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India Chiles

Arguagbly one of the best athletes to ever wear the Orange and White, India Chiles, did not find success by the conventional route. India was recruited to play for the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers softball team during her senior campaign of high school. Even then in 2003, being recruited at the Division 1 level as a senior was a rarity. India entered Rocky Top as a right-handed hitting second baseman. She exited Rocky Top a nationally acclaimed, record holding, left-handed slap hitter owning left field.

India, just like many other athletes, was very intimidated by college athletics. Not knowing if she would have time for the social experience and to keep up with her studies were of main concern. Alan Jones, high school coach at Ballard High School and Partner, AssuredPartners NL, did nothing short of making a lasting impression on India’s collegiate decision.  From driving recruiting interests with college coaches to empowering India to believe in her talents, Alan went 150% above and beyond his job description. It all paid off shortly after India won the prestigious honor of Gatorade Softball Player of the Year in Kentucky. This award was announced and soon after, there were Ralph and Karen Weekly, Co-Head Coaches of the University of Tennessee at a Ballard High softball game. It all became history from there…

Career Nods

  • 1st EVER SEC SOFTBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR for the Orange and White
  • Louisville Slugger/NFCA First-Team All-American (2007)
  • Louisville Slugger/NFCA First-Team All-South Region 2007
  • First-Team ESPN the Magazine Academic All-American 2007
  • First-Team ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District IV 2006, 07
  • Second-Team ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District IV 2005
  • SEC Player of the Year 2007
  • First-Team All-SEC 2007
  • Drafted by the Akron Racers of National Pro Fastpitch 2007 #19 overall
  • SEC Player of the Week (4/16/07)
  • All-Tourney, Women’s College World Series 2007
  • All-SEC Tournament 2006
  • CAREacter Star Athlete of the Week 2007 (2/28)
  • SEC Spring Honor Roll 2006, 07, 08
  • Academic All-SEC 2004, 05
  • USA Softball Team Selection Camp Invitee 07
  • First-Team Academic All-American 07
  • UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE, Assistant Coach, 2018, 2019