Tory Lewis
Tory Lewis, the Girls Preparatory School graduate who had played a key role in helping Tennessee enjoy a runner-up finish in the College Softball World Series last spring, will not be playing for the Lady Vols this year.
UT officials announced this week that the senior Lewis is not playing this season due to physical reasons, but they did not elaborate.
“Tory Lewis did not return to the team this year because of medical reasons,” said softball sports information director Stephen Lee. “Sorry, but I cannot provide more information beyond that.”
It is known that Lewis was slowed early last season with a concussion-related injury.
Lewis has contributed as much as any of the several Chattanoogans who have played for former UTC coaches Ralph and Karen Weekly during their successful run in Knoxville that began in the fall of 2001. Last year, Lewis started at centerfielder for the Lady Vols for much of the year and had a .277 batting average entering the post-season.
Even without Lewis, the Lady Vols this year are predicted to finish first in the country in the USA Today/National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division 1 poll.
Joining the Tennessee team this year is another Chattanoogan, freshman outfielder Shaliyah Geathers from East Hamilton High School.
Jcshearer2@comcast.net