NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Despite a standout career at Centennial High School, Cailin Hannon wasn't highly recruited as a softball player. She chose to take a chance by enrolling at Tennessee, and her journey from walk-on to starter earns tonight's Curtain Call.
Hannon paid no mind to the doubters, or to the fact she's hearing impaired. She’s been diagnosed with 40 percent hearing loss and requires hearing aids to be able to hear her teammates on the field.
But coaches say her heart and grit are unmatched.
As a sophomore, she had the game-tying hit in the Super Regional against Georgia. She’s been a fixture in the lineup for the Lady Vols ever since. The centerfielder hit .277 as a junior and .296 this year before the season was canceled.
Hannon's majoring in Audiology and Speech Pathology and hopes to be a role model for young kids.
She told veteran sportswriter Maurice Patton, "no matter your situation, as long as you work hard and have fun, you can do anything you want to do."
That’s what Hannon did. And it’s something we all can look up to.
