Lady Vols to Participate in Inaugural Elite Softball Invite in 2019

OKLAHOMA CITY – ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, is adding an annual early-season softball event to its roster for the 2019 NCAA Division I softball season with the St. Pete/Clearwater Elite Invitational. The Tennessee Lady Vols will be one of 15 teams to participate in the inaugural invitational which will take place Feb. 14-17, at the Eddie C. Moore Complex in Clearwater, Fla.

"We are thrilled to be part of the inaugural Elite Softball Invitational," Tennessee co-head coach Karen Weekly said. "When we received the call and invitation it was an easy 'yes.' Everything ESPN does is first class, and this tournament will be no exception. It will quickly become one of the premier college softball tournaments in the nation."

Tennessee (48-14) is coming off its 15^th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, and the Lady Vols in 2018 also hosted an NCAA Regional for the 14^th straight year. The Big Orange advanced to their 10^th NCAA Super Regional and their sixth in the past seven seasons.

"We are excited to expand ESPN's commitment to NCAA Division I softball with the launch of this elite event," said Pete Derzis, ESPN senior vice president of college sports programming and ESPN Events. "The St. Pete/Clearwater Elite Invitational brings together some of the nation's top talent in a highly desirable destination for teams and fans."

The inaugural early-season tournament will also feature Florida Atlantic, Florida State, Hofstra, James Madison, Kentucky, LSU, Notre Dame, Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and two teams from the Big Ten to be announced later this year. Thirteen of the teams set to compete in the event advanced to postseason play this year, with Florida State, Oklahoma and Oregon all advancing to the 2018 Women's College World Series.

The Eddie C. Moore Complex is Clearwater's national and state award-winning softball facility and has served as host to the Adidas Softball Invitational, USA Women's National Softball Team and the Michele Smith Softball Camps.

"As the leader in sports and events programming, we are thrilled to collaborate with ESPN and the City of Clearwater to bring this event to our exciting destination and showcase our area, especially our world-class beaches," said Tim Ramsberger, Visit St. Pete/Clearwater's Chief Operating Officer. "We look forward to welcoming all of the college student-athletes and fans to our wonderful community and hosting a great experience for everyone. A special thank you to our local resident and two-time Olympian, Michele Smith, for playing a vital role in bringing this event together."

For more information visit www.stpeteclearwatereliteinvite.com.

University of Tennessee Athletics

Lady Vols to Participate in Inaugural Elite Softball Invite in 2019

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