Why Tennessee softball commit Kailey Plumlee is growing comfortable with Gordonsville star role

MURFREESBORO – As dominant as Gordonsville softball star Kailey Plumlee is, she's prone to the occasional self-doubt, the susceptible rare off day and isn't always perfect.

But among her many positive traits, maybe the most overlooked is her self awareness and her ability to set aside any issues she may have on the softball field, bear down and focus.

The Tennessee softball commit gave up a second-inning solo home run to Halls High School in the TSSAA softball state tournament Class 1A opener, but responded with 15 strikeouts, no-hitting the remainder of Halls' batting order as Gordonsville advanced with a 13-1 win and improved to 30-5 on Tuesday.

"I think I do feel like, sometimes, I have to strike out everyone," Plumlee said. "But I have to remember that isn't reality. I don't have to do that. I have teammates who back me, coaches who believe in me and when I think that way, I play much more free."

Tennessee was among several Division I programs that took notice of Plumlee early. The Lady Vols begin play in the NCAA super regional on Friday as the No. 3 seed, and will host No. 14 seed Alabama (36-17) in a best-of-three series for a chance to go to the Women's College World Series.

Plumlee, who grew up a fan of Tennessee as well as powerhouse Oklahoma, also had offers from schools like Florida State, Georgia and Kentucky. Plumlee was impressed with Florida State and gave it strong consideration before landing on UT last September.

"I love (coach) Karen (Weekly) and I love that whole coaching staff in Knoxville," said Plumlee, who added a RBI single in the third inning. "That's what pushed me to make that decision. Plus Florida State is like eight hours away."

Gordonsville coach Jonathon Bush is in his 15th season with the program. He's never coached a more complete talent than Plumlee, who is as devastating at the plate as she is in the pitcher's circle. He's learned to read his star, even when she isn't always vocal during times of struggle.

"Everything in The Tennessean, everything on MaxPreps and on social media ... she's still just 17," Bush said. "We know it starts to wear on her and we've talked to her about that. Often she feels like she has to carry the team, and sometimes she does. But when you're striking out 15 or 16 batters and hit 20 home runs, those things come with it."

She came into Tuesday's game with 270 strikeouts and a 1.11 ERA. She also was batting .550 with 44 hits, 19 home runs and 60 RBIs. And Plumlee has learned to celebrate her impressive moments that far out-weigh moments of disappointment.

"The eight walks I had in the region (4-1A) championship against Jo Byrns wasn't one of my best days," Plumlee said. "We still got the win (3-2), but I could have played better. That kind of stuck with me. But I also remember getting the final strikeout against Eagleville in last year's championship game."

Reach sports writer George Robinson at georgerobinsontheleafchronicle.com and on the X platform (formerly Twitter) @Cville_Sports.