University of Tennessee Athletics
Tennessee Signs Three
November 13, 2019 | Softball
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee welcomed a pair of Californians and a Georgia native to the program who will debut in the 2021 season during this week's National Signing period.
Catcher and outfielder Rylie West (Eastvale, Calif.) and Caliyah Thompson (Moreno Valley, Calif.), a utility player, join the Lady Vols from the West Coast, while pitcher Bailey McCachren hails from nearby Cummings, Ga.
McCachren, who attends Forsyth Central, ranks 28th on the Extra Innings Softball 2020 Extra Elite 100 List. She lettered all four years of high school and was named Forsyth County Pitcher of the Year in 2018 and 2019. Among the nation's elite pitchers, McCachren ranks 14th on EIS's list. Academically, McCachren will graduate from her high school's STEM program, which she helped to become a nationally certified program.
Thompson, who is the vice president of Valley View High School's Sports Medicine Club and a three-time scholar athlete, is a two-time recipient of the All-CIF MVP award and was MaxPreps 2017 Player of the Year for her high school. She led the team with a .507 batting average, 25 RBI and 21 runs. Thompson also ranks 48th on Flo-Softball's 2020 Hot 100 List and 85th on EIS' Extra Elite 100 List. Thompson is also ranked 38th among infielders on EIS's list.
A member of Eleanor Roosevelt High's Athletic Leadership Council and a three-time scholar-athlete, West was recognized on the All-CIF First Team in 2019 after leading her team in hits, stolen bases, RBIs and walks. She was named the team's MVP in 2018 and 2019 and the school's Female Sportswoman of the Year. West was also a Big 8 All-League First Team selection twice. Among catchers, EIS ranks West 21st in the nation.
"The three young women signing with us today embody the Lady Vol Softball core values," said co-head coach Karen Weekly. "They are students first, great teammates, tough competitors, and willing to do whatever is asked to help the team succeed.Â
"All play for outstanding organizations and coaches where they have developed a high softball IQ and welcome being challenged every day to reach their potential."
Overall Tennessee's recruiting class is ranked 18th by Extra Innings Softball.
Bailey McCachren
On coming to Tennessee: I wanted to attend the university of Tennessee because of both athletics and academics it offered. UT has a great biomedical engineering program and I loved the campus, team and coaches.
Co-head coach Karen Weekly on Bailey: Bailey is a high academic achiever who plans to major in Engineering. We love her intelligent approach to pitching and her grit on the mound. She can help us offensively as well which creates more lineup versatility. We're excited to add another lefty to our pitching staff.
Caliyah Thompson
Â
On coming to Tennessee:Â I chose the University of Tennessee because it felt like a home away from home. I get the opportunity to play for a top softball program, and experience the very welcoming family atmosphere.
Co-head coach Karen Weekly on Caliyah: CT is one of the most versatile infielders in the country. She can play second, short and third all very well, and has also played outfield. Her offensive game is exceptional as she can hit for both average and power. Most important, she is an outstanding student and academic honors recipient.
Rylie West
On coming to Tennessee: The University of Tennessee provides me the opportunity to play collegiate softball at the highest level, while allowing me to academically pursue my dream of becoming a Sports Journalist.
Co-head coach Karen Weekly on Rylie: Rylie is a product of Marty Tyson's Corona Angels, one of the best club softball organizations in the country. Rylie is really athletic – she can catch and play outfield equally well, and even plays shortstop for her high school team. We look for her to add power to our offensive lineup. Rylie is also a great student and very committed to academic success.
Â
Catcher and outfielder Rylie West (Eastvale, Calif.) and Caliyah Thompson (Moreno Valley, Calif.), a utility player, join the Lady Vols from the West Coast, while pitcher Bailey McCachren hails from nearby Cummings, Ga.
McCachren, who attends Forsyth Central, ranks 28th on the Extra Innings Softball 2020 Extra Elite 100 List. She lettered all four years of high school and was named Forsyth County Pitcher of the Year in 2018 and 2019. Among the nation's elite pitchers, McCachren ranks 14th on EIS's list. Academically, McCachren will graduate from her high school's STEM program, which she helped to become a nationally certified program.
Thompson, who is the vice president of Valley View High School's Sports Medicine Club and a three-time scholar athlete, is a two-time recipient of the All-CIF MVP award and was MaxPreps 2017 Player of the Year for her high school. She led the team with a .507 batting average, 25 RBI and 21 runs. Thompson also ranks 48th on Flo-Softball's 2020 Hot 100 List and 85th on EIS' Extra Elite 100 List. Thompson is also ranked 38th among infielders on EIS's list.
A member of Eleanor Roosevelt High's Athletic Leadership Council and a three-time scholar-athlete, West was recognized on the All-CIF First Team in 2019 after leading her team in hits, stolen bases, RBIs and walks. She was named the team's MVP in 2018 and 2019 and the school's Female Sportswoman of the Year. West was also a Big 8 All-League First Team selection twice. Among catchers, EIS ranks West 21st in the nation.
"The three young women signing with us today embody the Lady Vol Softball core values," said co-head coach Karen Weekly. "They are students first, great teammates, tough competitors, and willing to do whatever is asked to help the team succeed.Â
"All play for outstanding organizations and coaches where they have developed a high softball IQ and welcome being challenged every day to reach their potential."
Overall Tennessee's recruiting class is ranked 18th by Extra Innings Softball.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING
Bailey McCachren
On coming to Tennessee: I wanted to attend the university of Tennessee because of both athletics and academics it offered. UT has a great biomedical engineering program and I loved the campus, team and coaches.
Co-head coach Karen Weekly on Bailey: Bailey is a high academic achiever who plans to major in Engineering. We love her intelligent approach to pitching and her grit on the mound. She can help us offensively as well which creates more lineup versatility. We're excited to add another lefty to our pitching staff.
Caliyah Thompson
Â
On coming to Tennessee:Â I chose the University of Tennessee because it felt like a home away from home. I get the opportunity to play for a top softball program, and experience the very welcoming family atmosphere.
Co-head coach Karen Weekly on Caliyah: CT is one of the most versatile infielders in the country. She can play second, short and third all very well, and has also played outfield. Her offensive game is exceptional as she can hit for both average and power. Most important, she is an outstanding student and academic honors recipient.
Rylie West
On coming to Tennessee: The University of Tennessee provides me the opportunity to play collegiate softball at the highest level, while allowing me to academically pursue my dream of becoming a Sports Journalist.
Co-head coach Karen Weekly on Rylie: Rylie is a product of Marty Tyson's Corona Angels, one of the best club softball organizations in the country. Rylie is really athletic – she can catch and play outfield equally well, and even plays shortstop for her high school team. We look for her to add power to our offensive lineup. Rylie is also a great student and very committed to academic success.
Â
SB | Tennessee Postgame vs. Nebraska (5.25.25)
Sunday, May 25
SB | Tennessee Postgame vs. Nebraska (5.24.25)
Saturday, May 24
SB | Tennessee Postgame vs. Nebraska (5.23.25)
Friday, May 23
SB | Tennessee Postgame vs. Ohio State (5.18.25)
Sunday, May 18
