Larissa Preuitt made an impact during her first year playing for Alabama softball in the Southeastern Conference. She helped the Crimson Tide reach the College World Series for the 14th time in 27 years.

“My first season at Alabama was truly a dream come true,” Preuitt said. “Being able to learn from our 5th years was such a blessing. I was able to learn so much about leadership and perseverance. Going to the World Series was so surreal.”

Preuitt grew up playing softball in Hartselle and was a three-time All-State performer for the Lady Tigers. She was named Alabama’s Gatorade Player of the Year following her senior year.

She had a dream in the third grade to play college softball for the Crimson Tide and has fulfilled her dream.

“For as long as I can remember, I have watched the College World Series on TV, so being on the field was awesome,” she said.

She was named to the All-SEC second team following her freshman season. She was named the SEC Freshman of the Week in May. She hit .268 this season with 38 hits, 25 runs scored, and 18 RBI, along with 11 stolen bases.

She recently returned to Hartselle to host her first softball camp. The future of Hartselle Lady Tigers’ softball was able to learn from one of the best players to put on the Hartselle uniform.

“Wearing “Hartselle” across my chest from the time I was in 8u All Stars until my senior year of high school means more to me than words can describe,” Preuitt said. “I am so grateful for Coach Anna Hall, Hartselle City Schools, my family, and everyone who helped work the camp. I hope they know how much it meant to me to be able to host my first camp in a place that I love so much.”

One of her favorite things about playing college softball is seeing and meeting girls of all ages who look up to her and her teammates.

“I think my favorite part of softball is the little girls I get to meet,” she said. “At one point, I was just like them, so I see myself in every little girl I have the honor of meeting and talking to. This is why it meant so much to me to be able to hold my first camp here.”

Preuitt loves to talk about her faith any chance she has, whether it is on or off the field.

“I know that God has blessed me with this platform so I can make His name more known and share His love with others,” Preuitt said. “I hope I can share with these little girls that softball is just a game you play and that your worth does not come from it. My goal is for all of them to understand that their worth lies in Jesus, and He loved them so much that He died for them.”

Playing for Hartselle and having support from the community during her career has been something Preuitt said she will remember for the rest of her life.

“Hartselle softball and the community here mean the world to me,” she said. “I’m so proud and blessed to have been able to grow up here. My community’s support during my first year at Alabama blew me away.”