Like other two sisters, Gabby and Alannah Leach commit to Tennessee
Well, it's officially all in the family.
The Woodlands twins Gabby and Alannah Leach verbally committed to the University of Tennessee over the weekend making it a full house in Rocky Top.
One of the first families of softball in the state of Texas will now have sent four sisters to the Vols' softball program.
The oldest, Aubrey, was an All-American at Tennessee, playing from 2016-19. Kelcy is a grad transfer to the Vols this year after playing three seasons at Texas Tech.
The twins will wear the Orange and White starting in 2023 after taking an unofficial to Knoxville.
"Softball has been our life," Gabby said. "We grew up watching our older sisters play and would always just be throwing a ball around during their games. We fell in the love with it and never played any other sports."
Both play outfield for the Highlanders and for their dad, who coaches their select team – Sudden Impact 18U.
"It's the way we bond as a family," Alannah said. "We've always been around the softball field either watching our sisters or playing for our dad. What we do takes a lot of time and travel and you spend some much time with your school and select teammates. They become your best friends. Heck, I don't think I've been away from Gabby for more than a day in my entire life."
With their parents in tow, Vols' coach Karen Weekly brought the Leach family into her office.
"She sat us down and asked if we wanted to be Lady Vols?" Gabby said. "We said yes, and everyone hugged. We were really excited."
"It's been both our dream to play DI softball," Alannah said. "Aubrey set some really high expectations, but we are ready to pave our own ways when we get there. It's a different coaching staff but it's the SEC and is everything we wanted. It felt like home."
While they are twins, they are little different. Gabby is more artsy and would like to possibly be a teacher, while Alannah wants to do something in the medical profession.
"It's like having a built-in best friend," Gabby said. "She pushes me to be better and vice versa. Sure, there is a little competition between us but you would expect that, right?"
Oh, in a strange turn of events, guess who the Vols' grad assistant coach is?
You guessed it, Aubrey Leach.
Birds of a feather flock together.
GO VOLS🧡🤍@KarenWeekly @KateMalveaux @CoachMalveaux @Vol_Softball @sifastpitch @TWHSSoftball @ExtraInningSB pic.twitter.com/f01jBkFO1J
— Alannah Leach (@AlannahLeach) October 26, 2021
Go Vols🍊🧡
@KarenWeekly @CoachMalveaux @KateMalveaux @Vol_Softball @sifastpitch @TWHSSoftball @ExtraInningSB pic.twitter.com/PD5Xf3DD7f
— Gabby Leach (@leach_gabby) October 26, 2021
