A.K. Graves '26 Recruiting Profile

          My name is Andi Kate Graves and I go by AK in the sports world.  I just entered the 11th grade at Tunica Academy with a 3.6 GPA.  I love competition, especially in sports, even in the classroom.  I compete for my school's softball, track, and basketball teams.  I earned a starting position in the 8th grade as the school's third baseman and followed up my 9th grade season as the starting short stop and one of the starting pitchers.  I was the starting pitcher this season, playing third base when not pitching. I was very honored to be names conference MVP followed up by 3AAA Player of the Year.  I was been the third baseman for my travel team for three years but have recently moved into a pitching rotation, throwing the most innings. 

        I was just invited to be a member of the National Honor Society. I have stayed on the honor roll through junior high school and am not afraid to ask my teachers for help.  My parents have high expectations and in order for me to play multiple sports I have to keep my grades up.  I was very honored to receive the American Legion Award in the 8th grade.  This award is voted on by the staff and is given to an 8th and 12th grader each year, and I have set a goal of receiving this award again my senior year. 

         I started taking pitching lessons during my 12u season. I spent my first year trying to catch up to my peers who started pitching at age 8.  My second year showed some success by earning pitching time in pool games.  This past season, 14u, I was in a full pitching rotation.  I was the main pitcher for my school team this season, 10th grade.  My current top speed is 58, but I am still growing and consistently gaining speed.  April 2020 my top speed was 46 mph, March 2021 I was at 52 mph, March 2022 55mph, and September 2022 58 mph.  I work very hard to stay on top by adding spin and movement.   I am always working, whether it be drills, running, lessons, watching videos, etc.   I took 3 months off to let my body heal after pitching for my school, which was July-October then going straight to travel ball.  I played basketball during the winter but did not pitch for 3 months to give my arm and hip a break.  I feel like I have come back stronger, throwing the same speed as before my break. 

         My collegiate goal is to find a school where I can be successful as a player as well as be an asset to the program.  I love the game and do not want it to end.  I love the relationships I have with my coaches and teammates, and even the umpires.  Softball just makes me feel good, and I love knowing my coaches can depend on me.   I will do anything it takes to keep my coaches happy; play any position, sacrifice at the plate, take extra lessons, or stay after practice.  When my time playing softball is finished, I don't want to have any regrets.  I want to be able to say that I did absolutely everything I could to make it in this sport as long as possible.