Tennessee Softball 2027

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anecwnrjcns12

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#1
It once again was a disappointing ending to the 2026 season, but when you look at the big picture this team exceeded a lot of expectations getting back to the national semis for the second year in a row. Like everyone has said we would only go far as Pickens would have taken us. It truly was a pleasure watching her on the mound the last 4 years for Tennessee.

Here is what next years roster is looking like:

Seniors: G Leach, A Leach, Mardjetko, Knight, Faw, Rutan

Juniors: Dodge, Butt, Shuler, Nuwer, Morgan, Clarke

Sophomores: Doyle (Redshirt), Sims, Morrison, Holley, Barnhart, Hardenburger

Freshman: Plumlee (Redshirt), Bailey, Krause, Mcfield, Shelton, Stockwell

That puts us at 24 on the roster for next season. It is looking like next years team will be a mixture of some youth and some veterans, but I think the experience being in OKC playing in some big games is something that those who return will benefit greatly from. However, once the portal opens I expect a few of the players on this years roster to put their names in immediately.

By position this is what next year is looking like:

P: Nuwer, Mardjetko, Hardenburger, Plumlee, Shelton, Krause, Rutan

C: Morrison, Stockwell

IF: Faw, Rutan, Dodge, Butt, Clarke, Doyle, Barnhart, Bailey

OF: Shuler, Morgan, G Leach, A Leach, Holley, Morgan, Sims

UT: Mcfield

IMO I think the ones most likely to hit the portal are: Nuwer, Morgan, Sims, Barnhart, and Hardenburger. I know someone mentioned that Plumlee was mostly likely going to leave, but I think it would be a shame to redshirt and then transfer knowing how much of a highly ranked recruit she was coming in.

I know I was not as active during the season (grad school is rough), but I think the BIGGEST area of concern is the offensive depth. We need to have at least 2-3 bats off the bench that can contribute in OKC. I think not having Doyle was hard as I think she was in a position to be a biggest power bat for us. I expect Butt, Rutan, and Morrison to have a big year next year after seeing P4 pitching pretty consistently. If we can get 1 or even 2 proven bats on the roster next year I think it will be a big win for the team. As far as pitching is concerned Sage will definitely be the ace coming into next season but after her is a big question mark.
 
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#3
#3
anecwnrjcns12 said:
It once again was a disappointing ending to the 2026 season, but when you look at the big picture this team exceeded a lot of expectations getting back to the national semis for the second year in a row. Like everyone has said we would only go far as Pickens would have taken us. It truly was a pleasure watching her on the mound the last 4 years for Tennessee.

Here is what next years roster is looking like:

Seniors: G Leach, A Leach, Mardjetko, Knight, Faw, Rutan

Juniors: Dodge, Butt, Shuler, Nuwer, Morgan, Clarke

Sophomores: Doyle (Redshirt), Sims, Morrison, Holley, Barnhart, Hardenburger

Freshman: Plumlee (Redshirt), Bailey, Krause, Mcfield, Shelton, Stockwell

That puts us at 24 on the roster for next season. It is looking like next years team will be a mixture of some youth and some veterans, but I think the experience being in OKC playing in some big games is something that those who return will benefit greatly from. However, once the portal opens I expect a few of the players on this years roster to put their names in immediately.

By position this is what next year is looking like:

P: Nuwer, Mardjetko, Hardenburger, Plumlee, Shelton, Krause, Rutan

C: Morrison, Stockwell

IF: Faw, Rutan, Dodge, Butt, Clarke, Doyle, Barnhart, Bailey

OF: Shuler, Morgan, G Leach, A Leach, Holley, Morgan, Sims

UT: Mcfield

IMO I think the ones most likely to hit the portal are: Nuwer, Morgan, Sims, Barnhart, and Hardenburger. I know someone mentioned that Plumlee was mostly likely going to leave, but I think it would be a shame to redshirt and then transfer knowing how much of a highly ranked recruit she was coming in.

I know I was not as active during the season (grad school is rough), but I think the BIGGEST area of concern is the offensive depth. We need to have at least 2-3 bats off the bench that can contribute in OKC. I think not having Doyle was hard as I think she was in a position to be a biggest power bat for us. I expect Butt, Rutan, and Morrison to have a big year next year after seeing P4 pitching pretty consistently. If we can get 1 or even 2 proven bats on the roster next year I think it will be a big win for the team. As far as pitching is concerned Sage will definitely be the ace coming into next season but after her is a big question mark.
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I agree with the get a couple proven bats. That is what gets the Lady Vols every year in Omaha
 
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#4
#4
We need a whole different approach to the entire make up of our team. Every year we have great pitching and lack any semblance of hitting against elite teams whenever we get to postseason, we also lack any intensity or focus whenever the lights are brightest. IMO we need to adopt a similar approach to when Tony V was the baseball coach and look to kick everybody’s ass from start to finish and don’t apologize for it. I believe that is one of the factors that can give us a chance to finally get that national championship.
 
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#5
#5
anecwnrjcns12 said:
It once again was a disappointing ending to the 2026 season, but when you look at the big picture this team exceeded a lot of expectations getting back to the national semis for the second year in a row. Like everyone has said we would only go far as Pickens would have taken us. It truly was a pleasure watching her on the mound the last 4 years for Tennessee.

Here is what next years roster is looking like:

Seniors: G Leach, A Leach, Mardjetko, Knight, Faw, Rutan

Juniors: Dodge, Butt, Shuler, Nuwer, Morgan, Clarke

Sophomores: Doyle (Redshirt), Sims, Morrison, Holley, Barnhart, Hardenburger

Freshman: Plumlee (Redshirt), Bailey, Krause, Mcfield, Shelton, Stockwell

That puts us at 24 on the roster for next season. It is looking like next years team will be a mixture of some youth and some veterans, but I think the experience being in OKC playing in some big games is something that those who return will benefit greatly from. However, once the portal opens I expect a few of the players on this years roster to put their names in immediately.

By position this is what next year is looking like:

P: Nuwer, Mardjetko, Hardenburger, Plumlee, Shelton, Krause, Rutan

C: Morrison, Stockwell

IF: Faw, Rutan, Dodge, Butt, Clarke, Doyle, Barnhart, Bailey

OF: Shuler, Morgan, G Leach, A Leach, Holley, Morgan, Sims

UT: Mcfield

IMO I think the ones most likely to hit the portal are: Nuwer, Morgan, Sims, Barnhart, and Hardenburger. I know someone mentioned that Plumlee was mostly likely going to leave, but I think it would be a shame to redshirt and then transfer knowing how much of a highly ranked recruit she was coming in.

I know I was not as active during the season (grad school is rough), but I think the BIGGEST area of concern is the offensive depth. We need to have at least 2-3 bats off the bench that can contribute in OKC. I think not having Doyle was hard as I think she was in a position to be a biggest power bat for us. I expect Butt, Rutan, and Morrison to have a big year next year after seeing P4 pitching pretty consistently. If we can get 1 or even 2 proven bats on the roster next year I think it will be a big win for the team. As far as pitching is concerned Sage will definitely be the ace coming into next season but after her is a big question mark.
Click to expand...
All good to speculate, however how do you even know half these players will still be in Knoxville next year.

Karen and Rick are running out of time to win the big one. It will be difficult to have another team with 3 pitchers with the ERA this one had.
 
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#7
#7
Regarding the game, Weekly has been a very successful coach, so I am not calling for her to leave or anything, but I think she takes the blame for the first game loss. I can't understand why she pulled Nuwer after the second inning as she was pitching reasonably well and has been the best pitcher on the staff the second half of the season with the best ERA. She ended up giving up only one run while she was in the game. Also, in the second inning when there were runners on first and second with no outs it seems like the best move is to bunt them over. This puts a runner on third who can score on a sacrifice or an infield grounder and reduces the chance of a double play, but done deal. For the second game the main issue was no hitting and Pickens was not at her best. I was also looking at the batting averages, and Texas has 2 400 hitters and 5 300 hitters, Tennessee had one of each.

Regarding next year I certainly hope that we keep Nuwer as she is an excellent pitcher with the potential to be as good as Pickens, and we also need to keep Mardjetko. We also need another very good third pitcher. Not sure about the freshmen pitchers. We also must improve the hitting, which may include getting a better hitting coach as the team average is not acceptable for a championship caliber team. Just my thoughts on the game and team. GBO.
 
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#12
#12
ETNVolunteer1 said:
We should have a good nucleus back next season. Players that would totally shock me if they left are

Sage
The Leach sisters
Clarke
Morrison
Knight
Dodge
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The Leach Sisters would never leave. It would have to be generational wealth to get them to not have their last season in Knoxville, Sage and Knight already transferred and I don’t think it’s a good look to transfer again, Clarke is becoming THE leader it seems so it seems unlikely. Dodge and Morrison I might see
 
#13
#13
anecwnrjcns12 said:
The Leach Sisters would never leave. It would have to be generational wealth to get them to not have their last season in Knoxville, Sage and Knight already transferred and I don’t think it’s a good look to transfer again, Clarke is becoming THE leader it seems so it seems unlikely. Dodge and Morrison I might see
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Morrison is a Knoxville kid who grew up wanting to be a Lady Vol. The chance of her leaving is slim to none. Dodge is very close with a number of her teammates; I don’t see her going anywhere.
 
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#14
#14
Were supposed to have a freshman shortstop coming in she should be good enough to wrestle the shortstop job away from Faw. We really need a better hitter in that position. We need every other player to improve if Doyle is back she could be the power hitter we need in the lineup. I am expecting all the core players to improve a lot on their hitting by next season.
Not to upset if Hardenbarger leaves looks like another overrated Midwest pitcher. Nuwer a big loss if it happens and if she transfers we may need to get a top pitcher out of the portal don't want to depend on freshmen or Rutan to be able to do the job.
 
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#17
#17
Faw puts Karen in a tough spot. She is an excellent SS, good glove with a laser arm and a good SS solidifies the infield. As far as hitting, Karen has the option to PH for her anytime she wants. Got plenty of PH's on the bench. Be interesting to see how Karen handles this next season if Faw comes back. I see both sides of this.
 
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#18
#18
A look at the positions

1B- I am ok here with Butt and if Doyle can come back healthy. If Doyle not back then this would be a position where we could use another power hitter. Butt may can do the job as a full timer but that is not certain.
2B- Clark I feel will have a huge breakout season next year.
SS- Must get a lot better hitter.
3B-Dodge really slumped end of the season. Even with the error she plays a solid third base. We need her to hit more than .293
RF- Taelyn should be a lot better as a sophomore. A. Leach should have a great senior season. I'm ok with this position
CF- We could really use a big power bat here. Would like to have a 20 plus homerun player here.
LF- Gabby like her sister should be a improved player next season hopefully about 20 homeruns.
C-I like Morrison great job as a freshman big season next year.
DH- I guess it is Leach or Taelyn here

So SS, First maybe, and Centerfield is where we need to get some power who can also hit for a decent average.
 
#19
#19
The main change I would make to our approach:

Recruit hitters first and then develop their defense. And if they have elite size…even better.

No need to beat a dead horse, but hitting consistently holds this program back from the top of the mountain.
 
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#20
#20
Volfan2012 said:
A look at the positions

1B- I am ok here with Butt and if Doyle can come back healthy. If Doyle not back then this would be a position where we could use another power hitter. Butt may can do the job as a full timer but that is not certain.
2B- Clark I feel will have a huge breakout season next year.
SS- Must get a lot better hitter.
3B-Dodge really slumped end of the season. Even with the error she plays a solid third base. We need her to hit more than .293
RF- Taelyn should be a lot better as a sophomore. A. Leach should have a great senior season. I'm ok with this position
CF- We could really use a big power bat here. Would like to have a 20 plus homerun player here.
LF- Gabby like her sister should be a improved player next season hopefully about 20 homeruns.
C-I like Morrison great job as a freshman big season next year.
DH- I guess it is Leach or Taelyn here

So SS, First maybe, and Centerfield is where we need to get some power who can also hit for a decent average.
Click to expand...
In cf you are going to have Knight. She was our best hitter this season.
 
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#21
#21
Volfan2012 said:
A look at the positions

1B- I am ok here with Butt and if Doyle can come back healthy. If Doyle not back then this would be a position where we could use another power hitter. Butt may can do the job as a full timer but that is not certain.
2B- Clark I feel will have a huge breakout season next year.
SS- Must get a lot better hitter.
3B-Dodge really slumped end of the season. Even with the error she plays a solid third base. We need her to hit more than .293
RF- Taelyn should be a lot better as a sophomore. A. Leach should have a great senior season. I'm ok with this position
CF- We could really use a big power bat here. Would like to have a 20 plus homerun player here.
LF- Gabby like her sister should be a improved player next season hopefully about 20 homeruns.
C-I like Morrison great job as a freshman big season next year.
DH- I guess it is Leach or Taelyn here

So SS, First maybe, and Centerfield is where we need to get some power who can also hit for a decent average.
Click to expand...
I think Knight should stay in CF. Her defense is great and she brings a lot of tools in the batters box. Especially if she works more on swinging away. I don’t think you should touch the OF between their defense and what should be another jump in production at the plate. The infield is where the lack of depth really showed this year. We’ll have to see what Doyle comes back like. Does Rutan move on?
 
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#23
#23
Outside of the pitching staff, I think all but 3 or 4 players can be recruited over.
The offense was borderline pathetic. We have a couple of really great freshmen and a very good soph.
 
#24
#24
anecwnrjcns12 said:
It once again was a disappointing ending to the 2026 season, but when you look at the big picture this team exceeded a lot of expectations getting back to the national semis for the second year in a row. Like everyone has said we would only go far as Pickens would have taken us. It truly was a pleasure watching her on the mound the last 4 years for Tennessee.

Here is what next years roster is looking like:

Seniors: G Leach, A Leach, Mardjetko, Knight, Faw, Rutan

Juniors: Dodge, Butt, Shuler, Nuwer, Morgan, Clarke

Sophomores: Doyle (Redshirt), Sims, Morrison, Holley, Barnhart, Hardenburger

Freshman: Plumlee (Redshirt), Bailey, Krause, Mcfield, Shelton, Stockwell

That puts us at 24 on the roster for next season. It is looking like next years team will be a mixture of some youth and some veterans, but I think the experience being in OKC playing in some big games is something that those who return will benefit greatly from. However, once the portal opens I expect a few of the players on this years roster to put their names in immediately.

By position this is what next year is looking like:

P: Nuwer, Mardjetko, Hardenburger, Plumlee, Shelton, Krause, Rutan

C: Morrison, Stockwell

IF: Faw, Rutan, Dodge, Butt, Clarke, Doyle, Barnhart, Bailey

OF: Shuler, Morgan, G Leach, A Leach, Holley, Morgan, Sims

UT: Mcfield

IMO I think the ones most likely to hit the portal are: Nuwer, Morgan, Sims, Barnhart, and Hardenburger. I know someone mentioned that Plumlee was mostly likely going to leave, but I think it would be a shame to redshirt and then transfer knowing how much of a highly ranked recruit she was coming in.

I know I was not as active during the season (grad school is rough), but I think the BIGGEST area of concern is the offensive depth. We need to have at least 2-3 bats off the bench that can contribute in OKC. I think not having Doyle was hard as I think she was in a position to be a biggest power bat for us. I expect Butt, Rutan, and Morrison to have a big year next year after seeing P4 pitching pretty consistently. If we can get 1 or even 2 proven bats on the roster next year I think it will be a big win for the team. As far as pitching is concerned Sage will definitely be the ace coming into next season but after her is a big question mark.
Click to expand...
Better get a hitting coach after yesterday.
 
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