The Chattanooga softball 2016 roster boasts two juniors adding to the leadership of the upperclassmen. The group features returner Jesslyn Stockard (Ringgold, Ga.) and newcomer Katy Richardson (Chattanooga, Tenn.).
 
"We could put them up there with the seniors and ask them to help out leading," head coach Frank Reed stated. "Jesslyn has been around awhile and Katy has definitely earned respect."

Outside of the seniors, Stockard is the only other Moc who was a part of UTC's two SoCon Tournament crowns, one regular season title and two NCAA appearances.
 
"For Jesslyn, it was like light bulbs turned on about why she's here, what she's working for and her goals," Reed explained. "She's pushed herself to be really strong. She's worked really hard on her hitting and being able to hit all spots in the zone."

Stockard started 24 games in 2015 after being out with an injury in the beginning of the season. She tallied 20 hits, eight runs and 15 RBI.
 
"We just need her to be injury-free, so she can see what it's like to have a complete year and not having to deal with something that's pulling her down," Reed shared.

As a freshman, Stockard made the 2014 SoCon All-Tournament Team after driving in three of UTC's four runs, including a home run, in the championship game against UNCG.
 
Richardson is starting her first year as a Moc. The versatile utility player transferred from Chattanooga State where she was a middle infielder and catcher. She earned NFCA All-South Region her freshman and sophomore years and TCCAA Second Team All-Region in 2014.
 
"We threw her into the catching role in the fall because that's what she was doing when she left Chatt State," explained Reed. "She's done really well, but she's done really well in the outfield too."

Richardson was a four-year letter winner at GPS, earning all-region four times and all-state three times.
 
"Katy has put herself in a position to be able to help us in several places, whether it's behind the plate or in the outfield because of her consistency and smart base-running," Reed commented.

The Mocs open up the 2016 season Feb. 12 at the NTC Tournament in Clermont, Fla. The squad faces Morgan State, Liberty, Akron and Bethune-Cookman twice. UTC starts home action in the Chattanooga Spring Classic Feb. 19-21 against Dayton, Detroit Mercy, UT-Martin, IPFW and Wright State twice.