Allen County-Scottsville High School senior catcher Ryley Whitney signed to play college softball at Campbellsville University Tuesday night during the first Fall Signing Night at AC-SH.
“Campbellsville is home and I love it there,” Whitney said. “Of all the places I looked, it was my favorite. Their program is pretty good.”
Whitney’s high school career has been impressive. Placed into the team’s catcher position as an eighth grader, Whitney has progressed defensively and offensively. Last year, Whitney batted .542 to help AC-S to a 20-12 record. Whitney also notched an on-base percentage of .615, recorded 64 hits, and finished the season with 44 RBI’s, 17 doubles, and a school-record 11 home runs. As a sophomore, Whitney batted .468, had 11 doubles, and eight home runs.
Last season, Whitney was selected First Team All-State (Class 2A) by the Kentucky Softball Coaches Association. She also earned Region 4 All-Season First Team recognition. Whitney was also a Second Team All-State selection as a sophomore.
The ability Whitney has behind the plate defensively and at the plate offensively caught the eye of Campbellsville coach Shannon Wathen several years ago.
“We have been watching her play since she was in eighth and ninth grade,” coach Wathen said. “Her stats speak for themselves. She has always been a phenomenal player. She has always been a very talented kid. The potential for Ryley to be an outstanding player at our level is there.”
Robert Bunton---incoming AC-S high school coach and an assistant coach throughout Whitney’s days as a Lady Patriot---recalls her first time on the diamond as a varsity player and believes a bright future waits for her as a Lady Tiger.
“I am reminded of the first time she stepped on the varsity field,” Bunton recalled. “I wish you could have seen her eyes. She didn’t know she was going in. She stepped in and done what she could. I am proud of her and her work effort. I am thrilled to see her go to the next level.”
Whitney will join a Campbellsville Lady Tiger program that is currently among the best in the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) ranks. The Lady Tigers finished the 2016 season ranked fifth in the country and a year removed from an appearance in the NAIA college World Series.
Tuesday’s signing marks the 28th time an Allen County-Scottsville softball player has committed to play college softball since 1995. Whitney becomes the eighth Lady Patriot to choose Campbellsville out of high school.
Whitney is the 17-year old daughter of George and Deanna Whitney of Scottsville.
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