After transferring from Oklahoma, Mackenzie Donihoo was one of the most successful hitters in Tennessee softball’s lineup a year ago.
For much of the 2023 season, Donihoo led the nation in doubles, finishing the season with 15 two-base hits. She also hit seven home runs and stole 12 bases. She was poised to make an even larger impact in 2024 in what would be her fifth season of college softball.
However, she will not make an on-field impact, as she was forced to medically retire during the offseason due to injury issues.
“It was heartbreaking, really heartbreaking for her because she so enjoyed her time here last year,” Tennessee head coach Karen Weekly said. “I know how much it meant to her to come here. It was a breath of fresh air for her and she played like it.”
Donihoo was one of the best players in the country during the 2021 season at Oklahoma. She recorded a .438 batting average and was a key part of Oklahoma’s national championship win. The following season came with struggle and the decision to transfer.
She chose to come to Tennessee, and Tennessee became her home. She fully cemented herself as a key part of the Lady Vols over the course of her junior season.
“It was a privilege and an honor to win two SEC titles and help return Tennessee softball to the Women’s College World Series,” Donihoo wrote in her retirement statement. “I will cherish the memories of celebrating on our home field and sharing those moments with you.”
Donihoo’s presence did not just come on the field. As a former national champion, she was a leader in the clubhouse. She brought an encouraging presence to Sherri Parker Lee Stadium every day.
Then, unexpectedly, she retired. The whole team did not expect her to make the decision to retire, but they were very supportive of the decision Donihoo needed to make.
“It was really sad because we did not know that was going to happen,” Tennessee outfielder Kiki Milloy said. “She had things going on during the summer, so we thought that she was going to be back full steam. She is just a big presence that we lost.”
Now that Donihoo’s on-field presence is gone, Tennessee needs to fill a starting shortstop role where Donihoo started all 61 games. She was able to play the position at a high level both offensively and defensively.
Weekly thinks she may have a player even better than Donihoo in true freshman Bella Faw.
“Bella, I said it before, may end up being the best defensive shortstop we have ever had at Tennessee, and that is saying a lot with some of the shortstops we have had here,” Weekly said. “That is why we recruited her.”
Faw was ranked as the No. 5 prospect by Extra Inning Softball in her class and was a state champion at North Gwinett High School in Georgia. She will be tasked with the responsibility of replacing Donihoo’s offensive and defensive talent as Tennessee’s everyday shortstop.
Although Faw is strongest defensively, her offense is also strong. Combining both her own offensive talent and the coaching ability of assistant coach Chris Malveaux — who raised Tennessee’s offensive output by an average of one run per game — Faw could see significant offensive growth as the season progresses.
“Bella is really, really good on the defensive side of things, and I am really pleased with her offense too,” Weekly said. “I think we are going to be fine there.”
