Milligan College Buffaloes

by Tim Chambers
Elizabethton Star

Elizabethton, Tenn. (Jan. 16, 2008) --- Jessica Blevins never envisioned playing college softball less than one mile from where she starred in high school. So far things have been great and its only going to get better for the slugging first baseman.

The former Happy Valley standout recently got invited to play on a select collegiate team that will tour Italy for 11 days. She is the only Tennessean that received an invitation to participate with the elite squad.

Blevins enjoyed a standout career with the Warriors before signing to play with Carson Newman.

While there she batted .289 among some stiff competition, but the thoughts of living at home and playing at Milligan College was something that she couldn't get off her mind.

"I chose Carson Newman because it was a D-2 school, but I always had thoughts about playing at Milligan," she said. "Being back home and playing there has been special. Coach (Wes) Holly is great to play for and my teammates are wonderful to be around. We're like family. We all do things together with one another. This is a close knit group."

Blevins made her presence felt as a Buffalo last season.

She hit .412 in 2007 including 22 doubles, 14 home runs with 55 runs batted in. She ranked nationally in the following catagories; 31 slugging percentage (.765), 32 in total bases per game (2.344), 37 in doubles per game (.361) and 42 in home runs (0.230).

Last season Blevins was named to the All Conference and All Region teams on a squad that finished 35-26. This year she has set the bar high for herself and the Lady Buffaloes.

"My goal is to reach the Nationals and be named player of the year," she said. "I've set them high because I feel like we've got the team to do that with. I want to be the best player I possibly can but team success is the most important thing. I just want to contribute in a big way."

Blevins is the daughter of Jerry and Shelby Blevins of Elizabethton. She was quick to credit them for being her inspiration.

"They've definitely have been the biggest influence in my life," she noted. "My parents have spent a lot of money for me to play softball at a high level and dad has invested a lot of hours working with me to get this opportunity. I want to make the most of it."

Blevins will get that chance in February when the Buffs play Mars Hill on the 7th.

After that she's hopes to raise the funds to play in Italy for 11 days.

Blevins said the trip would cost 3400 hundred dollars plus air fare from here to New York. She said playing among that group would be like a dream come true.

No one has worked harder is more deserving of this opportunity than Blevins. Its players like her that deserve a chase to showcase their skills at the next level.

Anyone wishing to help Blevins with expenses is urged to call 543-6515 for more information. The trip will begin on June 5 and run through the 15.