Blackman softball's Kalei Harding commits to Florida State

Cecil Joyce
Murfreesboro Daily News Journal
Blackman incoming sophomore shortstop Kalei Harding (7) committed to Florida State on Thursday.

Blackman softball standout Kalei Harding announced Thursday she has committed to Florida State.

"I just fell in love with it there," said Harding, referring to a camp and unofficial visit she took to Tallahassee. "I fell in love with the coaches. All three (head coach Lonni Alameda, assistants Craig Snider and Travis Wilson) are great."

The shortstop was a first-team all-area performer in 2017, batting .419 with 22 runs, 10 home runs and 32 RBIs as a freshman.

Florida State has been recruiting Harding since early 2016.

"I didn't have a good summer last year," said Harding, who plays for the Tennessee Fury Platinum during travel ball. "They were still on me but told coaches things I needed to work on."

Harding has shown that improvement, both in her first season in high school and during the current travel ball season.

Blackman’s Kalei Harding (7) attempts to make a play at shortstop during a Lady Blaze game in 2017. Harding committed to Florida State on Thursday.

"They said I have shown improvement and grown as a player," said Harding. "I needed to be more aggressive at the plate ... not let so many pitches go by. I also needed to show more energy. They know I love the game but when they would come watch me play I would be nervous and play like a robot.

"This summer I've been more loose. It's been one of my best summers."

Of course, committing prior to her sophomore season isn't really that early in today's softball recruiting world where many players pick their teams before reaching high school.

"I have no idea why that is," said Harding. "It is kind of ridiculous. You're in eighth grade and want to play in front of college coaches and try to be recruited, instead of having fun. If recruiting was slower, I would have waited a little longer. It's tough."

She is confident about her decision, however.

Alameda has turned the Lady Seminoles into one of college softball's top teams in her nine years, going 424-137. Florida State has won the Atlantic Coast Conference title four consecutive seasons and reached th e Women's College World Series in 2014 and 2016.

The Lady Seminoles reached super regionals in 2015 and 2017. The team went 55-8 (24-0 ACC) in 2017.

"(Alameda) has brought the program a long way," said Harding. "I hope it continues to be that way when I get there. I'm excited."

Cincinnati Reds to hold tryout camp

The Cincinnati Reds will hold a tryout camp at Oakland High School on Wednesday, July 12.

The tryouts will begin at 10 a.m. and will be open to players ages 16-22. Registration will begin at 9 a.m.

Players need to bring their own glove, spikes and baseball attire. All other equipment will be provided by the Reds.

Any player who is under 21 must have a written release from a parent or legal guardian accepting full legal liability in order to workout, This must be a release of liability, not just a permission slip to participate.

Legion players must bring written permission from either post commander or coach in order to work out.

There is no charge for the tryout. After participants are evaluated, any the Reds want to see more will be contacted about further camps.

For more information, go to http://mlb.mlb.com/cin/fan_forum/tryouts/.

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