Soddy-Daisy junior Cassidy Hackney has accepted a softball scholarship offer from coach Tory Acheson and plans to continue her career at Tennessee Tech University.
Hackney could line up more official visits to other schools, but she said she's sold after visiting the Cookeville campus and meeting those involved with the program.
"I was hoping to go to a Division I school, and I wanted to go somewhere close to home," Hackney said. "I like Coach Acheson and watched one of his practices and liked how he ran things."
Hackney, a left-handed-batting speedster, has hit better than .400 in both of her high school seasons. Her select-team coach, the Tennessee Fury's Tad Andrus, said she's been a steady .400 hitter in summer ball, too.
Customarily batting first or second, she's stolen 19 bases in two seasons with the Lady Trojans and scored 108 runs.
"Speed is her game," Soddy-Daisy coach Clifford Kirk said. "She's also a strong kid. I think she'll be able to play for Tennessee Tech. Cassidy is one who when she goes out to perform, she puts forth the full effort that's needed. They have a good program up there, and she'll be getting a first-class education."
Hackney has played both outfield and infield at Soddy-Daisy.
"I know I'll have to earn my position," Hackney said, "but I was told as a freshman up there they expect me to be an impact player."
Hackney said she plans to major in physical therapy or sports medicine.
Kelley Smiddie is a sports writer who has worked at the Times Free Press for 12 years. He covers high school sports and softball. Kelley’s hometown is Chattanooga, and he graduated from Brainerd High School and graduated Chattanooga State and UTC. Contact Kelley at 423-757-6653 or ksmiddie@timesfreepress.com.
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