MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – The Middle Tennessee softball team is excited to announce the signings of four incoming freshmen to National Letters of Intent as part of the early signing period on Wednesday. The four signees, all from Tennessee, include Cor’Nisha “Precious” Birdsong (Chattanooga), Morgan Harris (Crossville), Makenzie Prince (Smyrna) and Kristin Uselton (Murfreesboro).
Cor’Nisha “Precious” Birdsong
Position: Outfielder … Bats/Throws: Left/Right
Precious Birdsong, an outfielder from Chattanooga, Tenn., plays her high school ball at Baylor High School. The lefty-slap hitter will bring her winning tradition to Middle Tennessee in 2014-15, after winning three Tennessee State Championships from 2011-13. Birdsong helped lead the Red Raiders last season, hitting .441 with 20 RBI, while racking in 56 hits. Her performance garnered her multiple honors, being named to the 2013 Best of Preps, All-State and All-American Teams. She also is a perfect 56-for-56 in stolen bases throughout her high school career.
Also, Birdsong has completed two seasons of travel ball, playing for the Lady Panthers in 2012 and the Tennessee Fury 96 in 2013. During 2013, she totaled a .528 batting average with 31 stolen bases, while helping her team finish third in the American Softball Association (ASA) Nationals.
Birdsong is the daughter of CorNell Birdsong and Andria Calhoun. She has five brothers: CorNell Mitchell (30), O’Lajuwon Calhoun (25), Kenny Calhoun (28), Adrian Calhoun (23) and Cor’Nellius Birdsong (13).
Birdsong on Middle Tennessee:
“MTSU is a great fit for me. From the campus to the coach staff, I love it all around. I want to contribute to rebuilding this softball program and I am very confident that this is the perfect fit for me and it’s not too far from home.”
Breeden on Birdsong:
“All State player from Baylor High School in Chattanooga, Tenn. , and plays with the Fury organization in the summer. Precious is an immediate impact player that brings us speed, speed and more speed. We look forward to her arrival on our campus.”
Morgan Harris
Position: Catcher … Bats/Throws:Right/Right
Morgan Harris, a catcher from Cookeville, Tenn., plays softball, while attending Cookeville High School under head coach Jordan Webb. Harris is a three-year letterwinner at Cookeville and has been named All-District First Team from 2011-13. Last season, she was named Tennessee Sports Writers Association (TSWA) All-State Catcher.
In addition to her high school accolades, Harris has played five years of travel ball for the Fury 96. Last year she posted a .361 batting average, while tallying five homeruns with a .639 slugging percentage. The Fury 96 finished 2013 in third place in the ASA 16-and-under Nationals.
Harris on Middle Tennessee Softball:
“I am excited to be a part of the future growth of the MTSU softball program.”
Breeden on Harris:
“Plays with the Fury organization in the summer and brings athleticism to the catching position. She has a great arm and will be a great hitter at this level. We are looking forward to great things from her.”
Makenzie Prince
Position: Pitcher … Bats/Throws: Right/Right
Makenzie Prince, a pitcher from Smyrna, Tenn., who plays at Smyrna High School lead the Bulldogs to the school’s first Class AAA State Championship last season. Prince was named the Gatorade Player of the Year and Daily News Journal Pitcher of the Year after her 37-6 performance, posting a 0.83 ERA with 370 strikeouts over 252 innings-pitched. Her junior season also saw her tally up numerous other awards including; DNJ-MVP for Smyrna, Pitcher of the Year for District 7-AAA, MVP of the District Tournament, All-Midstate Player of the Year, First team All-State, Max Preps Junior All-American and NFCA Player of the Week for her state tournament run.
Prince has played travel ball for the past 10 years, playing with the Tennessee Blaze and Tennessee Xplosion in the 10-and-under league. After her time with the Blaze and Xplosion, she has played with the Nashville Cruisers since 12-and-under. In 2012, the Cruisers were the Tennessee American Softball Association State Champions. Prince totaled a 18-6 record with 174 strikeouts, also totaling a .384 batting average. During the ASA Nationals, she held a 4-2 record with 47 strikeouts to only four walks.
Prince is the daughter of Greg and Laura Prince and has two sisters, Malorie (17) and Kelsi (23).
Prince on her decision to attend Middle Tennessee:
“I love the school and that it is close to home. My older sister graduated from here. I like the coaches, the program and most of all, I can stay close to my family.”
Breeden on Prince:
“She was 2013 Tennessee Gatorade Player of the Year. We are excited to get a great Rutherford County player in Makenzie. She led Smyrna High School to a state championship and does nothing but WIN each time we watch her play.”
Kristin Uselton
Position: Utility… Bats/Throws: Right/Right
Uselton, a utility player from Murfreesboro, Tenn., played her high school ball at Riverdale High School, learning from MT Coach Breeden her freshman and sophomore years. Uselton has been named All-Mid State twice, All-District twice, given the Warrior Award and named the DNJ Most Valuable Player for Riverdale. Last season, she hit .370 from the right side of the plate.
Along with her high school accolades, Usleton has played 12 years on various travel ball teams, sharpening her skills on the field. This last year, she played for the Nashville Cruisers and head coach Greg Prince.
Uselton is the daughter of Ray and Lisa Uselton and has two siblings; one brother, David Uselton (23), and a sister, Heather Ellsworth (24).
Uselton on Coach Breeden:
“What impresses me the most about Coach Breeden and the staff is how they are changing the team. They are recruiting the right athletes who want to play softball while getting an education. These athletes have the hunger for the game and they show it in all that they do including work outs, practices and games.”
Breeden on Uselton:
“Kristin is a winner inside and out. She comes from Riverdale High School and is a Rutherford County girl. Kristin will bring leadership and intensity to our team and plays the game hard. I am looking forward to coaching her again.”
