TYLER, TEXAS – Joey Cronin will be one of five inductees into the UT Tyler Hall of Fame, marking another historic class that will be forever remembered on campus.
"It's hard to say succinctly what it means because it means so much. It is nice to be recognized formally, and it's definitely not something you expect. The program was young and had a lot of success, and it is nice to be a part of a program that carries so much weight."
Cronin looks back at UT Tyler with fond memories and is truly proud to come from the university. "It was a community filled experience and the professors and staff really supported not only me but the entire softball program. My senior year we had graduation during regionals but I was able to run over after my game. Dr. Mabry was the president at that time, and he called out to me to see if we had won the game in the middle of the ceremony."
She hails from Celina, Texas, a small town in the north Texas area, and she mentioned the UT Tyler community and how it had similar standards to her hometown, making a profound impact on her playing career and even her professional career. She was also a member of the band and honors program with the Patriots, and is grateful for the security of a place where she could not only play softball but also pursue other interests and now has grown to appreciate everything the program taught her about life lessons and values.
She was a four year member of the program from 2010-2013. She was a force in her career, earning four straight All-ASC honors, four straight All-West Region honors, a 2012 Capital One CoSIDA Academic All-America nod, and a 2013 NFCA First Team All-America nod. Cronin played a pivotal role in the third place team at the 2011 World Series and the fourth place team at the 2013 World Series. She still remains in the top 10 in program history in runs, doubles, triples, homers, slugging percentage, RBI, and batting average.
That 2013 team finished fourth at the World Series while also winning the ASC East Division title and going 47-6 overall. "Senior year going to the World Series was a huge team accomplishment. It was great seeing teammates come up huge in the big moments throughout that run. We had a consistent junior and senior class that provided the foundation for that run in the postseason, and seniors really took ownership in working towards that ultimate goal."
Cronin mentioned Rachel Howell, Kelsie Batten, Brittney Batten, Ashlee Johnson, and head coach
Mike Reed as those who made a large impact on her development. "The Battens, Ashlee, and myself lived together my senior year and we created memories that will last a lifetime. Coach Reed helped shape my own identity and taught me to take opportunities when they are given and making the most out of those."
She will receive one of the highest honors at UT Tyler this weekend, and wants to be remembered about how she was on and off the field.
"I want to be remembered about how I treated other people and how I loved and supported them. Some of my favorite stories aren't about playing or being an athlete, but being around new groups and new people."
