2026 Shelton Signs with UT Knoxville
Senior Bailee Shelton has officially signed to play softball for the UT Knoxville Lady Vols next year. This is the first time a Lady Bobcat has signed to play for an SEC school.
Shelton is the standout pitcher and 1st baseman who helped lead her team to the first team state championship in school history in the 2023 season. The team went 28-12, defeating Lexington twice to take the state title. They had also taken the District title, Regional Runner-Up and Sectional Champion on their way to Murfreesboro. A unique fact is that they faced the Lady Tigers of Lexington eight times that season, defeating them five times. The following year was a rebuilding year for the Lady Cats, posting a record of 15-18. In 2025, Shelton led the way to a 26-10 record, again facing Lexington for a title, this time taking the District trophy. They fell to Unicoi County at the state tournament, but are planning to make a run at a repeat to cap off Shelton's high school career.
Shelton is a two-sport athlete, lettering in and excelling in basketball in addition to softball. Shelton was named as All District in basketball. She has played both sports all four years, following the tradition of her father, uncles and grandparents. Her favorite sports memory was winning the state softball championship, of course. She also played for two travel teams, Sweet Heat and Mojo, and was a Ramer Lady Eagle before coming to MCHS. The TN Softball Coaches Association named her the 3A West TN Miss Softball in 2025, and she has set several school records.
She plans to major in biology, with the goal of becoming an anesthesiologist. She says the career path will allow her to be in the medical field, but in a less stressful position than a doctor or surgeon.
Shelton is the daughter of Ross & Courtney Shelton and sister of Konner and Colton. Also present were Nana Belinda Shelton, Papaw Avon Shelton, Uncle Scott Shelton and family, Uncle Will Shelton and family, and a host of extended family and friends. MCHS Softball Coach Mellanie Surratt, Assistants Jimmy Ray and Steve King, Principal Jason Newman, and Athletic Director Brian Franks were in attendance. She will check in to the dorms in the first week of August to begin her career as a Lady Vol, but first has one final season as a Lady Bobcat to set more records.
