KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee softball team will hold a home run derby on Friday, Nov. 8 at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium and honor one of its “Legends of the Game” Lauren Gibson as a part of its homecoming festivities.
The event is slated to begin at 6:00 p.m. ET and will be open to the public free of charge. The derby will be contested over three rounds, featuring a field of 15 players. Seven Lady Vol alumni will also participate in a two-round home run derby.
Competing for the team crown will be Alannah Leach, Amayah Doyle, Aubrey Barnhart, Bella Faw, Camryn Sarvis, Destiny Rodriguez, Ella Dodge, Emma Clarke, Gabby Leach, Jackie Kirkpatrick, Katie Taylor, Kinsey Fiedler, McKenna Gibson, Ryan Brown and Taylor Pannell.
The alumni field comprises Angela Brewer, Aubrey Leach, Katie Weimer, Lauren Gibson, Natalie Brock, Ryleigh White and Rylie West.
Gibson – a three-time first-team All-American and the 2013 SEC Player of the Year – will be honored between the team and alumni home run derby. A native of Pasadena, Maryland, Gibson arrived on Rocky Top in the fall of 2009. Over the next four seasons, she established herself as one of the program’s all-time greats.
She played a pivotal role in leading the Lady Vols to the 2013 Women’s College World Series, earning a spot on the WCWS All-Tournament Team.
Throughout her collegiate career, she showcased her skills as a second baseman – posting an impressive .401 batting average during her senior year along with 19 home runs and 68 RBIs that earned her SEC Player of the Year.
Her achievements extend beyond college, as she has represented the United States on the international stage, claiming gold medals at the World Cup of Softball and the Pan American Games, where she recorded an outstanding .529 batting average. With numerous accolades, including NFCA First Team All-American honors and multiple selections to All-SEC teams, Gibson has solidified her legacy as a Lady Vol great.
Gates will open one hour before first pitch. Restrooms will be open, but concessions will not be available for fall softball events. Fans will be allowed to bring in their own food and non-alcoholic beverages.
