Top Infielder Rounds Out State’s Class
December 22, 2021 | Softball
STARKVILLE – The nation's No. 5 infielder in the Class of 2022, Macy Graf, signed with Mississippi State in the November signing period. She is the No. 43 player overall in the class and hails from Aledo, Texas.
"Macy Graf is an athlete that is going to be fun to watch for Bulldog fans. She is a fierce competitor that never takes a play or a pitch off," head coach Samantha Ricketts said. "She can steal bases, hit for power and for average, and is a smooth fielding defender. Macy plays with a lot of energy on the field and is a true student of game after spending time in the Texas Glory organization under Coach Kevin Shelton. She is a true student-athlete and possesses leadership skills both on and off the field that will help her to make an immediate impact when she gets to Starkville."
Aledo reached the Class 5A state championship in 2019 when she was named the Fort Worth Star-Telegram's All-Area Newcomer of the Year. She was also the Offensive Player of the Year that season after hitting .519. She improved to a .522 average as a sophomore.
In 2021, she batted .457 and received Texas Sports Writers Association All-State honors. Graf led her team to the state championship game once again that season and hit .372 with seven homers and seven doubles, along with 13 steals and 34 walks to post a .538 on-base percentage during the state tournament.
"Macy is one of the most exciting players in the country," assistant coach Tyler Bratton added. "A left-handed stick that can fly down the line as well as hit it out of the yard, Macy brings a skill set that will be a handful for opponents. Her attitude, confidence, and talent are second to none and her ability to play multiple positions makes her a valuable piece to our program. Macy was one of the more sought after players in the state of Texas and we are excited to see what she can do for us as a bulldog. She has an extremely bright future."
This summer Graf was named to the Extra Innings Softball All-Summer team. She played travel ball with the Texas Glory and posted a top-five finish at the 18U Top Club Nationals in 2020. Graf has hit .500, .407, and .422 in her three years on the club circuit.
"I've always been told, 'Go where you're most wanted.' From our first call with Coach Ricketts, I knew she wanted me when she prioritized our conversation over her first cup of coffee," Graf said. "After my first visit to Starkville, I knew it was my future home. I never truly believed in, 'You'll know it when you see it,' but once I saw the campus, I knew. On our official visit with the other recruits, it was truly a family environment. I can't wait to play for the MSU coaching staff and officially become part of the Bulldog family."
In addition to softball, Graf competed in baseball, indoor field hockey, football, soccer, basketball, volleyball and ran track. She was a member of Aledo High's Anglers, and was a regional finalist in fishing as a junior after winning the district title as a sophomore.
Mississippi State softball signed six student-athletes on National Signing Day on Nov. 10. State's class was ranked No. 17 by Extra Innings Softball, the highest-ranked class under Ricketts. Five of the six signees were ranked among the nation's top 100 players.
For more information on the Bulldog softball program, follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching "HailStateSB."
"Macy Graf is an athlete that is going to be fun to watch for Bulldog fans. She is a fierce competitor that never takes a play or a pitch off," head coach Samantha Ricketts said. "She can steal bases, hit for power and for average, and is a smooth fielding defender. Macy plays with a lot of energy on the field and is a true student of game after spending time in the Texas Glory organization under Coach Kevin Shelton. She is a true student-athlete and possesses leadership skills both on and off the field that will help her to make an immediate impact when she gets to Starkville."
Aledo reached the Class 5A state championship in 2019 when she was named the Fort Worth Star-Telegram's All-Area Newcomer of the Year. She was also the Offensive Player of the Year that season after hitting .519. She improved to a .522 average as a sophomore.
In 2021, she batted .457 and received Texas Sports Writers Association All-State honors. Graf led her team to the state championship game once again that season and hit .372 with seven homers and seven doubles, along with 13 steals and 34 walks to post a .538 on-base percentage during the state tournament.
"Macy is one of the most exciting players in the country," assistant coach Tyler Bratton added. "A left-handed stick that can fly down the line as well as hit it out of the yard, Macy brings a skill set that will be a handful for opponents. Her attitude, confidence, and talent are second to none and her ability to play multiple positions makes her a valuable piece to our program. Macy was one of the more sought after players in the state of Texas and we are excited to see what she can do for us as a bulldog. She has an extremely bright future."
This summer Graf was named to the Extra Innings Softball All-Summer team. She played travel ball with the Texas Glory and posted a top-five finish at the 18U Top Club Nationals in 2020. Graf has hit .500, .407, and .422 in her three years on the club circuit.
"I've always been told, 'Go where you're most wanted.' From our first call with Coach Ricketts, I knew she wanted me when she prioritized our conversation over her first cup of coffee," Graf said. "After my first visit to Starkville, I knew it was my future home. I never truly believed in, 'You'll know it when you see it,' but once I saw the campus, I knew. On our official visit with the other recruits, it was truly a family environment. I can't wait to play for the MSU coaching staff and officially become part of the Bulldog family."
In addition to softball, Graf competed in baseball, indoor field hockey, football, soccer, basketball, volleyball and ran track. She was a member of Aledo High's Anglers, and was a regional finalist in fishing as a junior after winning the district title as a sophomore.
Mississippi State softball signed six student-athletes on National Signing Day on Nov. 10. State's class was ranked No. 17 by Extra Innings Softball, the highest-ranked class under Ricketts. Five of the six signees were ranked among the nation's top 100 players.
For more information on the Bulldog softball program, follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching "HailStateSB."
SOFTBALL | Postgame Press Conference vs. Washington
Saturday, May 17
SOFTBALL | Postgame Press Conference vs. Texas Tech
Saturday, May 17
SOFTBALL | Raelin Chaffin ESPN2 Postgame Interview
Saturday, May 17
SOFTBALL | Postgame Press Conference vs. Washington
Friday, May 16