Charley Pursley signed her National Letter of Intent on Wednesday to play softball at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tenn. She is a five year starter for the Lady Marshals softball team and has led the team in numerous categories over the years including becoming the first Lady Marshal to join the .500 Club with an outstanding batting average of .500 and on-base percentage of .548 in the 2021 season.
Charley set the school record in 2021 with 50 stolen bases and 65 hits in one single season. In 2021 she was ranked 10th in the state in stolen bases and 11th in the state in hits. As a freshman, she was named to the All-Region Team and her junior season, the All-District Team, selected to play in the Kentucky East vs West All-Star Game and became one of four Lady Marshals in history to be named All-State. Charley contributed to two District Championships and two Regional Championships.
Last season, along with her .500 batting average and .548 on-base percentage, Charley had 65 hits, six doubles, six triples, 23 RBIs, 48 runs scored, 50 stolen bases and caught stealing only five times. Her sophomore season was cancelled but in her freshman year, she had a .369 batting average, 22 stolen bases, 17 RBIs and 33 runs scored. As an eighth grader, her batting average was .349 with 19 stolen bases and 34 runs scored.
Outside of Marshall County softball, Charley plays top level travel ball for the Atlanta Premier Tn-Wood and constantly works to get better by taking hitting lessons from Lou Ridolfi. She is a crossfit coach at Lake Barkley Crossfit.
Charley is also a member of the Marshall County track team. As a freshman, she was 2nd Team All-State in Class 3A in the 100 meters. In 2021, she was part of the 4 x 200 relay regional championship team and the girls’ team Regional Championship. An excellent student with a 3.88 GPA, has qualified her for All-State Academic in both softball and track.
“Charley’s character shines on and off the field”, Head Coach Mallory Newton said. “She has been an outstanding citizen of Marshall County softball by not only contributing in a large way on the field, but off the field as well. She has been a volunteer coach for the North Marshall softball team the past three years. She’s extremely inclusive, trustworthy and driven. She’s a wonderful role model for any future Lady Marshal and pushes everyone around her to be better by being the best. Marshall County Softball is so proud of Charley and we cannot wait to see all she accomplishes as a Lady Gov.”
Along with her parents, Charley was supported at her signing by members of her family, the softball team, coaches and friends.
