By Thomas Sellers Jr.
When Tipton-Rosemark Academy Lady Rebels Head Softball Coach Johnie Sanfratello makes a lineup, he is not sure where to place his utility weapon Ryleigh Bowers.
Her father Justin Bowers trained his daughter to be able to play all over the field. Although Justin and his wife Renee didn’t know exactly where Ryleigh would play on the field at a certain game, the couple was certain Jan. 14 was going to happen. That Friday afternoon in the TRA Lobby, Bowers inked her letter of intent to play softball for Head Coach George White at Dyersburg State.
“She’s been in softball since she was 8,” Renee recalled. “It’s been a long time coming. She started with Atoka in rec ball. We started travel (softball) early in Atoka.”
“We knew it when we started it,” Justin added. “She’s been on the go ever since. We saw that potential then.”
Bower was joined by her parents, coaches, teammates and other family members like sister Alyssa and her niece Sage for the signing ceremony to Dyersburg. After setting a TRA record for RBIs last season with 58, Bowers was on the radar of a few colleges on all levels. COVID-19 limited the options for Bowers, her teammates Kayla Clements and many others in the area. The JUCO route became a solid avenue for Bowers and her peers leading to White scoping up the talented versatile player.
“It feels great,” Ryleigh said of her signing. “It was a childhood dream to play college ball. JUCO was the best fit for me.” Clement is heading to Chattanooga State. Sanfratello said his standout duo had to adjust their college plans and softball careers because of the global pandemic.
“They’re both Division I players,” Sanfratello declared. “She’s (Ryleigh) got the size and does everything. She was just born at the wrong time. But getting her to sign out the way will help her concentrate on leadership.
“She has basketball to finish up and get through that healthily,” he continued. “Everybody knows the recruiting process takes a toll on you. Getting that out the way, she comes in and gets her weightlifting done. I keep on going back to the fact she can hit.”
Hitting was something Bowers did for the varsity level since her freshman season. The young hitter batted just under .300 lacing the ball to defenders and having spectacular plays rob her of hits. A rough first season with the Lady Rebels and coming from the Magnolia State, Bowers wrestled with her passion for the game.
“The love for the game faded a little but once my Dad and I would travel, travel ball kept me in love with the game,” Ryleigh said. “Once with the school ball, they didn’t move up the seventh and eighth graders. So we didn’t play much in high school.”
Justin said the time spent on the road trips and hitting the field kept Ryleigh’s dream alive. Then the arrival to Rosemark rejuvenated her passion for softball.
“We spent five years in Mississippi and moved back to Tennessee and decided TRA was the best place for her,” he said. “The whole time we always taught her, ‘You work until you get your shot. It doesn’t matter when it comes. Keep your hard down.’” Sanfratello saw Bowers potential and made sure she would have a spot or two in his lineup.
“With Ryleigh she’s one of those who play anywhere,” he said. “She can play every position. Since year one but especially the last couple of years with varsity. She’s been a pitcher for us too. She worked on pitching but had a point she had to stop because of arm problems. If she had continued we would be signing today for pitching.
“She’s just loves to play and loves the game,” Sanfratello continued. “She will play anywhere for you. Doing that growing up has opened up many opportunities for her. But the girl can hit. The saying, ‘If you can hit, they’ll find a place for you.’ She’s the epitome of that.”
Ryleigh said her mother’s support and father’s encouragement was consistent through the changes of living location, lineup placement and passion for the game.
“My mom is my biggest cheerleader,” she said. “Dad was really hard on me but once I found out why he was really hard on me I started working to get better. And I got a scholarship. We have a batting cage in our yard. The hard work has finally paid off to say the least.”
Renee said the investing continues even after reaching the milestone of Dyersburg State.
“He (Justin) works with her all the time,” she said. “We have had a net setup since we moved back to Atoka. She’s always batting practice. Now she has pitching practice in Arkansas (Jonesboro).
“It’s been well worth it,” Renee added. “She’s worked really hard to play softball in college. I am happy to see her dream come true.”
Justin said knowing your daughter has the skills and ability to shine anywhere and any place on the field made every decision of his easy.
“She’s worth it,” he concluded.
