Softball Team Luncheon Honors Seniors

Despite a dreary Saturday forecast, bright smiles were all around the Club Suite inside the A.W. Mumford Field House as the Southern University softball team took time out to celebrate its three senior student-athletes.
Catcher Kiara Suttles, outfielder Sydney Andrews, and infielder Jamani Greer were all honored at the event, hosted by head coach John Garris, in front of their teammates, coaches, family, and friends.
Other members of the athletics department were present as well, including Executive Associate Athletics Director, Trayveon Scott.
Suttles, a native of Chattanooga, TN, has enjoyed a career filled with accolades while at Southern. She was an All-SWAC First Team selection in 2015, while also being named to the All-SWAC Second Team in 2016. As of April 14, Suttles has a .386 career batting average, coupled with 37 career home runs. She has been the leader in slugging percentage for the Lady Jags all four seasons.
Andrews has had a knack for being an aggressive base runner throughout her career. A 2016 All-SWAC Second Team selection in 2016, the Missouri City, TX product has stolen 35 bases over her tenure. Her .401 career on-base percentage is a testament of her ability to get on base.
“Thank [you] for everything [you all] have done for me. I am glad I could end my softball career with this group of people,” Andrews remarked.
Greer, also from Chattanooga, TN, has played alongside Suttles since the age of seven. This season, she is third on the team in hits. She also leads the team in fielding percentage.
“It’s been an experience; you have to take the good with the bad. But it was great, she remarked.”
Out of 115 games over a four-year career, the three student-athletes have only missed five games, combined.
The legacy the three players leave behind is rooted in resilience. Despite not having the ability to play their home games on campus, Garris implored their impact would be felt on the Bluff for years to come.
“The girls are our ‘unforgettables,’” commented Garris, referencing new head men’s basketball coach Sean Woods, a member of the 1992 University of Kentucky “Unforgettables” team that made the East Regional finals.
Assistant coach Ed Monroe added the seniors would be legacy builders for the softball program. “Future kids that play this sport will hopefully look at and play like you, he expressed.
Trayveon Scott agreed. “Anyone that comes behind these three has big shoes to fill.”
Each senior was presented a poster bearing their name and likeness, along with an autographed jersey signed by their teammates, among other gifts.
“Wherever you go whatever you do, that blue and gold [will always be] engrained in you,” said Scott.
The luncheon took place a day after Southern picked up two dominant wins versus Jackson State to close out their home schedule. Picked to finish fourth in the west division during the preseason, the Lady Jaguars are seeking a postseason push to bring home the first softball championship since 2003
The Lady Jaguars will travel to Houston, TX this weekend to face off against Texas Southern.