COLLEGE SOFTBALL: ATHENS' SULLIVAN SIGNS LETTER-OF-INTENT TO PLAY AT KING'S COLLEGE (3 PHOTOS) (2021-04-25)
By TIM BIRNEYValley Sports ReportATHENS - Softball has been a top priority for Athens senior Harley Sullivan, but when it came to choosing a college "” King's College, academics was her sole focus.
"I had heard a lot about their accelerated athletic training program; that I could graduate with a Bachelor's in exercise science and a Master's in athletic training," said Sullivan, who signed her National Letter-of-Intent Sunday in a ceremony at the Bluestone Brewing Company.
"(King's) also has 100-percent job placement out of their athletic training program," Sullivan added. "It had exactly what I wanted."
Sullivan said she began the recruiting process.
"I reached out to the (King's) coach when I got accepted, and she invited me down to watch a practice and visit the campus," said Sullivan. "I really enjoyed it, and I loved the campus."
Sullivan said she'll have a chance to prove herself before the spring season begins.
"I hope I can get on the field as a freshman.
"They don't cut for fall ball, so you get the opportunity to play with the team in the fall, and you can train all winter," she said. "I'll have time to show them what I can do."
Athens Area softball coach Mickey Farrell, and Chris Bennett, who coached Sullivan on the Valley Storm travel program, agree that Sullivan is driven to be successful on the softball diamond.
"Her work ethic, and her commitment to the sport will make Harley successful at the next level," said Farrell. "She is the first one (at practice) and the last one to leave, every single night. She comes to every open gym, and never misses a thing."
"She never stops working," said Bennett. "She's the first one in, and the last one out, every single day."
Sullivan and both coaches know there is still work to be done.
"I need to be more disciplined at the plate," said Sullivan. "I need to work on my weaknesses as a hitter."
"She's a little loopy in her swing ... she needs to refine that a bit," said Farrell. "And, she needs to get more consistent on her throws to the bases, but she blocks everything - so there's no work needed there."
"The physical skills, the physical tools, Harley has it all," said Bennett. "She'll need to work on the mental part of the game.
"I think when she gets to King's, she going to realize the game is a little bit faster, and her mind has to work a little faster, and slow the game down at the same time," noted Bennett. "I think that's going to be the biggest adjustment for her."
Bennett said she'll be missed.
"She has been a joy to coach," he said. "The Valley Storm program is very proud of her, and can't wait to see what she can do at the next level."
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IN PHOTO 1: Harley Sullivan. IN PHOTO 2: Harley Sullivan is flanked by her parents Angie and Jake Sullivan. Standing is Cameron Sullivan (brother). IN PHOTO 3: Seated, from left: Valley Storm coach Kurt Maynard, Harley Sullivan, and Jake Sullivan, who also coaches with the Storm. Standing, from left: Athens Area assistant coach Scott Harbst, Valley Storm coach Steve Johns, Valley Storm coach Chris Bennett, and Athens Area head coach Mickey Farrell. ... PHOTOS BY TIM BIRNEY.
