Alabama Softball Inks Second Tuscaloosa Product
11/23/2007 12:00:00 AM | Softball
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. ?? The University of Alabama softball program landed another prospect out of its home city when head coach Patrick Murphy announced that Tuscaloosa native Jazlyn Lunceford has signed a national letter of intent to join the Tide in 2009.
"Jaz is one of the top players in the state of Alabama and we are very happy a young lady in our backyard is staying home to play for the Tide,” said Murphy. “She is as good as anyone defensively, either in the outfield or at first base, and her speed from the left side will be a great asset for us in our offensive game."
Lunceford has been one of the top players in Alabama throughout her career, starring for Tuscaloosa County High School and head coach Alan Reach. She has led the Wildcats to Region 5 titles the past two seasons while putting together one of the best prep resumes in the state.
An outfielder and first-baseman, Lunceford earned Alabama High School Athletic Association and Alabama Sports Writers Association honorable mention All-State accolades as a junior. She is a three-time West Alabama Softball All-Star according to The Tuscaloosa News.
Lunceford has been a captain of the softball team the past two seasons, was the Wildcats’ MVP last year and earned the squad’s Best Offense Award in 2007. She also earned honors at the Tide softball camps, being named the Softball School MVP in 2006 and Top Offensive Player in 2007.
As a junior last season, the left-handed hitter recorded a .399 average with 49 runs scored and 21 stolen bases. She had 22 doubles, three triples and drove in 49 runs for TCHS.
Lunceford also played a prominent role on the Alabama Pride club team under coach John Owens. The Pride won the 2007 Amateur Softball Association (ASA) state title and earned a first-place finish at the ASA regional qualifier. The team finished fifth at Nationals last summer in College Station, Texas.
An outstanding student, Lunceford has been on the A-B honor roll throughout her high school career. She is a member of the Spanish Club, the Beta Club, the Interact Club and is a National Honor Society honoree. Lunceford earned her school’s Best All-Around Award and the Best Senior Award earlier this fall.
The daughter of Reginald and Loucretia, Lunceford has one sister, Savannah. Both of her parents are graduates of the Capstone.
