Photo credit to Manny Fils of the Newton Citizen
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Current donors to the Tiger Scholarship Fund know Cat Lee, assistant director of development and the friendly face that helps see their generous contributions turn into support for Mizzou's student-athletes.
Most Mizzou fans also know Lee as the softball slugger, a former catcher for head coach Ehren Earleywine's program from 2010-11. Lee was a part of two Women's College World Series teams for the Tigers.
And prior to her college career, Lee was a standout for Eastside High School in Covington, Ga. Her alma mater gave her the ultimate honor on Tuesday, Sept. 2, retiring her No. 27 jersey.
"No matter how long I've been away, I get excited to go home every time, but this trip was very special," Lee said. "I was so honored and humbled, and above all, grateful. Grateful to Eastside High School for considering me for such an honor. Grateful to all of my coaches and teammates throughout my entire career for their patience and precious time invested in making me a better player and person. And most of all, grateful for my wonderful family and friends who spent countless hours taking me to practices, games and handling my not so gracious over-competitiveness!"
Lee was impressive as a Lady Eagle, earning an all-state selection in 2006 and receiving recognition as a "top 5" recruit in the state of Georgia. As a senior in 2007, she posted a .353 batting average with seven home runs and 37 RBI.
The special memories of her Eastside playing days were brought back on Tuesday. The countless hours of bat-swinging and practicing defensive drills laid the foundation for her Mizzou career.
"I had such a great career and couldn't have been more proud to start as an Eastside Eagle and finish as a Missouri Tiger," said Lee.