Tag Archive for: Georgia Tech Softball

LIVING THE DREAM: MALLORIE BLACK

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ATLANTA GA- Mallorie Black’s softball journey began in Cumming, Georgia, where she quickly made a name for herself at North Forsyth High School. As a senior, she dominated the field, driving in 63 RBIs and smashing 10 home runs. Her exceptional performance earned her a spot on the Region 5-7A all-academic team for three consecutive years (2017-19), first team all-state honors in 2018 and 2019, and the title of Region 5-7A Offensive Player of the Year in 2017 and 2019. Mallorie was the epitome of a hometown hero, inspiring her local community with her talent and dedication.

Mallorie’s transition to Georgia Tech came with its own set of challenges, particularly with her freshman season coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the mental and physical hurdles, she made an immediate impact, starting in 40 games, 39 of them at third base. Over the next two seasons, she continued to progress, showing consistent improvement both offensively and defensively. However, it was her senior year in 2024 when everything truly clicked.

During her final season at Tech, Mallorie posted career highs in almost every offensive category. She hit .373 with 19 home runs and 61 RBIs, an impressive leap considering she had only 11 career home runs before that year. With a slugging percentage of .825, her performance was stellar enough to earn her a spot on the NFCA All Southeast Region team and a 2nd Team All American nod by Softball America. Mallorie ranked 15th nationally in home runs and 2nd in the ACC, just behind Virginia Tech’s Cori McMillan.

Mallorie Black’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and a positive attitude. Her senior year could have been a victory lap, but instead, she pushed harder than ever, and the entire nation witnessed the results. Her story serves as an inspiration to every softball player, proving that trusting the process and putting in the effort can lead to extraordinary success.

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WATTS CHOOSES GEORGIA TECH

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AUSTINTOWN OH- For the last two seasons Austintown Fitch pitcher Sydnie Watts has taken the area by storm.  She has been the talk of the local softball community with her excellence in the circle.  Last season she led Fitch to their program’s first state championship.  Watts finished the championship season with a 0.38 ERA and 281 strikeouts.  She also hit .492 at the plate with  6 HR and 23 RBI.

The summer before her junior year was definitely important for her and everyone in the class of 2025. Sydnie finally was able to have contact with college coaches and make serious headway in her decision on where to play after high school. That question has been floating around pretty much since she started her first game at Fitch. “Where do you think Sydnie will play in college.” Today that question has an answer. Live on YSN’s Running Point Sydnie made the announcement that she is continuing her softball career at Georgia Tech.

Georgia Tech is a technical institute in the heart of downtown Atlanta. They play in the ACC, among the names like Florida State, Clemson, and Duke.  Tech is coached by Aileen Morales. Morales played her college ball at Georgia Tech, and recently got inducted into their Hall of Fame. She took over the head coaching job in 2018 and immediately started seeing the program do things they hadn’t done in a while, like make the postseason, win over 25 games, and winning 5 conference series.  Coach Morales and her staff were a big reason why Sydnie chose Tech.

Austintown Fitch head coach Steve Ward has had a front row seat to Sydnie’s talent and ability for two seasons.  He was as excited as anyone to hear that Sydnie found a home. He had this to say about her commitment.   “Syd is such an amazing talent and that is clearly evident in the circle so what I’m really excited for Georgia Tech to continue to learn about her is how amazing she is as a teammate in and out of the dugout.”

While it is exciting to see Watts find a home, the area gets to watch her play for two more seasons at Austintown Fitch before she heads to the 404.  With plenty to still accomplish as a Falcon, Sydnie can now put all her focus on finishing her career at Fitch.

Sydnie came on YSN’s Running Point today to make her commitment public and to tell us what made Georgia Tech feel like home. She talks to the voice of the Falcons Ty Bartell about her decision, her recruiting process, and so much more. Check out this exclusive interview with future Yellow Jacket Sydnie Watts only on YSN!

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HOT CORNER: WITH SPECIAL GUEST AILEEN MORALES

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Happy September 1st! Very happy for the Class of 2022s who can now officially be contacted by college coaches. How exciting for all the young players who have gone through a summer of uncertainty. I just want to say that despite the craziness of 2020 so far, you don’t have to rush the process. Everyone makes decisions at different paces. If one of your teammates or friends commits, it doesn’t mean you have to. Whatever school you choose, it has to be the right fit for you. With that being said we have another exciting edition of Hot Corner today. First we shine a spotlight on a 2022 and new member of our friends the Ohio Hawks 16U- Hutchinson, Bailey Manos. And I’m very excited to introduce the special guest for this week Georgia Tech Head Coach Aileen Morales.

Spotlight: Bailey Manos

Bailey is a class of 2022 from Harrison high school. According to stats on MaxPreps, in 2019 Manos hit at an average of .389. She didn’t get much action in the circle in her freshman season at Harrison, but believe me when I say Bailey is a duel threat. She has quick speed out of the left handed batters box. She also has great speed on her pitches. Watching highlights from this weekend on “Hawks Day” it is clear Bailey is not afraid to control the inside corner. She also can throw off speed down in the zone. I’m very excited to see what Bailey will do in the fall season with the Hawks. This edition is also released on her birthday. So happy birthday from the Hot Corner!

Special Guest: Aileen Morales

(Danny Karnik Georgia Tech Athletics)

Aileen Morales played for Georgia Tech from 2005-2008. She remains one of the most decorated student athletes in the softball program at Tech. She was recently put in the Georgia Tech hall of fame. After her time at Tech Morales played with the Puerto Rico National Team from 2007-2010. She also played professionally with the Chicago Bandits from 2008-2009. She went back to Tech to start her coaching experience. She was an assistant coach from 2010-2013. Later on Morales would take a head coaching job at Radford. She took a program over that had won just 12 games in the season before. She orchestrated the biggest turn around in NCAA softball as Radford went 35-26 in her first season. That coaching trend didn’t stop when she took over the helm at Tech. A program on a postseason drought, Morales led Tech to their first ACC tournament birth since 2014. She heads in to her fourth season at Tech in 2021. I’m very excited to have the opportunity to have coach Morales as guest.

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