Sanders Statue Stand Unveiled: Legendary Softball Star Stephanie Sanders Honored Today by Tennessee Vols…
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE — June 14, 2025
In a heartfelt and emotional ceremony on a sunny afternoon in Knoxville, the University of Tennessee paid tribute to one of its most celebrated athletes, Stephanie Sanders, by unveiling a magnificent statue in her honor. The statue, standing tall outside the Sherri Parker Lee Stadium, is more than just a monument—it is a permanent reminder of the incredible legacy, influence, and pioneering spirit that Sanders brought to Tennessee Volunteers softball and women’s sports as a whole.
Stephanie Sanders, a name synonymous with determination, power, grace, and leadership on the diamond, was officially immortalized today with the unveiling of the Sanders Statue Stand, an event attended by thousands of fans, former teammates, university officials, and an array of prominent figures from the world of college athletics.
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A LEGENDARY CAREER WORTH CELEBRATING
Stephanie Sanders’ contributions to Tennessee softball are woven into the very fabric of the program. Her career, which spanned from 1998 to 2002, saw her rise as one of the most dominant forces in NCAA softball. As a three-time All-American, SEC Player of the Year in 2000, and the all-time leader in home runs and RBIs for the Lady Vols at the time of her graduation, Sanders’ name was already etched in record books long before it was etched in bronze.
Yet, her legacy goes beyond statistics. Sanders was instrumental in putting Tennessee softball on the national map. With her unwavering spirit and fiery competitiveness, she helped guide the Lady Vols to their first College World Series appearance in 2002, an achievement that marked a turning point for the program. More than her athletic prowess, Sanders inspired a generation of young athletes—especially girls in Tennessee and across the nation—to believe that they, too, could dominate on the field and carry themselves with excellence off it.
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THE UNVEILING CEREMONY: A DAY TO REMEMBER
The statue unveiling ceremony began at 11:00 a.m. sharp, with fans pouring into the plaza hours before the event to find a spot close to the base of the statue, which was veiled under a white and orange cloth embroidered with Sanders’ retired jersey number: #22. Emotional tributes were shared by Sanders’ former coaches, teammates, and family members, each painting a portrait of a woman whose impact extended far beyond softball.
UT Athletic Director Danny White opened the event with a powerful speech, stating:
> “Today, we celebrate a trailblazer, a game-changer, and an inspiration. Stephanie Sanders did more than play softball—she transformed the culture of athletics at Tennessee and set the gold standard for what it means to be a Volunteer.”
Sanders’ former head coach, Karen Weekly, shared a tearful message:
> “Stephanie was the kind of player you build a program around. Fierce on the field, humble off of it, and committed to making everyone around her better. This statue isn’t just a monument—it’s a message to every young girl who walks by: greatness is possible.”
Then, just after noon, Sanders herself walked toward the statue, accompanied by her parents and children. The crowd erupted in applause as she pulled away the veil, revealing a life-sized bronze likeness of herself mid-swing, eyes focused, stance wide, and bat extended—a moment frozen in time from one of her iconic home runs.
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STEPHANIE SANDERS: A SYMBOL OF INSPIRATION
Taking the podium after the unveiling, Sanders stood before the crowd with visible emotion.
> “To be honored like this by the university that shaped me, that believed in me, is something I can never fully express in words,” she began. “When I played here, I only wanted to give my all for Tennessee. I never imagined that one day, I’d be standing here like this—with my children watching—being honored for doing what I love.”
She continued:
> “This statue isn’t just for me. It’s for every young girl who dreams of playing under the bright lights, for every teammate who lifted me up, and for every coach who believed I could be more. My legacy belongs to all of you.”
Sanders concluded her speech with the iconic Tennessee motto:
> “As Volunteers, we rise by lifting others. That’s what I tried to do, and what I’ll keep doing.”
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THE STATUE ITSELF: A MASTERPIECE OF EMOTION AND FORM
Designed by renowned sculptor Marisa Lange, the statue captures the raw intensity of Sanders’ iconic swing while embodying the spirit of Volunteer pride. Lange, who has created statues for several sports legends, said this project was particularly meaningful:
> “Stephanie Sanders isn’t just a sports icon—she’s a symbol of perseverance and hope. I wanted the statue to capture her strength, but also her elegance and humanity.”
The base of the statue is inscribed with one of Sanders’ most famous quotes, said after hitting a game-winning home run against Florida in 2001:
> “Pressure builds diamonds—and here in Tennessee, we shine bright.”
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FAN REACTIONS: EMOTION, JOY, AND GRATITUDE
The ceremony brought tears to many fans who grew up watching Sanders play.
Monica Clark, a lifelong Lady Vols supporter, said:
> “Stephanie was my childhood hero. Watching her play gave me confidence as a young girl who loved sports. Seeing her honored today—it just means everything.”
Former teammates, many of whom flew in from across the country, embraced Sanders, reliving memories from their championship runs. One described her as “the soul of the team, the one who made us believe.”
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LASTING IMPACT AND FUTURE HONORS
The Sanders Statue Stand is now a permanent fixture at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium and will serve as the centerpiece of the newly renamed Stephanie Sanders Plaza—a space dedicated to celebrating past and future stars of Tennessee softball.
Additionally, the University announced the Stephanie Sanders Scholarship Fund, which will provide full-ride scholarships to young women pursuing softball and sports leadership programs. The fund is already backed by several major donors, including former UT athletes and corporate sponsors.
UT Chancellor Donde Plowman remarked:
> “Stephanie’s influence reaches far beyond a playing field. She represents the best of what this university stands for. Through this scholarship, her legacy will continue to empower future generations.”
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CONCLUSION: A LEGEND IMMORTALIZED
With the unveiling of the Sanders Statue Stand, the University of Tennessee has forever etched into its campus and its history the image of a woman whose contributions to sport, character, and community are immeasurable. Stephanie Sanders’ journey from a young girl with a dream to one of the greatest players in college softball has inspired thousands, and now, her story will continue to inspire thousands more who walk past her statue.
Today wasn’t just about honoring an athlete—it was about celebrating a movement, a change, and a legacy that proves greatness isn’t only measured in victories, but in the lives we uplift.
Stephanie Sanders. Legend. Leader. Lady Vol Forever.
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