Volleyball, basketball, softball — Tori Harris was a multi-sport athlete from a small school. Now, she has taken her softball game to the next level.
Harris, a Memphis native, played volleyball, basketball and softball for Macon Road Baptist School. She is the first girl from Macon Road to play a sport in college and the first Division I athlete from the school.
“When I was in middle school and high school, I wanted to play basketball,” Harris said. “I had some offers from smaller schools.”
However, it was more cost effective to go to U of M and stay close to home. She realized in Spring 2014 that she could try out for the Tigers’ softball team.
“That summer we really focused on developing skills, getting in the best shape I could be, ” Harris said.
Unlike many college athletes, competitive softball was not Harris’ gateway to playing in college. As a freshman, she tried out for a walk-on spot on the University of Memphis softball team. She is now a backup catcher for the Tigers.
“My dad said I was wasting my time, that I was spending too much money (for softball),” Harris said. “My mom and step-dad always told me I could do it. They would prep with me, play with me and play catch with me in the backyard.”
Harris’ mother, Vicki Cone, was her coach in high school. Having her mom as a coach made her a better athlete, Harris said.
“If I was being lazy in any aspect, my mom would tell me to get my stuff together,” Harris said. “Another coach may not have necessarily picked up on that ... now, mom is my straight support system.”
“I am incredibly proud and would like to take credit, but it was her who built her talent,” Cone said. “We just instilled work ethic in her. That has been her advantage.”
When she is not on the field, her role on the team now is to be “motivation” and encourage her teammates, Harris said.
“That group in the dugout is the underestimated part of the team,” Harris said. “That’s who keeps you focused, keeps you up ... I’m a really loud person. I just start yelling and it all goes from there.”
This season the Tigers will face top NCAA teams like No. 18 Kentucky, No. 22 South Florida and No. 24 South Carolina.
“College softball is the top of the list and division one is the best of the best,” Harris said. “Texas A&M is coming to our place this year. It’s crazy, that’s one of the best teams in the nation.”
Last weekend, the Tigers began their season 3-2 in the Felsberg Invitational. Harris said the team’s attitude heading into this season has been “hype.”
“Everyone is excited to go into this year with the seniors leading the way,” Harris said. “We brought in a great group of freshmen who are really on board with what we are trying to accomplish, and we are definitely excited to play.”
Tori Harris pushes off second base to begin her run to third. Harris is a junior catcher and has played in four games as a Tiger.
