Sherwood to play at Chattanooga State
Lady Dragons softball standout Taylor Sherwood signed her letter of intent on Monday, Dec. 1, to continue her student-athlete career at Chattanooga State. She was joined by family and friends in the Little Theater at Clinton High School to celebrate the occasion. Pictured, from left: Austin Sherwood (brother), Mike Sherwood (father), Taylor, Stephanie Sherwood (mother), and Blake Sherwood (brother). (photo:Tony Cox )
Sherwood, a senior and one of the top two-way players in the area, signed her National Letter of Intent to play at Chattanooga State Community College. She said the two-year junior college immediately felt like home.
“I went on a visit there a while back, and I just really loved the campus,” said Sherwood, one of East Tennessee’s top high school hitters and most dominant pitchers. “The coach asked me if I would be interested in playing softball. I went down there on an official visit, and I just fell in love with the campus and the coaches. I loved everything. It just felt like home to me. The school is gated.”
Sherwood also considered East Tennessee State University and Lee University but ultimately decided to start her collegiate career at a two-year institution.
“I liked Lee University, and I liked ETSU, but I never really went on an official visit,” Sherwood said. “I had my heart set on going to a JUCO. I wanted to go to a two-year school. That was more of my thing.”
Sherwood added that staying close to home was another factor in her decision.
“I’m close-ish,” she said. “But my mom is going to miss me. This has been our life for the last 12 or 13 years. My parents have spent a lot of time and money.”
Sherwood, who pitched a one-hit shutout against state powerhouse Knoxville Halls in 2022, credited Clinton coach Leonard Sams for much of her success on the softball field.
“I’ve been with Leonard since I was in the seventh grade, and he told me that I could do anything I wanted,” she said. “And the people at Clinton have really supported me. I’m just thankful for everyone here today, all of the people who have helped me.”
