Rylie West shares secret of Tennessee's money celebration
Tennessee softball knows how to celebrate. After a Volunteer hits a home run, they eagerly trot back to the dugout, greeted by smiling faces. The moment their feet touch the excavated dirt, they see green as their teammates shower them in cash. Well, technically, it’s fake cash, but you get the idea.
On Thursday, Tennessee showed its unique tradition to the world twice as the Volunteers dominated Alabama 10-5 in the first round of the Women’s College World Series. After the game, Rylie West discussed the value of celebration.
“The dugout tradition started with COVID because we weren’t allowed to go out. The value is just getting to celebrate with your team in the dugout to still have a celebration,” West said. “The money is not real. I wish it was.”
The lucky home run hitters receive more than some counterfeit bucks. Tennessee also grants them a hat that reads “mommy” and a “big pimpin’ stick.’ Kiki Milloy, who has 25 home runs this season, is intimately familiar with each celebration.
“It’s just great seeing all of your teammates celebrating you,” Milloy said. “When someone who doesn’t maybe hit as many home runs, or hits a home run during a big moment, being able to celebrate with your teammates and throw the cash on them, it’s awesome.”
West had one of those rare occasions on Thursday. In the bottom of the fourth inning, the Tennessee catcher launched a bomb over the left field fence to secure an eight-run lead over Alabama.
While Tennessee’s players seem to have endless affection for their newfound traditions, head coach Karen Weekly wasn’t always so keen on the idea.
“I used to not even like cheering,” Weekly admitted during the postgame press conference. “Then, I realize [they] don’t stay in the game if they’re not cheering.”
Currently on a nine-game winning streak and winning the SEC Tournament just over two weeks ago, Weekly has grown to cherish the goofy celebrations.
“I love it. The game has changed and evolved. The players have changed and evolved. The more fun they can have the better,” Weekly said.
Fun isn’t guaranteed in the Volunteers’ next contest. Tennessee will take on No. 1 seed Oklahoma, who is currently on a 49-game winning streak, in the second round of the WCWS on June 3 at 3 p.m. The game will be broadcast on the ABC.