Hartselle softball player Larissa Preuitt announced her commitment to the University of Alabama and Coach Patrick Murphy Friday. 

“I want to start by saying I give God all of the glory throughout my whole recruiting process, commitment, and for what is to come in the future. Without him, none of this would be possible,” said Preuitt. “I also am so thankful for my amazing family, who would do anything to help my dreams come true. Throughout my softball career, I have been blessed with great high school and travel ball coaches who would do anything to help me succeed.“ 

Preuitt said playing college softball has been a life-long dream. Alabama is the one school she has always wanted to attend. She first put on the Crimson Tide softball uniform at the age of 7 for Halloween. 

Preuitt’s recruiting took off Sept. 1 when college coaches could reach out to her. 

“I had several schools reach out to me, and while they had many great things to offer, I couldn’t turn down my childhood dream,” she said. “After getting to know Coach Murphy and the other coaches, Alabama just felt like home. I could tell how they care about the girls, and that is what I was looking for in a college.” 

Preuitt plays centerfield at Hartselle for Coach Christy Ferguson. She finished a shortened 2020 season with a .600 batting average, 24 runs scored, 10 RBIs, three triples, and two doubles. 

“Today a dream came true for Larissa,” Ferguson said. “She has worked so hard for a long time on the game she loves, and it has paid off. She is a coach’s dream.” 

Ferguson described Preuitt as a player who possesses all the tools, speed, power, and defensive skills to become a great player. 

“Larissa will represent Hartselle with the utmost class and character as she enjoys her career at the University of Alabama,” Ferguson added. “It has been another great day for Hartselle softball in having a player committing to a D1 SEC school.” 

Preuitt, a junior, can sign with the Crimson Tide softball program next fall.