Why do UT softball players keep disappearing?

#27
#27
I have a hard time believing Akamine's version of story; losing passion for the game, wanting to go to a beauty school all along, being pressured into the game by her parents...then all of sudden she resurfaces on the west coast at a Pac 12 school, and her passion for the game is revived by the dedicated and inspiring coaching staff there? What kind of a magic wand did the coaching staff there work to rejuvenate her slumping career & boost her self-confidence? The Weeklys couldn't do it for her at UT? Why not? After playing softball for all her life, she didn't wanna deal w/ it anymore once she got to college? You're an adult now, on scholarship, make your own decision for a change! She simply got beat out for the starting job by a younger and more talented player -- now departed Aldrete. The prima donna got her ego bruised, her pride hurt, and didn't wanna spend her senior year behind Aldrete on the bench. If Akamine could have kept her starting job, she'd have stayed and played out her senior yr at UT. I'm sure of that. I liked Akamine. I know a lot of people liked her as well. She was a really good defensive catcher, and her star shone brightly in '13 WCWS. Oh well, maybe she could do my hair one day, and make me look like David Beckham, so I better stop berating her..Best of luck to her in beauty school and beyond.

It's not hard to find a better situation (Tobler)when your starting and post those numbers in the SEC. my understanding is they finally did offer Tobler but the dye was cast and the hurt, betrayal, and frustration had set in. For the most part you are correct with the others, except Akamine.
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#28
#28
Wasn't Akamine just beaten out for the catcher's position by Aldrete? Akamine was/is a very good catcher, just not the hitter Aldrete is.

As someone said on another thread, coaches are under a lot of pressure to win. They over-recruit--they all do--and that means some good players are going to sit and then transfer. I don't like it a lot but it has become SOP at major programs--all sports. Let's face it: major college sports programs are over the top--look at softball, getting commits from 14-year-olds. Once somebody does it, they all start doing it, for fear of missing on some kid who might be great in three years, even though she might not be all that by the time she's 17 and late bloomers may be better. Coaches should be sensitive to player feelings, no question about that, and if they are not shame on the coaches. It's ironic that this all got started because of the decision to transfer by the best player on the team, whose position was assured. I just hope Aldrete isn't leaving because of her boyfriend.
 
#31
#31
On one level I get it, but being one of the older ones on this blig, I'm starting to miss the good old days when no matter the sport the school held pretty much exclusive rights to the player. It almost always cost a player 2 seasons to transfer to any other D1 school or they get a limited release effectively blocking transfer to any school that was a national threat since we expect to be SEC and National Champ caliber. No Anne leading another team to beat us. Just saying I miss the old days.
 
#32
#32
I'm sure Pat Summitt was hard on her players. If I remember it correctly one time she wouldn't let them use the locker room because they were not playing well. So are the Weeklys more harsh than CPS was or are the players more sensitive?
 
#33
#33
IDK, but the records are vastly different.

gobravesvols16 said:
I'm sure Pat Summitt was hard on her players. If I remember it correctly one time she wouldn't let them use the locker room because they were not playing well. So are the Weeklys more harsh than CPS was or are the players more sensitive?
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#34
#34
Summitt is a legend--but the fact is much of her success was due to getting UT established in the early years of women's basketball, when there wasn't a lot of competition, much like the Pac10 in softball. As the women's game became more competitive--lots more teams, many good coaches--her (our) success began to fall. Had she not landed Candace Parker, the Vols would be looking at a very LONG stretch of time without a title, as I believe we had several lean years (upwards of a decade) BEFORE Parker arrived. This is not to take away from PS's success, but her situation was different from the Weeklys--and despite Terra's lame effort to do so, there is no poo-pooing 7 trips to the championship tournament.
 
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#35
#35
Pat Summit wasn't always friendly towards her players and maybe had some unhappy players on the teams in her long and legendary coaching career? For all those who attended sunday bible classes growing up; even our Lord Jesus couldn't keep all of His disciples happy. It wasn't always one big happy family if i recall correctly. Despite one specific malcontent, He was able to accomplish His mission on earth and was triumphant in the end. Ralph Weekly has a military background as a commanding officer in the US Air Force. And I'm sure some of his disciplinarian tactics and occasional (caustic) verbal lashing stemming from such black & white dry background didn't sit well w/ some of the players and/or their parents/family members. Or some observing casual onlookers. Karen seems to be v. competitive and driven, a person w/ fire in her belly as well. I wouldn't be surprised if she handed out some tough love to a few over the yrs.

I'm certain that the Weeklys has had their share of favorite players. (So did our Lord) And I'm sure the Weeklys showed a preferential treatment towards some of their favorites vs. others. Is that right? No. But i tend to think that it's merit-based and the players earn the right to be treated as such on and off the playing field by exemplary work ethic, tireless drive, competitiveness, coachability, unselfishness, clutch plays, and so on. Most others don't object. I believe the Weeklys DO treat ALL of their players w/ due respect and love, however. It's just that some arise above the others -- as the cream would rise to the top -- and become the faces of the program or darlings of the Weeklys as did John, James & Peter.

They aren't perfect by no means, but I'm confident and hopeful that at the end the Weeklys would be victorious as well, and would accomplish one (giant) missing piece in their resume before their retirement by lifting a national trophy one day. They do certainly possess a good track record so far to make me a believer. If and when the Weeklys do win a national title or two, the debate would ensue whether a street should be named after them or a statue to be built in their honor. I'm not day dreaming or being a ra ra talker. No, i'm not related to them, and you're right, I don't get free Lady Vol gears from them either. I'm just being realistic. Facts are facts. And the numbers don't lie.
 
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#36
#36
peachstatevolgirl said:
With all this talk about Aldrete's departure, I'm on the fence about what to believe. Someone made a great point. We keep losing players with no explanation. Jessica Addell, Haley Tobler, Akamine, Perkins, Haley ***an... Anybody know why?
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Adell was removed from the team by the administration, was out of the coaches' hands. Akamine was asked to change positions and quit instead. Tobler was a walk-on who was offered a scholarship at Long Beach. Perkins was a juco who saw little playing time and quit. ***an was a walk-on. Anna Renfroe was a walk-on who didn't crack the lineup, and gave it up after he sister graduated.

The majority of players that "disappear" from the roster are walk-ons who give up the game after a year or two because they aren't playing and want to be regular students. Some go elsewhere, most don't. It happens in most college baseball and softball programs.

Others leave because they aren't happy. It happens. Again, take a look at most high-level college baseball and softball teams. Actually, take a look at all equivalency sports (the NCAA term for sports where athletes receive partial scholarships). When you're only receiving a partial scholarship, it's a lot more tempting to look around at other schools if you aren't playing as much as you like or aren't getting as much scholarship money as other schools will offer. Lots of kids leave. You notice it here because you follow the team. You don't notice that the same thing happens other places because you don't follow those teams.
 
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#37
#37
volcrazy89 said:
To be fair, Ally Perkins and Anna Renfroe never should've been on scholarship here to begin with.
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Anna Renfroe was never on an athletic scholarship. Not one penny. As an in-state player, she probably had the lottery scholarship, but not one penny of athletic aid.
 
#38
#38
DeerPark12 said:
Adell was removed from the team by the administration, was out of the coaches' hands. Akamine was asked to change positions and quit instead. Tobler was a walk-on who was offered a scholarship at Long Beach. Perkins was a juco who saw little playing time and quit. ***an was a walk-on. Anna Renfroe was a walk-on who didn't crack the lineup, and gave it up after he sister graduated.

The majority of players that "disappear" from the roster are walk-ons who give up the game after a year or two because they aren't playing and want to be regular students. Some go elsewhere, most don't. It happens in most college baseball and softball programs.

Others leave because they aren't happy. It happens. Again, take a look at most high-level college baseball and softball teams. Actually, take a look at all equivalency sports (the NCAA term for sports where athletes receive partial scholarships). When you're only receiving a partial scholarship, it's a lot more tempting to look around at other schools if you aren't playing as much as you like or aren't getting as much scholarship money as other schools will offer. Lots of kids leave. You notice it here because you follow the team. You don't notice that the same thing happens other places because you don't follow those teams.
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What was Aldrettes real reason ? Ralph Weekly (like a poster claimed) or the friends death (like the twitter post) ?
 
#39
#39
Hard to argue with the Weekley's success...but you can teach discipline and also be a "player's coach" I was very impressed with Myers, Walton, and Hutchins at the WCWS.
 
#40
#40
508mikey said:
What was Aldrettes real reason ? Ralph Weekly (like a poster claimed) or the friends death (like the twitter post) ?
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Take a look at her Twitter and Instagram posts from the last three months about her friend and it's easy to see what the truth is.

But don't let the truth get in the way of a good message board rumor.
 
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#41
#41
DeerPark12 said:
Adell was removed from the team by the administration, was out of the coaches' hands. Akamine was asked to change positions and quit instead. Tobler was a walk-on who was offered a scholarship at Long Beach. Perkins was a juco who saw little playing time and quit. ***an was a walk-on. Anna Renfroe was a walk-on who didn't crack the lineup, and gave it up after he sister graduated.

The majority of players that "disappear" from the roster are walk-ons who give up the game after a year or two because they aren't playing and want to be regular students. Some go elsewhere, most don't. It happens in most college baseball and softball programs.

Others leave because they aren't happy. It happens. Again, take a look at most high-level college baseball and softball teams. Actually, take a look at all equivalency sports (the NCAA term for sports where athletes receive partial scholarships). When you're only receiving a partial scholarship, it's a lot more tempting to look around at other schools if you aren't playing as much as you like or aren't getting as much scholarship money as other schools will offer. Lots of kids leave. You notice it here because you follow the team. You don't notice that the same thing happens other places because you don't follow those teams.
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Thank you! I figured it had something to do with playing time, no scholarships, etc. I guess I'm so nosy I like to know exact reasons. Any idea about Hannah Trainer? Thanks again for the input!
 
#42
#42
peachstatevolgirl said:
Thank you! I figured it had something to do with playing time, no scholarships, etc. I guess I'm so nosy I like to know exact reasons. Any idea about Hannah Trainer? Thanks again for the input!
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Same thing, a walk-on that wasn't happy dedicating all of her free time to only see action as a pinch runner.
 
#43
#43
Let's stop making too much of transfers. DeerPark explained it well. It is mostly individuals who are not playing much and want to play more and/or can get more scholarship money elsewhere...

As for Aldrete: I think she's making an emotional, youthful and ultimately unwise decision. It's terrible that her friend died, but what is transferring going to accomplish? Nothing. Maybe she'll see her family a bit more, but she could have moved home after graduation in two years. Doesn't make much sense--and she'll have upended her college experience, softball experience, legacy...UT friends,teammates, academics, everything: it won't be the same, and I'd same this about any similar player at any school doing the same thing. I also think her boyfriend is a factor: he's been wanting to transfer since the beginning of the year because's he not going to play much football for UT. Wish her well.
 
#44
#44
Are softball scholarships full rides like basketball? If not someone pls explain scholarship details.
 
#45
#45
armchair said:
Let's stop making too much of transfers. DeerPark explained it well. It is mostly individuals who are not playing much and want to play more and/or can get more scholarship money elsewhere...

As for Aldrete: I think she's making an emotional, youthful and ultimately unwise decision. It's terrible that her friend died, but what is transferring going to accomplish? Nothing. Maybe she'll see her family a bit more, but she could have moved home after graduation in two years. Doesn't make much sense--and she'll have upended her college experience, softball experience, legacy...UT friends,teammates, academics, everything: it won't be the same, and I'd same this about any similar player at any school doing the same thing. I also think her boyfriend is a factor: he's been wanting to transfer since the beginning of the year because's he not going to play much football for UT. Wish her well.
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Pointless post of the year. You have no idea what transferring is going to accomplish. None. Zero. You do not know what she is going through or how best to address it. Trying to convince this board, or yourself, that she is doing the wrong thing is like trying to convince us she has picked the wrong favorite color. How the crap would you know?
 
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#46
#46
I didn't see any poster "claim" it was Ralph or the coaches in this situation. I commented, and others as well that we didn't understand the transfer, or the official and unofficial statement (based on past statements from UT). Posters including me also commented that there could be many reasons not the least of which has been some treatment by coaches (not rumors) in the past that may have effected this decision. I made comments based on fact, both actually hearing comments from coaches during games (personally witnessed) and speaking to players and families because I couldn't believe what I had heard, or witnessed. NOW....at the end of the day Aldrete transferred, and the fans of the softball team will still be fans of the team (which you should). However there is never IMO an issue with asking questions regarding a program (especially an athletic program) funded by public funds and considering player welfare (is that bad). These comments were basically questions and turned into a discussion etc. Which is exactly what forums (and free speech) are for. UT will always express in its statements what is in the best interest (currently) of the program (if not the University in the long run). Statements that regard the best interest of the program are logical and rational as with any large organization and its normal. Also keep in mind Universities have public affairs professionals, highly paid executives, University administrations, Legal Counsel on staff and any number of paid officials (even on this forum) to ensure the University and/or its agents are not harmed even to the degree of discrediting anyone who may question those authorities. The players have zero, nada, none. AND if the NCAA has its way it will stay that way.

508mikey said:
What was Aldrettes real reason ? Ralph Weekly (like a poster claimed) or the friends death (like the twitter post) ?
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#47
#47
Terra said:
I didn't see any poster "claim" it was Ralph or the coaches in this situation. I commented, and others as well that we didn't understand the transfer, or the official and unofficial statement (based on past statements from UT). Posters including me also commented that there could be many reasons not the least of which has been some treatment by coaches (not rumors) in the past that may have effected this decision. I made comments based on fact, both actually hearing comments from coaches during games (personally witnessed) and speaking to players and families because I couldn't believe what I had heard, or witnessed. NOW....at the end of the day Aldrete transferred, and the fans of the softball team will still be fans of the team (which you should). However there is never IMO an issue with asking questions regarding a program (especially an athletic program) funded by public funds and considering player welfare (is that bad). These comments were basically questions and turned into a discussion etc. Which is exactly what forums (and free speech) are for. UT will always express in its statements what is in the best interest (currently) of the program (if not the University in the long run). Statements that regard the best interest of the program are logical and rational as with any large organization and its normal. Also keep in mind Universities have public affairs professionals, highly paid executives, University administrations, Legal Counsel on staff and any number of paid officials (even on this forum) to ensure the University and/or its agents are not harmed even to the degree of discrediting anyone who may question those authorities. The players have zero, nada, none. AND if the NCAA has its way it will stay that way.
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Post # 38 in the Annie Aldrette is transfering thread
 
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#48
#48
DeerPark12 said:
Take a look at her Twitter and Instagram posts from the last three months about her friend and it's easy to see what the truth is.

But don't let the truth get in the way of a good message board rumor.
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Thanks DP -I dont follow those social media things, the post I was refering to was Post # 38 in the Annie Aldrette is transfering thread.
 
#49
#49
Walk-ons staying all four years in any sport at any school is very rare. Jennifer Burroughs, Hannah Trainer, Morgan Fowler, Megan Givens, Andi Williamson and Leah Taylor are all examples of walk-ons that left the team. Some stayed at UT, others, like Williamson and Taylor, went to other schools and did well. Andi had a great career at Marshall and is actually in the NPF now.

The only two walk-ons I can actually ever recall staying at UT all four years were Caitlyn Ryan and Holly Baker. Deerpark may be able to answer this better, but I believe Whitney Hammond and Kat Dotson were also walk-ons.
 
#50
#50
Terra said:
Describe "troll" what do you consider a troll?? Is it one who just doesn't agree with you and presents a different view backed by facts that make you uncomfortable....or is that a troll just only wants to cause arguments etc. I have been on this site before. And have had no issues. But the subject is emotional because you love your team. And that's good. But try and control your emotions, I have not attacked you, or said anything personal. Some in this string have been very accurate IMO. Others just do not want to hear any other point of view.
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a short person that lives under a bridge in San Diego


you did asked :loco:



sorry you did leave a cheap shot open on your question,I try to usually pass em up these days,but I couldn't resist :)

I did learn the hard way in the Navy,when a Chief Petty Officer ask me,Do i look that damn stupid?

the correct answer isn't yes :)
 
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