Local stars commit to UA

TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama softball program has been built into a national power largely on the strength of players from Florida, Texas, Georgia, and even Pennsylvania and Washington.

The Crimson Tide has also recruited choice players from around the state, but precious few have come from the Tuscaloosa area.

That will change with the 2009 season, when two local players will join the Alabama team as scholarship freshmen. Jazlyn Lunceford of Tuscaloosa County High School and Olivia Gibson of Tuscaloosa Academy have accepted offers to join the UA program.

“Since I was little it’s been my dream to go there," said Gibson, a catcher who also plays third base. “I’ve been doing to camp [at UA] since sixth grade.

“I’m thankful. It’s an honor to be local and get to play."

Lunceford, an outfielder and first baseman, will follow in the footsteps of Ginger Jones, the program’s first local player. Jones, also a TCHS product, played from 1998-2001 and earned All-America honors at Alabama.

“I don’t know her personally," Lunceford said, “but I had the chance to meet her at one of Alabama’s camps. I’ve heard a lot of good things about her and I know she had a great career at Alabama.

“With her going to County High and all, it maybe gave me something to work toward."

After Jones, Central High graduate Casey Cockrum followed and played at UA in 2002-03 before transferring to finish her career at the University of West Alabama. Hillcrest’s Allison Moore just finished her sophomore season. Lauren Roark of Demopolis is the only other West Alabama player to ever join the UA program, spending the 2005 season as a redshirt before giving up the sport for medical reasons.

Both Gibson and Lunceford will start their senior years of high school this fall and enroll at Alabama in the fall of 2008. UA coaches cannot comment on recruits until after signing day in November under NCAA rules.

Gibson has played on three straight AISA state championship teams at TA. She batted .467 as a junior with 70 RBIs, 11 home runs, 17 doubles and five triples. She was an AISA all-tournament selection and was named to The Tuscaloosa News’ Softball’s Best all-star team.

Gibson was recruited by South Alabama, Jacksonville State and other schools, but was set to go to Alabama. Once she got the offer, she accepted immediately.

“No time at all, like a split second," she said. “It’s a big relief. I can have some fun, but that doesn’t mean I can slack up at all. We’ve got one more state championship to win."

Lunceford batted .399 as a junior at TCHS with 28 RBIs, 22 doubles and four triples. She also stole 24 bases for a team that won 40 games.

“Jaz led us hitting-wise in about everything – batting average, slugging percentage, on-base percentage, steals," said her high school coach, Alan Reach, brother of former UA player Jennifer Reach. “The thing about Jaz is she’s a great kid and she outworks about anyone. She deserves success and she’s worked for it."

Lunceford took an unofficial visit to Troy and was also recruited by Jacksonville State, Jacksonville University and North Florida, among other schools.

“I’ve always wanted to play at Alabama," Lunceford said. “I have a lot of respect for the coaches and can’t wait to be a part of the great program that they have built.

“I’m glad it’s over. Now I can focus on the rest of my travel ball season and look forward to my senior year."

Reach Tommy Deas at tommy.deas@tuscaloosanews.com or at 205-722-0224