Softball adds player and coach for upcoming season

Saluki softball announced the addition of two new members to its program today in junior transfer Jordan Spicer and volunteer coach Kenzi Tate.

Spicer, who played for Belmont in the first two years of her collegiate career, plays first base and started in 35 games and appeared in 10 more games for the Bruins in 2017. She was second on the team in batting average and home runs hitting .319 with 6 round-trippers. As a freshman in 2016, Spicer was the only Bruin to start in all 54 games. She hit .278 that season with a home run, 8 doubles and 25 RBI and drew 20 walks.

"Jordan can hit for average as well as power," Saluki head coach Kerri Blaylock said. "She is an RBI producer and can play first base as well as designated player. She is a very good student and has played at a very high level. We are excited that she is a Saluki."

Tate joins the Saluki coaching staff following a successful playing career at UT-Martin and a stint as a graduate assistant with the Salukis' strength and conditioning staff. Tate will assist Blaylock by helping coach the team's pitchers, work with the staff to complete day-to-day responsibilities and can throw live batting practice.

As a player, Tate played first, third and pitched for the Skyhawks from 2012-15. Tate started all four years at UT-Martin and led the team and Ohio Valley Conference in batting average, home runs and RBI while also going 20-6 as a pitcher in 2013. Her 56 RBI that season was a UT-Martin single-season record. Tate left UT-Martin in the top-10 in six career record categories, ranking second with 80 walks, third with 120 RBIs and fourth with 27 home runs. Her 56 RBI season still holds the record at UT Martin; she ranks second in home runs in a season, and third in slugging percentage. She was a two-time All-OVC selection and helped her team to the 2012 OVC Championship.

Tate earned a bachelor's degree in human and health performance from at UT-Martin then earned a master's degree from Southern Illinois University in sports administration.

"We had the opportunity to add Kenzi as a volunteer and we are excited to do so," Blaylock said. "She was a great competitor as a player and did a great job on the mound and at the plate. We look forward to her working with us."

Spicer, Tate and the Salukis begin the 2018 season on February 9 with a double header against Abilene Christian and Texas – San Antonio in San Antonio, Texas at the UTSA Softball Classic.

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