PREP NEWS: Hooper star catcher signs with Tennessee Tech: Catholic flag advances to semis

Catcher Kaylee Midkiff of Hooper Academy signed a scholarship with Tennessee Tech on Wednesday. (Tim Gayle)

By TIM GAYLE

HOPE HULL -- As Kaylee Midkiff continues her return from a torn labrum in her non-throwing shoulder, the Hooper Academy catcher never wavered in her desire to play at the collegiate level with Tennessee Tech. Thankfully, the Golden Eagles were solid in their support of Midkiff as well.

“That feels pretty good,” Midkiff said. “To know I’m still wanted when I’m injured is pretty awesome.”

The senior was honored with a signing celebration at the school on Wednesday as family, friends and classmates watched her sign her letter of intent to play for the Ohio Valley Conference program.

“It’s a day I’ve been dreaming of since I was a little kid,” she said. “It’s very rewarding because the recruiting process itself is pretty stressful. There’s a lot of ups and downs in it. You just have to stay positive and push through it.”

Midkiff captured college coaches’ attention with her play in travel ball and kept it by helping the Colts win state softball championships the last two years.

“She is definitely one of the hardest working athletes I’ve ever dealt with,” Hooper coach Elyse Grier said. “The amount of hours and dedication she puts in away from school stuff is unmatched. That’s what makes her good, that’s what makes her get to that next level. It doesn’t just happen while she’s with me or in the weight room here, she does extra stuff.”

And while there were other offers out there, one trip to the Tennessee Tech campus sold Midkiff on her college choice.

“God gave me several different signs so I knew it was the place I was meant to be,” she said.

Midkiff was among five players who signed letters of intent on Wednesday to play for the Golden Eagles.

 “This year’s early signing class focused on offensive power and defensive versatility,” said Tennessee Tech coach Danielle Penner. “Each of these talented student-athletes is capable of playing multiple positions at high levels. They are high-achieving young ladies on and off the field, aligning with our program’s commitment to long-term excellence. We are excited to welcome them to our Golden Eagle Softball family and Tennessee Tech community.”

Midkiff is a three-sport athlete but had to sit out volleyball this fall as she continues her recovery. Last year she batted .400 with nine home runs and 48 RBIs and Grier is excited about a healthy Midkiff returning to the lineup this spring.

“It’s going to be great, not just the athletic ability but the experience and the mental part of it,” Grier said. “She understands all of that, so the leadership part will be great to have.”

FLAG FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS

Catholic 41, Valley 0

VALLEY -- Hayden Fitts passed for 263 yards and four touchdowns and ran for two more as the Knights defeated Valley 41-0 in the second round of the Class 1A-5A flag football state playoffs on Wednesday night.

Catholic (17-5) improved to 12-1 versus 1A-5A competition, with its lone loss coming in overtime to defending state champion Wenonah. The Knights will return home and play host to the winner of Thursday’s game between Brewbaker Tech and Booker T. Washington next week in the quarterfinals of the state playoffs.

Fitts’ four touchdown passes were all to Haley Ishman, covering 50 and 20 yards in the first half and 25 and 35 yards in the second half.

Anna Russo rushed for 88 yards, including a conversion run, and returned an interception 30 yards for another score. Fitts also recorded an interception on defense.

Jamie McGuire and Haylei Mason each had three sacks in the win as Catholic posted its ninth shutout of the season, including playoff wins over Carroll (34-0) and Valley.