MTSU softball gets two local commitments in Brooke McClure, Shelby Sargent

Coming up as a young softball player, Riverdale's Brooke McClure couldn't wait to play for Coach Jeff Breeden.

Breeden left Riverdale's program prior to her freshman season to take the head coaching position at MTSU, but four years later she will get that chance.

McClure committed to play for the Lady Blue Raiders this week.

"I've known Coach Breeden since the seventh grade - I would always come to watch Riverdale play," said McClure, a senior catcher for the Lady Warriors. "I always wanted him to coach me."

Breeden has not only done a good job of recruiting Midstate talent, but particularly in his own back yard.

McClure isn't the only Rutherford County player to commit to the Lady Blue Raiders this week. Oakland freshman outfielder Shelby Sargent also gave her commitment to MTSU.

"There were a lot of schools I liked, but I really felt wanted at MTSU," McClure said. "I really liked the environment."

McClure batted .358 and hit three home runs, stole 10 bases and drove in 18 runs (.580 slugging) last season and had a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage with five pickoffs and 11 of 16 caught stealing in 206 innings behind the plate for the Lady Warriors. She was named All-District 7-AAA Defensive MVP.

The Lady Raiders currently have 11 Midstate players on the 2017 roster, including Murfreesboro's Kirstyn Cuccia (Blackman), Veronica Westfall (Siegel) and Kristin Uselton (Riverdale).

"Coach Breeden is doing a great job with the program," said McClure. "He won a state championship (at Riverdale) in 2009, and I think he can lead MTSU to a championship."

Sargent isn't the only area player to commit at a young age. Siegel sophomore Caitlyn McCrary committed to the University of Tennessee during her eighth grade season at Oakland Middle.

MTSU started strong last year before losing its final 10 games and finishing 23-31, missing the C-USA Tournament. MTSU's overall numbers, particularly hitting, have increased during his tenure there.

Reach Cecil Joyce at cjoyce@dnj.com or 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Cecil_Joyce.