Emory Hall is all smiles after signing her letter of intent to continue her softball career at UT-Southern. (Submitted Photo)
By CHRIS SIERS
csiers@bedfordcountypost.com
There’s no doubt that being on the recruiting trail of any sport can be stressful for any graduating high school senior.
Forrest graduate Emory Hall certainly fell into the recruiting fray and although the softball recruiting cycle was stressful at times, eventually everything fell into place as she signed her letter of intent to continue her career at UT-Southern.
When she finally put pen to paper to make it official in front of a group of her friends, family and coaches, the sense of fulfillment came full circle.
“It was very overwhelming, but it was just a full-circle moment seeing everything come through and all the work I put in. It was a very special day and I was very happy all my friends and family were there,” she said.
Between showcases, researching schools and finding the right school, Hall didn’t initially see UT-Southern as the fit for her collegiate career.
Hall dives across home plate to score the game-winning run in the Class 2A state sectional against Huntingdon during her senior season. (Post File Photo by Chris Siers)
However, a chance visit with a couple of travel ball teammates changed everything for her.
“A couple of girls on my travel ball team were going on a visit and they asked if I would go. I had been there before for a camp and didn’t like it as much as I did the second time. The second time, I fell in love with the campus,” she said.
“Whenever UT-Southern came along, it all fell into place.”
While Forrest has certainly imprinted its mark on the state baseball scene over the past decade, Hall made her mark during the 2025 season when she scored the game-winning run in a come-from-behind thriller in the Class 2A state sectional to beat Huntingdon to advance to the state tournament in Murfreesboro.
Although scoring the walk-off run earlier this spring certainly stands among her favorite memories playing softball, Hall said being around the upperclassmen and seeing their leadership help mold her into the player and woman she is today is her favorite part of being part of Lady Rocket softball.
“I came on the team as an eighth-grader. I found myself always gravitating toward upperclassmen. My eighth-grade year, I hung out with Jenna Blanton. After she graduated, I hung out with Addison Bunty and then Carlie Blanton. Those girls led me to be the woman I am today. A lot of them are faith-based and helped guide me in my path with Christ and helped me grow in that aspect a lot,” she said.
Hall got her start playing t-ball with her dad as a coach back in fourth grade.
After progressing through youth leagues, Hall eventually found a spot on the Jack City travel ball team, which she credited for helping her land a spot on a collegiate roster.
“Everything changed from there. If I didn’t find that team (Jack City), I wouldn’t be playing college softball. I’m very grateful for that,” she said.
While still a couple of months from officially starting her freshman year, Hall is spending the summer working through a college prep routine.
“At UT-Southern they did give us a summer workout program, so I’m doing that right now. I just went on orientation, scheduled my classes and got more of a feel for the campus,” she said.
While she’ll still have to battle for a position in the varsity roster, the opportunity is there for her.
“They did mention they had a couple of seniors graduating that played outfield. I’m looking forward to fighting for a spot there, but I was also told that I would be given an opportunity as a pitcher as well,” she said.
Although moving on to college is certainly an adjustment, Hall was quick to credit her family support system for their dedication over the years.
“My parents and sister are everything to me. Without them, none of this would be possible. Their support means more than I could ever express. The are my biggest supporters and the heart behind everything I do on and off the field,” she said.
While moving on to college is an adjustment, the campus being close to home was a major draw for Hall.
“I’m extremely excited and cant wait to get started. I’m a little nervous moving away from home, but it’s only like an hour away,” she said.
Hall plans on pursuing a degree in elementary education.
