The University of Mississippi Athletics
Softball Position Preview: Utility Players
2/3/2017 | Softball
By Jackie Servais, Ole Miss Athletics Communications
As the Rebel softball team continues preseason work on the field, OleMissSports.com continues its breakdown of each position. Friday's in-depth look features the utility players, where two veterans return along with a talented freshman.
The Rebels' utility players include senior Raven Campos (Adair, Oklahoma), junior Paige McKinney (Southhaven, Mississippi) and freshman Kaylee Horton (Jasper, Alabama).
Campos was mentioned earlier this week in the catcher's preview, and with her versatility on the field, finds her way into a potential utility role as well. Campos has seen every positon on the field from behind the plate and has used that to also find time at first and third.
The two-time NJCAA All-American joined Ole Miss a year ago, and enters her final campaign as a senior with the program in 2017. She saw action in 13 games last year, starting in three at first base. She totaled three hits and drew three walks, but is remembered for a 2-run walk-off home run to run rule St. Mary's in the second game of the 2016 season.
"Raven is a player that we can really put wherever we may need her," head coach Mike Smith said. "She has worked really hard this past summer and as a result has improved defensively. She is returning with a fire to be better every day."
Paige McKinney too has a very diverse skillset being able to play in almost every position on the field. Smith and his staff have called her the 'best all-around athlete on the team' and let it be known that she will be likely to be the first off the bench.
In 2016, she did just that, appearing in 51 games, mostly in a role situation, where she finished fourth on the team with 11 stolen bases and a .222 average.
"Paige is a quick one on the team and we recently changed her from a lefty swinger to now a power slapper in order to utilize that speed," Smith said. "She has taken it to the next level and will be an impact player for us this year as she could potentially see time at either short or center field for us."
This season, the group welcomes newcomer Kaylee Horton, a two-time state AHSAA 4A State Champion at Curry High School. She was named a 2016 All-American by MaxPreps and FloSoftball and earned All-State honors two years in a row. She tallied a .613 average in her career, which is the second best all-time in the state of Alabama. She also tallied 346 career hits, 10th-most ever in the AHSAA, and seventh-most in stolen bases with 201. She left the Yellowjackets as the record holder for her average, doubles (52), singles (276), and stolen bases. These records were a direct reflection of her ability to hit no lower than .535 in her high school career.
"Kaylee will be looked to play second base and outfield given her great speed. She is a well-rounded athlete as she joins us from a competitive travel ball program," Smith said. "She has a great personality and I am really looking forward to see her start her journey this season here at Ole Miss."
For all Ole Miss Softball news and information, go to OleMissSports.com and follow the Rebels on Twitter at @OleMissSoftball, on Facebook at Ole Miss Softball and on Instagram at Instagram.com/olemisssoftball. Fans can also follow head coach Mike Smith on Twitter at @msmithsb16. Additionally, fans can get a behind-the-scenes look at Ole Miss Softball on Snapchat under the handle, @OleMissSoftball.
