Eaglette softball standout signs with MTSU

Shelbyville senior Shelby Lamb signed to play softball at Middle Tennessee. Joining her at the signing was her mother, Gina Vannatta, and father, Mark Lamb. Standing, from left, are her sister Jenny Bateman, Tennessee Attack coach Terry Woodall, Shelbyville Central coach Robin Ayers and Shelbyville Central athletic director Whit Taylor. (T-G Photo by Gary Johnson) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

It's been a lifelong dream of Shelby Lamb to play softball in college.

That dream will become a reality after the talented Shelbyville Central senior signed a letter of intent to play at Middle Tennessee State University.

Lamb joins six other outstanding players that signed with the Blue Raiders during the early signing period.

It's a signing class that Middle Tennessee coach Sue Nevar thinks will take the program to the next level.

"It was hard work that will pay off for the program in the university," Nevar said. "This group is the largest class, and has some of the greatest potential power and versatility of any recruiting class we have had. We have recruited seven players with an unteachable toughness and attitude."

Lamb was being recruited by approximately 30 schools but felt like Middle Tennessee was a perfect fit.

"It's been a dream of mine since I've been playing and to have that dream come to life is pretty amazing," Lamb said. "For it to be just 30 minutes away so my family and friends can come see me play is good as well. The recruiting process started about two years ago and it's been an amazing process. I've attended camps and played travel ball and that helps you get looked at as well."

To say that Lamb is a tough out at the plate is a huge understatement.

The Eaglette shortstop posted a .494 batting average as a junior while collecting 40 RBIs, a .759 slugging percentage and a .612 on-base percentage. She only struck out four times in 93 at-bats.

She's been an All-District 8-AAA selection her sophomore and junior years.

"I'm very proud for Shelby and her signing with a Division I program is not only a big honor for her, but a big honor for our program and our school," Shelbyville coach Robin Ayers said. "She has set a precedent for all the young girls that play softball that hard work does pay off and there is hope that they too may be able to play at a Division I school."

Shelby Lamb in action for the Eaglettes last season. (T-G File Photo by Gary Johnson) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Lamb has been a standout softball player since her younger years playing in the local youth leagues.

She joined an outstanding travel team program (Tennessee Attack) several years ago which helped develop her skills while playing against some of the toughest competition around.

"I think Shelby has developed into the premier long ball hitter in the state," Tennessee Attack coach Terry Woodall said. "She brings a lot of power to the table from the left side."

She batted .403 with six home runs and 17 doubles this past summer.

"Shelby's versatility is really what attracted her to me, thinking that she can be huge key to our program's success the next four years," Nevar said. "I think she can be a contender for any of our infield spots and when you put her bat into the mix, I think she's one of those kids that you've got to find a spot for her in the lineup. She's a strong and scrappy fighter and that's what I really like about her.

Forrest pitcher Shelby Stinnett from Chapel Hill also signed to play at Middle Tennessee.