Softball legend and former Lady Vol Monica Abbott retired from professional softball this year. Prior to her illustrious career as a professional athlete, she was also one of the most decorated players in the history of college softball. During her years at UT, from 2004 to 2007, she pitched an astonishing 23 no-hitters and six perfect games.

UT Press just released Rise and Shine: The Monica Abbott Story. Abbott will be available to meet fans and sign books at two upcoming occasions:

• Friday, April 21, 3–4:30 p.m. — Meet & Greet at Union Ave. Books
• Sunday, April 23, 5–6:30 p.m. — Book sale & signing at Regal Soccer Stadium (Open to Sunday Game Ticket Holders Only)

(Abbott will be in Knoxville for a celebration of her retirement and to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Tennessee Softball and Baseball games. Read the news story here.)

When she was in fifth grade, Monica Abbott declared that she would one day become an Olympic athlete. In the decades that would follow, her prediction would prove stunningly true, as she would not only compete in the Games but go on to claim two Silver Medals as pitcher for Team USA softball.

Rise and Shine chronicles significant lessons and experiences from her childhood, her UT and professional softball years, her time in the Olympics, and beyond. Throughout the book, she shares insights cultivated on her journey, offering them to readers of all ages and skill sets.

The book — co-authored with Debby and Rob Schriver and including a foreword by world-renowned tennis icon Billie Jean King — is more than a record of medals and firsts; it is the story of making dreams come true and of lifting others with you as you rise.

Rise and Shine: The Monica Abbott Story is available for purchase from UT Press.