Senior Softball Player Will Play Softball for Vol State

December 4, 2020 Evensville, TN --  Madalynn Ray recently signed scholarhsip papers with Volunteer State Community College, where she plans to play softball and pursue a degree in Nuclear Radiology.  Madalynn signed papers in front of family, friends, teammates,  coaches and media.  Madalynn is daughter of Mike and Tammy Ray.  Madalynn performed at pitcher, outfield and second base in her high school career at Rhea County High School and in travel ball.  She will be playing second base for Volunteer State. Volunteer State Community College is a public community college in Gallatin, Tennessee, which about 30 miles northeast of Nashville. Madalynn played middle school ball for Leah(Price) Thgompson, who moved on to coach Tennessee Wesleylan College after coaching middle and high school softball in Rhea County.  Thompson moved to Tennessee Wesleyan after compiling a 220-113 record in her six years with the Rhea County High School program.  Madalynn played for Randy Mathis in her high school career and looks to finisher her career this spring after losing her 2020 season to Covid-19 shutdown. Madalynn is dynamite in a small package.  She performed very well for the Eagles and will look to do the same at Volunteer State. Former coaach Leah Thompson said, "Madalynn was always a player you could count on. Every time she stepped on the field she gave 100 percent. She was never flashy, she was smaller than everyone but she ALWAYS got the job done. She earned her starting position because she just straight competed every single day for her spot. She not only had the ability and work ethic but her knowledge of the game was above most." "I liked to put her in situations where she had to make a decision and 9 out of 10 times she chose the right thing. She was an absolute pleasure to have coached and I am so proud of her. If you would have asked me when she was in 6th grade(smaller than everyone) who would play in college, I would have definitely bet on her. I just want to say congratulations to her and her parents! I have no doubt she will succeed at Vol State!" Rhea County High School softball coach Randy Mathis said, "Madalynn is a dedicated, hard worker. She will give you 110% all the time. She is one of the most coachable kids around and that’s is a trait any coach will take! I’m excited to watch her during her senior year and can’t wait to see her play at the next level. But most of all, I can’t wait to see the adult she will become and only hope that I can contribute just a little to her success in adulthood."