – Soddy Daisy, Tenn. – Chattanooga Christian School – INF – 5-8 - @madisonvanderg3
HIGH SCHOOL: A three-sport athlete at Chattanooga Christian School, Vandergriff also played basketball and volleyball. She hit .385 for her career with the Chargers with 115 runs scored and 70 RBI. She was a three-time all-district choice and a member of the Division II-A East Region All-Tournament Team in 2019. She helped the Chargers to a pair of district titles.
PERSONAL: The daughter of Elizabeth and Roger Vadergriff, her older sister Mary also plays softball for Carson-Newman. Her father wrestled at MTSU. She plans to study interior design at Carson-Newman.
