Alabama signs TCHS’ Jazlyn Lunceford

NORTHPORT | To play against SEC competition, all Jazlyn Lunceford has to do is finish her senior season at Tuscaloosa County High School and cross the Black Warrior River.

Lunceford signed on Wednesday to play for the University of Alabama softball team.

Lunceford started playing baseball when she was 5. She switched to fastpitch softball at 10.

“It’s something I’ve worked for since I was little,” she said of the scholarship offer. “Playing at Alabama is a longtime dream. I started going to the games when I was little. I’ve grown up an Alabama fan. I’ve been to summer camps for four years, so I know the coaches pretty well.”

Lunceford, a left-handed hitter, expects to play in center field and possibly at first base in her senior season with the Lady Wildcats. She led the team in hitting as a junior with a .399 average and in runs scored with 49. She also had 21 RBIs, 22 doubles and three triples.

“She’s a gritty player who likes to get dirty,” said TCHS coach Alan Reach. “She plays the game one pitch at a time.

“This is my third year with her. We know she can hit. We know she can play defense. Her character and work ethic set her apart from other players her age.

“She’s probably the best center fielder in the state. If she’s out there, I feel comfortable. She plays fearless in the outfield. She gets to everything, and her arm is probably the best on the team.”

Lunceford and Kaitlin Griffin are the only two seniors on the TCHS team.

“It definitely gives me a lot of responsibility,” Lunceford said. “I feel like Kaitlin and I are ready to be strong leaders. I want to help us get as far as we can this year. One of our main goals is to get to state. That would mean a lot in my senior year.

“It takes some of the pressure off, knowing that I’ve already signed. It’s also going to push me to keep getting better. It doesn’t stop here.”

Reach said he hopes Lunceford’s opportunity will set an example for his other players.

“I think it says a lot for our program,” he said.

“It kind of shows our younger kids that if you focus on your dream one day it will come true.”

Reach Andrew Carroll at andrew.carroll@tuscaloosanews.com or at 205-722-0223.