The South Georgia State softball program announced Monday afternoon the commitment to attend South Georgia State College and play softball from the following 2018 high school graduates. They are Gretchen Fredericks, Brinsley Graddy, Mckenzie Hooker, MaryGrace Manning, Kailey Parr, Hailey Stiebler, Mary Tillman, and Paige Vaughn,
“Adding these young ladies to our program will add depth and versatility to what we already have returning for next year,” said head coach Jeff Savage. “These young ladies are already displaying the qualities we look for from our current student-athletes. With these additions we feel confident that we can continue to compete for championships here at South Georgia State College.”
Gretchen Fredericks will be coming in as a freshman from Port Orange, Fla., to play infield and outfield. She attends Smyrna Beach High School. She will study business at SGSC. She is the daughter of Desiree Fowler and Randy Cliver. Her accomplishments include 2014 ASA Southern National Champion and 2nd team All Area in 2016. She led the area in stolen bases in 2016.
Coach Savage says, “Gretchen has untapped potential and athleticism. I know both her travel and high school coach well and she definitely has been very well coached. With hard work, we feel that Gretchen will see her game improve tremendously. She is a positive player who is very coachable and wants to succeed. We are pleased she is a part of our Hawk family.”
Brinsley Graddy is an outfielder from Worth County High School in Sylvester, Ga. She will be a beginning freshman at SGSC studying education. She is the daughter of Jennifer and Ronnie Graddy. Her accomplishments include 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 All-Region 1st Team; 2017 Regional Offensive player of the Year; 2016 and 2017 All State; 2015, 2016, and 2017 All-Area Team; and a member of the 2014-2015 16 and under USFA World Series Champions.
“Brinsley is a powerful hitter, who is capable of driving in a lot of runs for us. With some hard work she could be an immediate offensive impact in our lineup.” comments Coach Savage. “She is a driven player both academically and athletically. We are very happy she has chosen to be in the Hawk family.”
McKenzie Hooker will be coming to SGSC as a freshman from Glynn Academy in Brunswick, Ga., to study early childhood education. She will be a pitcher for the Lady Hawks.
Her parents are Tommy and Nancy Hooker. She received recognition as Team Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2015; All-Region Honorable Mention in 2016; Sweet 16 finalist in 2016; and Second team All-Region selection 2017.
Coach Savage says, “We are excited to get to work with McKenzie. She has a ton of potential and we feel that if she puts in the work she can definitely help us in the circle. We look forward to her joining our Hawks family.”
Mary Grace Manning will be playing first base as a freshman studying physical therapy at SGSC. She is from Wayne County High School in Jesup, Ga. She is the daughter of Tim and Daphne Manning. Her accomplishments include being a member of the State runner-up championship team in 2017; first team All- Region in 2016; All-State Honorable Mention in 2016; and Top Offensive player in 2015 and 2016.
“Mary Grace is a strong hitter who could fit in nicely in the middle of our lineup. We are excited to get to work with her and develop her offensive potential,” states Coach Savage. “With continued hard work she could be a significant run producer for us here at South Georgia State. I am pleased to have her as a member of the Hawk family.”
Kailey Parr is a catcher from Worth County High School in Sylvester, Ga. She will be a freshman at SGSC studying nursing. Her parents are Michael and Amanda Parr. She was AAA All-State and All-Region in 2017 and named the team gold glove winner.
Coach Savage says, “KP has that special something coaches look for. She is a strong hitter, who has power to all fields. With hard work she will be a solid power hitter for us in the future. We are excited to work with her, and welcome her to our Hawk family.”
Hailey Stiebler will be a freshman catcher from Lanier County High School in Ray City, Ga. She will study nursing at SGSC. She is the daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Stiebler. She was named as First team All-Region selection in 2014, 2015, and 2017. She was also named as All-Region Honorable mention in 2016.
“Hailey is a big strong player, who has a chance to be a solid catcher and a powerful middle of the lineup contributor,” says Coach Savage. “If she continues to work on her defense, she will help us behind the plate as well. We welcome her to our Hawk family.”
Mary Tillman will be coming to SGSC as a freshman from Wayne County High School in Jesup, Ga. She will study nursing. Her parents are Jeff and Carol Tillman. Her accomplishments include being a member of the State runner-up championship team in 2017; first team All-Region in 2016 and 2017; Region 2AAAAA Pitcher of the Year; Elite Eight in 2014 and 2015; and Sweet Sixteen in 2016.
Coach Savage says, “Mary is a dominant right handed pitcher. She has great velocity and is a real competitor. We are very happy to have her in our Hawk family. With some hard work and college experience she could be an impact pitcher for us.”
Paige Vaughan, an infielder from Colquitt High School in Moultrie, Ga., will study education at SGSC. She is the daughter of Lindsey Merritt and James Vaughan. She was named All-Region in 2016, All-Region Honorable Mention in 2017 and a member of the USSSA World Series runner-up team in 2015.
“Paige is a sure handed, versatile player who will help us in the infield. With hard work and effort she will be a solid player here at SGSC,” says Coach Savage. ‘We are very happy to have her as part of our Hawk family.”
Brinsley Graddy and Kailey Parr sign to play softball with the SGSC Hawks after graduating from Worth County High School.