Mia Roland swings softball commitment to University of Tennessee
Owen multi-sport athlete will remain in Appalachia with perennial powerhouse program
Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
August 6, 2026
Owen rising senior Mia Roland announced, July 28, she was changing her college commitment from the University of South Carolina to the University of Tennessee. Photo by Fred McCormick
The ping of the softball jumping off the bat of Mia Roland has become a familiar sound in the Swannanoa Valley, during her three-year career at Owen High School.
As the multi-sport athlete prepares to enter her senior year, the Warlassies star announced, July 28, she plans to continue her softball career in another valley, as she announced she was committing to the University of Tennessee.
Roland initially committed to the University of South Carolina program last fall, prior to a junior campaign in which she batted .765, while driving in 46 runs with 14 home runs in 21 games. Her performance helped lead Owen to its second straight Western Highlands Conference Championship. The Warlassies have won 24 straight conference games since 2025.
The volleyball and softball standout, twice recognized as Owen’s top overall athlete and reigning female athlete of the year, carefully reflected on the choice she made one month into her junior year.
“Looking back, I think my initial decision may have been a little rushed,” Roland said. “As I had more time to reflect on my decision and what I truly wanted for my future, I realized the situation ultimately wasn’t the best fit for me. I have a great deal of respect for the coaches, staff and everyone involved, and I’m grateful for everything I learned during the recruiting process.”
Owen senior Mia Roland will continue her softball career in Knoxville, following her July 28 announcement that was committing to the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers. Photo by Fred McCormick
Roland, ranked second among the N.C. class of 2027 by MaxPreps, will join a Lady Volunteers program that finished last season eighth in the nation. Tennessee, which has appeared in the NCAA postseason tournament every year since 2004, was one of six SEC programs to finish in the top 10. The team has appeared in the NCAA Women’s College World Series 10 times since 2005.
“I am extremely honored and excited for the opportunity to play softball at UT,” she said. “It’s a privilege to represent such a high-level program. I’m grateful for the chance to grow as both an athlete and a person, while contributing to the program’s success.”
Roland has batted .616 in three seasons as the starting shortstop for the Warlassies, collecting 126 runs batted in and 32 home runs. On the basepaths, she has stolen 65 bases in 64 career games. While she approaches her final school year in maroon and white, Roland is eager to don the orange, white and Summit blue of the Lady Volunteers in the Smoky Mountains.
“The atmosphere and staff was amazing,” she said. “I couldn’t be happier with my decision.”