NASHVILLE- The weather outside was frightful, but spring was in the air as the Tennessee State University Tigers softball team held their media day inside their batting cage facility. There were cowboy hats, signs, and even a stethoscope used for props in the afternoon of fun for the coaches and players.

Head Coach Genee McRath and her staff have put together a competitive schedule that will take the team to tournaments in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Atlanta, and Austin, Texas. Excitement was on display by the players. This was the first media day since 2019.

"I think this was extremely beneficial for them," said McRath. "As a Division 1 athlete, you always want to have some fun and get some excitement going into the season. To see them let loose, have some props, and enjoy themselves was a great start to the season."

McRath is looking for her team to be competitive. She returns ten players from a team that started the season 3-0 and went on to win 15 games last season. Sophomore Ryla Traylor is in an accelerated program named after TSU alum Dr. Levi Watkins Jr. The program will allow her to graduate in three years and support her goal of becoming a doctor. After graduation and meeting specific criteria, Traylor will be admitted to Meharry Medical College. Though her school workload is heavy, she is eager to return to the field with her teammates.

"I feel like we have some key components that we needed," said Traylor. "We have some hitters, and I feel like we will run some sores up this year. We haven't had a media day in years. Everyone is enjoying this. Seeing everybody in their element and bringing out their personalities is nice. This is great."

Local product Onnika Spencer, a freshman catcher that starred at Riverdale High School, joins fellow Murfreesboro, Tennessee residents second-year players Alyssia Drayton and Caitlyn Manus. Another new face is freshman Kailyn (KK) Jean-Baptiste, who has a particular target on her back as she chooses to wear the prestigious number 42. The exact number was worn by the first African American to play in Major League Baseball, Jackie Robinson.

"He is a huge inspiration for me," said Jean-Baptiste. "I followed his legacy. When I was little, my grandfather taught me about Mr. Robinson. He explained to me how Mr. Robinson was an inspiration not just to baseball but to the black community. I want to inspire others on the field and off the field. It is a very prominent number in baseball. I want to make it a big one in softball. I hope I see another girl wearing the number and that I inspired her."

The Tigers start their season on the road at the River City Classic in Vicksburg, Mississippi.