Auburn’s Carlee McCondichie won’t play 5th year of softball: ‘When you fail, you are immediately benched’
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Auburn’s Carlee McCondichie won’t play 5th year of softball: ‘When you fail, you are immediately benched’

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Auburn’s Carlee McCondichie revealed on Twitter on Sunday she isn’t returning for a fifth year of softball on “The Plains.”

The second baseman earned the COVID year but has decided to step away.

She said the move was in no way a slight at Auburn, it appeared to be just that.

“I will not be taking a 5th year,” she tweeted. “This thread is not directed toward Auburn University. I love Auburn with my whole heart and every single girl that is part of the Auburn softball program. It is sad when a young girl who has played the sport for 18 years of her 22-year life has no interest or desire in playing a 5th year.

“That’s what happens when you play for a program where when you fail, you are immediately benched. A program where you aren’t pursued. A program where you are only looked at from an athletic perspective, not a personal perspective.”

McCondichie hit .303 with 36 home runs and 22 RBIs last season. However, in conference games, she batted .154 with a home run and 3 RBIs.

“For me, I can stand here confidently and say I gave my absolute all to the Auburn softball program,’ she continued.

“In return, I got benched as a starter on SENIOR DAY. This isn’t for attention, this is for the athletes to come. THEY DESERVE BETTER. STUDENT-ATHLETES ARE MUCH MORE THAN STUDENTS & MUCH MORE THAN ATHLETES. They are human beings. With that being said, I will always continue to support Auburn Softball PLAYERS. But for me, my softball career is OVER and the thought of even playing one game brings me much anxiety, sadly.”

As a junior, McCondichie was one of two student-athletes to appear in all 57 contests. She started 56 of those games, while leading the team with 46 hits and a .338 batting average.

McCondichie, who played at Gardendale High School, was a four-time Alabama Sports Writers Association Class 6A All-State selection.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.