University of Tennessee Athletics
Lady Vol Softball Position Preview: Catchers
January 28, 2020 | Softball
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Lady Vols catching group is highlighted by experience and the potential of new talent.
Tennessee expects to see a boost behind the plate this season with the return of sophomore catcher Ally Shipman, who was sidelined midway through the 2019 season due to injury.
Shipman, who was on her way to an impressive freshman campaign starting all 22 outings she played, is again expected to be in the starting lineup. Before she went out, the Valencia, Calif., native was batting .328 and recorded 21 hits and 20 RBIs.
"It's a huge plus to have Ally Shipman back and fully recovered from her season-ending injury last year," said co-head coach Karen Weekly. "She's moving well behind the plate and swinging a powerful bat."
Shipman gives the Lady Vols depth at catcher with the return of sophomore Kaili Phillips (Ooltewah, Tenn.) who played a crucial utility role for UT last season and stepped in at catcher on multiple occasions. Phillips will spend the majority of her time in the hot corner, but will make appearances behind home plate.
"Kaili Phillips stepped up big for us last year and will see time at the catcher position when she's not a third base," Weekly added.
The Orange and White will also see a new face behind home with freshman Josie Willingham (Medon, Tenn.) making her collegiate debut this season. Willingham was an all-state and all-district standout in both softball and volleyball for Jackson South HS and is part of the Tennessee's sixth-ranked freshman class, according to Softball America.
"Josie Willingham has all the physical tools and possibly the strongest arm on the team," Weekly said. "With time and experience she will learn the finer points of playing the position at a high level."
The Lady Vols were voted to finish second in the Preseason All-SEC Coaches Poll, where the team finished to close the 2019 campaign behind a 14-10 conference showing. As the team gears up to spend the first four weeks on the road and to celebrate the program's 25th year, the Lady Vols resurgence behind the plate will be something to watch.
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Tennessee expects to see a boost behind the plate this season with the return of sophomore catcher Ally Shipman, who was sidelined midway through the 2019 season due to injury.
Shipman, who was on her way to an impressive freshman campaign starting all 22 outings she played, is again expected to be in the starting lineup. Before she went out, the Valencia, Calif., native was batting .328 and recorded 21 hits and 20 RBIs.
"It's a huge plus to have Ally Shipman back and fully recovered from her season-ending injury last year," said co-head coach Karen Weekly. "She's moving well behind the plate and swinging a powerful bat."
Shipman gives the Lady Vols depth at catcher with the return of sophomore Kaili Phillips (Ooltewah, Tenn.) who played a crucial utility role for UT last season and stepped in at catcher on multiple occasions. Phillips will spend the majority of her time in the hot corner, but will make appearances behind home plate.
"Kaili Phillips stepped up big for us last year and will see time at the catcher position when she's not a third base," Weekly added.
The Orange and White will also see a new face behind home with freshman Josie Willingham (Medon, Tenn.) making her collegiate debut this season. Willingham was an all-state and all-district standout in both softball and volleyball for Jackson South HS and is part of the Tennessee's sixth-ranked freshman class, according to Softball America.
"Josie Willingham has all the physical tools and possibly the strongest arm on the team," Weekly said. "With time and experience she will learn the finer points of playing the position at a high level."
The Lady Vols were voted to finish second in the Preseason All-SEC Coaches Poll, where the team finished to close the 2019 campaign behind a 14-10 conference showing. As the team gears up to spend the first four weeks on the road and to celebrate the program's 25th year, the Lady Vols resurgence behind the plate will be something to watch.
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Players Mentioned
SB | Karen Weekly Postgame vs. Kennesaw State (4.8.26)
Wednesday, April 08
SB | Taelyn Holley Postgame vs. Kennesaw State (4.8.26)
Wednesday, April 08
SB | Erin Nuwer Postgame vs. Kennesaw State (4.8.26)
Wednesday, April 08
SB | Karen Weekly Postgame vs. South Carolina (4.4.26)
Saturday, April 04
