NCAASB

Lady Vols freshman Zoie Shuler stands at third in Tennessee's third game of the Women's College World Series June 1 against UCLA. Photo courtesy of Kylie Shuler

Lady Vols freshman Zoie Shuler stands at third in Tennessee's third game of the Women's College World Series June 1 against UCLA. Photo courtesy of Kylie Shuler

One story ends, another begins

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, June 26, 2025
At any given time between May 16 – June 2, one could simply turn on either the Super Regionals or the Women's College World Series and spot a Graham County native on the field.
Robbinsville senior Naomi Taylor signed to play with Maryville College on Monday. Seated with Naomi are father Bo (left) and mother Esther. Standing in back are grandparents Joyce and Bob Taylor. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Robbinsville senior Naomi Taylor signed to play with Maryville College on Monday. Seated with Naomi are father Bo (left) and mother Esther. Standing in back are grandparents Joyce and Bob Taylor. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Taylor-made decision

Kevin Hensley
Friday, May 2, 2025
Robbinsville – The softball career of Naomi Taylor will continue beyond high school. The ace of the Lady Knights' rotation signed Monday with Maryville (Tenn.) College, an NCAA Division III program connected directly to Robbinsville via U.S. 129.
Gamecocks senior Abigail Knight takes off on the basepath during March 21’s home game against Texas Tech. Photo courtesy of University of South Carolina Athletics

Gamecocks senior Abigail Knight takes off on the basepath during March 21’s home game against Texas Tech. Photo courtesy of University of South Carolina Athletics

Home-grown talent

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Of the 16 Smoky Mountain Conference titles that adorn the program's outfield scoreboard at Judy Nichols Memorial Field, Robbinsville has won the last seven in a row.
Following a stunning announcement Monday, Robbinsville High School alumna Abigail Knight will suit up for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks in her final collegiate softball season next year.

Following a stunning announcement Monday, Robbinsville High School alumna Abigail Knight will suit up for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks in her final collegiate softball season next year.

Nothing lasts forever

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, July 18, 2024
Columbia, S.C. – Just two months ago, Abigail Knight hoisted the American Athletic Conference championship trophy high above her head. It was a moment she had long waited for at the collegiate level, as a title of any kind had evaded her during previous efforts from Boston College.
Smiles broke out all around Nov. 8, moments after Lady Knights senior Zoie Shuler signed her National Letter of Intent to play softball for the University of Tennessee. Shuler was surrounded by her father Michael (seated, left) and mother Kylie. Standing in back are her siblings: Trace, Taylor (holding Zoie’s niece Ayla) and Jeb. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Smiles broke out all around Nov. 8, moments after Lady Knights senior Zoie Shuler signed her National Letter of Intent to play softball for the University of Tennessee. Shuler was surrounded by her father Michael (seated, left) and mother Kylie. Standing in back are her siblings: Trace, Taylor (holding Zoie’s niece Ayla) and Jeb. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Rocky Top bound

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, November 16, 2023
University of Tennessee-signee Zoie Shuler began  seeing the positive impact she could have on the next generation of softball stars during her junior season. When she signed with the Vols on Nov.
Abigail Knight has made her choice: UNC-Charlotte will be the next to receive the services of the Lady Knights alum. Although her decision might seem practical to some, it was one Knight wrestled with. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Abigail Knight has made her choice: UNC-Charlotte will be the next to receive the services of the Lady Knights alum. Although her decision might seem practical to some, it was one Knight wrestled with. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Nothin’ finer than being a 49er

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, June 29, 2023
Robbinsville – With one single decision, the commute to watch Abigail Knight play a home college softball game plummeted from 987 miles to 213; a 15-hour drive, now just 3 ½.