Last May Chattanooga Christian School softball standout Emily Matthews was experiencing a career high-point.
She had set the Spring Fling ablaze, as the right-handed slugger batted a scorching .583 (7-for-12) at the TSSAA Division II-AA state tournament in Murfreesboro to help the Lady Chargers finish state runners-up for the second time in the past five years. CCS lost 9-5 on May 25 in the championship game to Baylor, but not because of Matthews’ efforts, as she went 1-for-2 with a walk and was hit by a pitch.
“Ever since our softball program has returned since being shut down (2015 season), we have been trying to build a culture where we go to Murfreesboro and compete for a state title every year,” said Matthews, who has hit a combined six home runs and 26 more extra-base hits over her junior and senior seasons.
“When I was a middle schooler I would look up to the girls here and even help out with the high school softball program because my dad (Brent) has been a coach here for a long time.”
Since last season ended, Matthews has traveled a long, difficult road just to return for another chance to create even more memories with her family and teammates.