Why 2025 Utility Star Skylar Gooden Committed to Tennessee Tech
For Class of 2025 standout Skylar Gooden, the recruiting journey was never about chasing hype—it was about finding the place that felt like home. The Fury Platinum X 18U Higdon utility player has officially committed to Tennessee Tech, where she’ll bring her dynamic game to the Ohio Valley Conference and pursue a degree in nursing.
Skylar Gooden has demonstrated her exceptional skills throughout her high school career. As a standout player, she has not only excelled on the field but has also shown a commitment to her academic pursuits. This balance between sports and education is crucial for student-athletes, and Gooden is a prime example of how to navigate this dual responsibility.
“Tech really just felt like a second home,” Gooden said. “The coaches made me feel needed, and they’re willing to work with me on my major, which means a lot. Nursing isn’t something a lot of schools will touch at this level, so I’m super appreciative of Coach Penner for believing in me as both a student and an athlete.”
Gooden’s decision to pursue nursing is rooted in her desire to help others—a value instilled in her from a young age. Many athletes have found that pursuing a career in healthcare allows them to give back to the community while continuing to engage in their sport. This path can lead to fulfilling careers that offer both stability and the opportunity to make a difference.
EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
ALL NEWS Stay updated with the latest headlines, stories, and updates from across the softball world.
ANNOUNCEMENTS Catch breaking news, rankings releases, and major Extra Inning Softball updates.
COMMIT CREW Our EIS Commit Crew shares tips, drills, and advice on player development.
DRILL ZONE Elite drills shown by top athletes nationwide.
EVOLUTION OF RANKINGS CEO Bonnie Holland shares insights on rankings.
HIGH SCHOOL Highlights and stories from standout high school softball players and coaches.
HITTING/OFFENSE TIPS Led by experts sharing top offensive strategies and drills.
HOT TOPICS ROUNDTABLE Explore trending topics, expert takes, and key conversations in softball.
INFLUENCERS Hear from Extra Elite 100 athletes as they share their stories.
INTERVIEWS Real stories and insights from standout athletes, coaches, and leaders in fastpitch.
MENTAL HEALTH Success starts with mindset—we support athletes every step!
PODCAST Fastpitch stories, insights, and interviews—all in one podcast.
POLLS Vote and share your take on trending softball topics.
RANKINGS Explore the top-ranked players and teams in fastpitch softball, updated regularly.
RECRUITING TIPS Get expert advice on navigating the softball recruiting process with confidence.
SPORTS PERFORMANCE Boost performance with strength, speed, and recovery tips.
STORE Your go-to for stylish gear, including exclusive rankings designs.
TRANSFER PORTAL SWITCHBOARD Track softball transfers with our real-time portal updates and player info hub.
COPYRIGHT © 2025 Extra Inning Softball TM
Exciting Digital Transformation Coming to Extra Inning Softball
