RANKINGS
EVENTS
I COMMITTED
COLLEGE
ABOUT
Karleigh (“K.G.”) Walker had a huge summer offensively and defensively including a huge showing at the USA Nationals in Roanoke, Virginia where the 2024 catcher for Fury Premier 2023 helped lead her team to a Top 8 finish.
K.G. hit .514 with a .607 on-base percentage as she went 11-for-21 with 13 RBIs and behind the plate threw out all three would-be base stealers and even picked off four—two at third and another pair at first.
Jim Shoulders has had a lot of experience watching the incoming freshman from Kentucky compete: he’s an assistant coach for the Fury as well as being an assistant for McCracken County High in Paducah, Kentucky, where he’s seen K.G. develop into one of the fastest rising prospects in her class.
“She athlete is the real deal,” the coach told Extra Inning Softball this week. “There is no doubt she will play D1 softball for a Power 5 School. She’s already getting a lot of interest from SEC and ACC schools.”
K.G. bats cleanup for the Fury and her coach says she has “dominated this summer.”
“She is the catalyst for our Fury 2023 team and people watch her at all of her games. When we play, other coaches will come out and watch.”
“Karleigh is a gap hitter that can give you the needed home run,” Coach Shoulders continues. “She can place the ball at will and is a leader and a coach behind the plate. K.G. is very vocal and will not be out hustled. She plays the same when we are tied in the bottom of the 7th or up by 10. She leads by example.”
Defensively, she all but shut down the running game of opponents, according to Shoulders, as she threw out 5 of 7 runners in school ball and had six pick offs.
“K.G. keeps every player on their toes as she will pick off at will and there is such a low total of attempted steals in travel ball because coaches and players of opposing teams do not take a chance. They know the hype.”
She also helps those around her elevate their game.
“K.G. is a game changer,” Shoulders finishes. “She is a player that not only changes a game, but also changes the players around her—she makes players better.”
*****
Name: KARLEIGH (K.G.) WALKER
Hometown: Paducah, Kentucky
Grad Year: 2024
Positions: C/3B/1B
Club Team: Fury Premier 2023
High School: McCracken County High School
GPA: 4.0
Honors & Activities: National Junior Beta Club, All-District Choir, All-State Choir, Kentucky Middle School State Softball Champion 2018, Kentucky Middle School State Softball Runner-up 2019, LSU Elite Camp Catcher MVP 2018, LSU Elite Camp Catchers Award/All Skills Camp MVP 2019. USSSA Direct Select All American (2019) and was offered to play this year in the games but could not due to a prior commitment for a Fury tournament.
Club Stats (2020): In 49 games (132 plate appearances and 108 at-bats) hit .426 with a .500 on-base percentage with 43 RBIs, 18 walks and only two strikeouts; fielding had 219 total chances with 17 assists and 200 put-outs with a .991 fielding percentage; behind the plate caught 168.2 innings, 7-for-12 caught stealing and only two passed balls.
Camps: Attended camps at LSU (where she won MVP and Catcher awards), Kentucky (recorded a 1.69 pop), Alabama, Auburn, Mississippi State, Georgia and Ole Miss.
K.G. Q&A
Have you set any goals for yourself?
My personal goal is to play in the SEC. I love softball and I love SEC softball. I have attended several camps in the SEC and that would be a dream come true, to one day play on the fields that I have attended camps and watched my favorite players compete on.
What would you say are your strengths on the softball fields?
My strengths in softball are my game knowledge and love for the game; I am always trying to learn more. I am an encourager and team leader. I want to see everyone on the field succeed. I also give it all I’ve got each and every single moment I am on the dirt.
Scroll down to get a closer look at K.G. on and off the field!