Lady Vols Welcome Fans to Annual Meet & Greet

By Rhiannon Potkey, special to UTsports.com

Lilly Deal could hardly believe what was happening.

She was actually standing with a bat in her hands while members of the Tennessee softball team fed her balls in the indoor cages.

Lilly's eyes sparkled, and a wide smile crossed her face, showcasing the colorful bands on her braces.

"Knowing I will be able to root for them and they were pitching to me just blows my whole mind," the animated 9-year-old said. "I am very, very, very excited to get to do this. It just makes me want to explode with happiness."

Many others shared Lilly's enthusiasm on Saturday afternoon as the Tennessee softball team held its annual Meet and Greet at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium.

From eight months old to 80 years old, fans from every generation and walk of life showed up in droves to see the team and tour the facilities.

The Lady Vols open the season on Feb. 8 against Boise State in the Kajikawa Classic in Tempe, Arizona. They remain on the road for two more tournaments before returning home to host the Tennessee Invitational March 2-4.

Fans could hardly wait to get a glimpse of a team that returns a majority of the players from last year's NCAA Super Regional squad.

The line to enter the Meet and Greet stretched deep into the parking lot nearly a half hour before the 2 p.m. scheduled start.

Pitchers Matty Moss and Gabby Sprang were at the entry gate waiting to greet everyone streaming through.

"I love getting to see the fans that always fill up the stadium and are always so supportive. It's always fun to meet them in person," Moss said. "We had a lot of people here today and I feel like the sport is growing and that is why we are getting more and more fans and why there are bleachers in the outfield now."

Mary Davidson stopped a group of Tennessee players on the concourse to ask questions about the team's practice schedule. Davidson, 78, attended her first softball game during the fall, proving "you can teach an old dog new tricks," she joked.

Davidson's friend has an extra season ticket this year and she plans to return to as many games as possible.

"There was one player, in particular, Gabby the pitcher, and she was inspiring to watch. There was just something about the way she played," Davidson said. "I have always liked baseball, but I had never been to a softball game. It was just sort of a sudden thing that happened and it was very beautiful to watch."
Senior Scarlet McSwain happily posed for pictures and signed her autograph on every ball, flag, cleat, and shirt handed her way. The Tennessee native never forgets the awe she felt as a little kid meeting Lady Vol players at the stadium.

"After all the practices we've had so far and still haven't played a game, you get to see the little kids here today and remember why you play," McSwain said. "I am playing for them, and it's a really good reminder before the season starts about why we do this and why it's important to so many people."

Midway through the Meet and Greet, fans gathered in the stands along the third base line as Tennessee co-coaches Karen and Ralph Weekly addressed the crowd.

The players introduced themselves one-by-one along with every staff member involved in the program.

"We don't get a chance during games to tell you, but if you weren't here it would leave a void," Karen Weekly said. "I am glad we get to take a day and show you how much you mean to our program and our players."

Once the introductions were over, the players headed to the indoor batting cage to sign autographs. They sat at the tables and didn't leave until everyone waiting in line had every signature.

Lilly Deal didn't think she would have time to get all the autographs. She and her dad, Brandon, didn't want to leave her mom and brother alone for more than a few hours.

But halfway home, Lilly's mother told them to go back and make sure Lilly filled up her autograph card. She knew how much it meant to Lilly.

"I was like, 'Thank you, mom!' Lilly said. "It is a treat to come here."

Lilly played softball last year and was a right-fielder. After getting to meet the Tennessee players in person, she's even more motivated to get back on the field.

"I want to improve, and I want to be a shortstop or a second baseman. That is what I am hoping to be, and I also want to play here when I'm older," Lilly said "I just feel like I want to go down but learn my lesson and come back up and make it here one day. That would be so exciting."

University of Tennessee Athletics

Players Mentioned

Scarlet McSwain

Matty Moss

Gabby Sprang

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