CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga softball team added a fifth signee, Taylor Deason (Clarksville, Tenn.), to its 2011 class, which head coach Frank Reed announced Wednesday. The completed 2011 early signing class also includes Jennifer Garcia (Miami, Fla.), Brittany Perez (Miami, Fla.), Sarah Beth Roberts (Mt. Juliet, Tenn.) and Cheyenne Willis (Winchester, Tenn.), who signed their National Letters of Intent last week.

“It may be one of our best recruiting classes that we have had,” said Reed. "We have the complete package with power, speed and left side hitting. A few of the players are very versatile and can play multiple positions. Then, we also signed two pitchers, so this class will be remembered for a long time.”

Deason is a 5-9 pitcher from Northeast High School and plays for head coach Steve Kordish. The Clarksville, Tenn., native has been named to the all-district team the past three seasons (2008-10) and was recognized as the district MVP as a freshman and junior.

“I liked her poise on the mound,” said Coach Reed about seeing Deason pitch. “She just really handles herself well on the mound. She is a great young pitcher that I don't think has even tapped her full potential.”

Over her three-year career, she has totaled 634 strikeouts and posted a 0.70 ERA as a junior. Southern Force 18U travel coaches Kevin Stevens and Tara Glasco guided Deason in the off season.

With the early signing class completed, Chattanooga focuses on its preparation for the 2011 season that is set to begin in mid February. The Lady Mocs look to defend their fourth-consecutive Southern Conference Regular Season title.