In an era where multi-million-dollar endorsement deals seem like every athlete’s dream, former Lady Vols softball icon Monica Abbott just showed the world what really matters to her — and it’s not about the money.
The NCAA pitching legend and Team USA Olympian revealed this week that she turned down a $5 million endorsement offer from a national sports brand. Instead, she announced the launch of free softball clinics for young girls across Tennessee, sparking praise and admiration from Vol fans everywhere.
“These girls need opportunities, not commercials,” Abbott said in her heartfelt social media post. “When I was their age, I dreamed of playing on big stages, but access to elite coaching was hard to find. If I can help even one girl believe in herself, that’s worth more than any contract.”
Her program — aptly named “Pitch It Forward” — kicks off this summer and will travel across the state, stopping in both big cities and rural towns. The clinics will be free to attend for girls ages 8–18 and will focus on pitching, fielding, hitting, and — most importantly — confidence.
Abbott plans to personally lead each session, alongside local coaches and former players, ensuring that every girl gets the kind of encouragement and hands-on attention that helped her become a legend.
The announcement quickly went viral on Facebook and Twitter, with thousands of fans sharing the news and praising her selflessness. One comment summed up the sentiment perfectly: “Monica doesn’t just pitch strikes — she pitches hope. That’s why she’ll always be Tennessee’s queen of the diamond.”
Organizers say the clinics are already filling up, and Abbott hinted at even more surprises down the line, including a scholarship fund to help young athletes chase their softball dreams beyond high school.
“Softball gave me everything I have,” Abbott said. “It taught me discipline, teamwork, and confidence. Now it’s my turn to give that back.”
For fans who watched her dominate in orange and white, it’s no surprise Monica Abbott continues to inspire long after her playing days — proving that true legends leave a legacy far beyond the field.
