Alabama Softball Adds Tennessee Transfer Catcher Ally Shipman

Shipman started 53 games last season for the Volunteers and batted an impressive .304.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama softball coach Patrick Murphy picked up a big commitment at catcher on Wednesday afternoon, with former Tennessee catcher Ally Shipman announcing that she will be transferring from the Volunteers to the Crimson Tide for the upcoming season.

Shipman made her decision known via social media:

I am so excited to announce that I will be continuing my academic and athletic career at The University of Alabama! Thank you to the coaches and staff at Alabama for this amazing opportunity! Can’t wait to get to work! #RollTide pic.twitter.com/HIusuwqICC

— Ally Shrout (@ally_shipman) July 7, 2021

Shipman arrives in Tuscaloosa with two years of eligibility remaining due to the COVID-19 pandemic granting her an extra season. In 2021 during her junior year, Shipman saw action in 53 games — starting all 53 at catcher.

On the season, Shipman batted .304 with 48 hits — good enough for third-best on the Tennessee team. Additionally, Shipman scored 27 runs and batted in a team second-best 39 RBIs.

Shipman also cranked eight home runs on the year.

With the Crimson Tide losing multiple big bats heading into next year due to several key seniors graduating, Shipman is expected to contribute heavily in her first season with Alabama. Super senior Bailey Hemphill was Alabama's biggest bat from last season and also started regularly at catcher. Shipman no doubt has big shoes to fill but has a solid chance at excelling under Murphy.

Here are Shipman's highlights from the 2021 season courtesy of Tennessee athletics:

• Hit the go-ahead home run to lead the Vols past Arkansas in the SEC Tournament Quarterfinal (5/13)
• Recorded three RBIs in the win over South Carolina (4/18)
• Went 2-for-3 and recorded three RBIs in the win over Kentucky (4/4)
• Hit a home run and recorded three RBIs in the win over Liberty (3/30)
• Went 3-for-3 and brought in three runs in the win over Furman (3/29)
• Had two RBIs in the win over Bellarmine (3/16)
• Hit a two-run home run in a dominating win over Bellarmine (3/16)
• Went 3-for-4 and brought in a run in a commanding win over Campbell (3/7)
• Went 2-for-3 and crushed two-run home run over left field in the win over Central Michigan (2/27)
• Had RBIs in the win over UT-Martin (2/25)
• Hit the game-tying home run that helped the Vols win against Eastern Kentucky (2/14)
• Went 3-for-3 with a home run and recorded two RBIs in the win over Eastern Kentucky (2/14)