Tennessee softball added one of its biggest names on signing day, landing elite Florida infielder Gracyn Needle as Karen Weekly and her staff continued to stock the roster with top talent.
Needle arrives with a reputation that stretches well beyond her home state. She plays at The King’s Academy in Florida and does so under her mother, Kim Needle.
On the recruiting trail, she has climbed into the national conversation as a middle infielder, a label that fits her versatility more than any single spot on the field. She is ranked No. 33 nationally, No. 9 among infielders, and No. 3 in the state of Florida.
For Tennessee, that kind of profile fits the kind of class Weekly and her staff wanted to put together. The goal on signing day was to add six prospects, and Needle stood out as perhaps the top name in the group. Her ability to handle almost any position on the diamond makes her especially valuable, and the Lady Vols are bringing her in with the expectation that she can impact the program on both sides of the game.
Needle’s game is built on effort and consistency. She is described as a player who is constantly trying to improve from practice to practice and game to game, a mindset that could help her get on the field early. She also brings a team-first approach, with a willingness to do whatever it takes to help her team win.
Tennessee is getting more than just a polished infielder. Needle is also viewed as a strong defender, a dangerous hitter, and a player who brings energy everywhere she goes, including the dugout. In the eyes of the program, she is the kind of addition that can make an immediate difference.
The Lady Vols believe they’re getting an ace in Gracyn Needle, and they expect her to be a star.
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