The sun was hot and the air thick as seven hopeful young women showed off

their hitting, fielding and running talents at Monday’s open tryout for the

Lady Vols Varsity Softball Team.

The tryout, held at Tyson Park, is an annual event for young women

interested in the possibility of defending the diamond for UT.

In previous years, head coach Jim Beitia has always taken at least one

walk-on, but makes no limitations as to the number of girls he will invite

on the team. Because of the brief period the NCAA allows for tryouts, the

coaches were looking for someone to catch their eye.

“No one tries out for a specific position,” Beitia said. “We look for

overall talent.”

The tryout, which resulted in the possibility of only one new team member,

was an intense two-hour display of softball skill and overall athletic

ability.

The oppressive heat did not help the nervous young women. Evidence of this

was shown in the beads of sweat that streamed from their flushed faces.

Aware of the humidity that hung over Tyson Park, the coaches gave the girls

frequent water breaks.

“I could throw-up,” one candidate whispered to her mother from across the

field after completing a timed run around the bases.

Along with sprints, the girls fielded ground balls, caught pop flies and

hit. The coaching staff popped balls into the outfield where the girls

waited, trying to get position for a successful catch. With the afternoon

sun staring down at them, the girls stuck their gloves in the air in hopes

to find the ball.

Dust rose from the infield as the balls came flying as the players

attempted to throw out an imaginary runner.

As the afternoon heat became virtually unbearable, the seven candidates

moved behind home plate to take their turns at the plate. Each girl

attempted to hit harder and farther than the last as the pitching machine

fired perfect strikes. Armed with their bats, gloves and helmets, the girls

tried to impress Beitia, who observed, notebook in hand, from the outfield.

The sound of aluminum cracking combining with the speeding cars, which

frame the outfield, made for a noisy afternoon.

As the tryout came to an end, seven tired, sweat- soaked girls took off

their equipment and hoped for the best. They had done their part and the

rest was out of their control. They would have to wait anxiously for the

coaches call which wouldn’t come until Tuesday afternoon. The seven

candidates would no doubt analyze their performance again and again,

wondering if they would be the next Lady Vols slugger.

“It is not only the softball that attracts these young women, but also the

idea of being a Lady Vol,” said one woman whose granddaughter tried

out.

April Phillips, last year’s only walk-on, would certainly agree with this

statement and can empathize with the girls’ dreams.

A Charlotte, N.C., native, Phillips originally came to UT to compete for

the track team. In a last-minute decision, she traded in her running shoes

for her bat and glove and showed up at the softball field for tryouts.

Phillips, then a freshman, understands the emotions experienced by the

candidates.

“I was so nervous I almost didn’t show,” she said.

It was her uncle, reminding her that she had nothing to lose and

everything to gain, that convinced her to give it a try. By the next day,

Phillips was taking pictures with her new team and building relationships

with the girls who quickly became like family.

” The girls accepted me right away,” Phillips said. “They were all

completely supportive.”

The advice of her uncle has once again proved true as she is back this

season on a softball scholarship. Phillips’ success story should give hope

to walk-ons this season and in the upcoming years. Unfortunately, not all

tryouts have such a happy ending.

This year Beitia found it difficult to make his decision.

“The girls were pretty much equal in all areas whereas in years past there

has been a standout in each category,” he said.

Ultimately, Beitia opted to add one walk-on to the roster with the

possibility of a second before the start of the season. With one more

rookie and the majority of last year’s team returning, the upcoming season

promises to be the best ever.

Considering this is only the third year for the UT softball program, they

have done exceptionally well. The Lady Vols finished last season with a

Southeastern conference record of 20-7, just three wins shy of a top 25

ranking. Beitia is eager to continue this success.

“Starting from scratch, it takes time to develop a winning program,” he

said. “This spring we can win the SEC and should definitely be in the top

25.”

The Lady Vols begin their quest on Sept. 27 with a tournament at Tyson

Park. With bat and glove in hand, the girls will try to set a winning tone

for the quickly approaching season. The tournament, the team’s only one

this fall, is free of charge and will be an all-day event.