Sheridan Allen is familiar with the color orange, having worn it for Beech High during her high-school softball career.
Volunteer State Community College outfielder Sheirdan Allen – a Beech High product – stole 115 bases in two seasons for the Lady Pioneers.
Next season, she’ll wear a slightly different shade of orange after she committed to the University of Tennessee on Saturday.
Allen will transfer to Knoxville to begin her junior season after playing for two years at Volunteer State Community College, where she led the Lady Pioneers in runs scored, hits, bases on balls and stolen bases in both seasons.
“(Playing for Vol State) has helped me learn hard work does actually pay off,” Allen said, “and it has also helped my skill level to improve tremendously.”
Allen was caught stealing only three times in two years, swiping 56-of-57 bases in her freshman year before stealing 59-of-61 this past season. She scored 48 runs each season and collected 110 hits in two years, in addition to 41 walks. This past season, Allen also led the team in batting average (.396) and on-base percentage (.470).
She received a scholarship offer following Tennessee’s season. Allen said that was other schools that were interested, but “none were set in stone like UT.”
Tennessee is also getting a consistent outfield defender, as Allen committed just five errors in 89 career games while patrolling center field for the Lady Pioneers.
Sheridan Allen
Allen said the opportunity to play for co-head coaches Ralph and Karen Weekly steered her toward Knoxville, and the school’s business program also factored in her decision.
“I have only known (the Weeklys) for a short period, but they are an awesome duo,” Allen said. “They are very welcoming and positive about anything and everything.”
Allen was also the All-Sumner County Softball Player of the Year in 2014. She joins a Volunteer program coming off of its 13th consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Tennessee finished 43-16 after a 4-3 loss to Arizona in the Knoxville Regional final.
“It’s an honor to play for such a highly regarded program,” Allen said, “and I am extremely excited to be a part of the team and to help the Lady Vols in any way I can.”
Reach Chris Brooks at cbrooks@tennessean.com or at 615-575-7118. Follow him on Twitter @CB_SumnerSports.