Tennessee surprises Karen Weekly with Powerade bath after Women's College World Series berth

The Tennessee Volunteers are on to their eighth Women’s College World Series in program history and celebrated with one of the most well-known traditions in sports. While coach Karen Weekly was in the middle of an interview following the 9-0 win against Texas on Saturday to win a Super Regionals series, a few of her players snuck into frame to give their coach the customary Powerade bath that comes after big-time wins.

Although Weekly appeared not to be too caught off guard, ESPN’s Holly Rowe had to get out of the way quickly mid-interview. Rowe exclaimed “Oh, dear!” as she saw the players making their way toward Weekly with the cooler. You can view the moment below.

“Just sheer jubilation.” — @KarenWeekly

Headed to World Series No. 8! pic.twitter.com/zxlHVQhfva

— Tennessee Softball (@Vol_Softball) May 27, 2023

Tennessee pitcher Payton Gottshall pitched all seven innings and did not allow a hit until the sixth, during which she gave up two. Those were the only hits she surrendered in the shutout, as she finished with five strikeouts.

With the win, Tennessee advances to play in the Women’s College World Series for the first time since 2015. The action is set to begin June 1 in Oklahoma City.

“It’s just sheer jubilation,” Weekly told Rowe postgame. “I can’t describe it. It’s been a long time. There’s so many of these kids that believe we could do this. We have just so many great leaders on this team and they’re the ones that lead. I don’t even have to step into the huddles. I am just so proud of them and that’s who I wanted it for was them. Ashley (Rogers)‘s been here five years. Kiki (Milloy)‘s been here four years. I’m just so thankful they believed in me and Ralph and Tennessee softball.”

Karen Weekly describes what Kiki Milloy has meant to Tennessee in Women’s College World Series run

Center fielder Kiki Milloy got the scoring started for Tennessee on Saturday. After leading off the game with a double to deep center field, Milloy made her way home after Zaida Puni grounded into a fielder’s choice to earn the RBI.

The hit was the only one of the game for Milloy, though she managed to get on base twice more. That included via a fielder’s choice in the top of the seventh inning in which the Vols scored six runs to put the game out of reach for good.

Milloy shared a moment with Weekly postgame, and the coach made sure to highlight her value to the team during the interview.

“Just the belief that we have in each other,” Weekly said. “Just the trust that we can do this. At the end of last year, I said to her ‘Kiki, this is your team. Just lead us.’ She’s a once-in-a-million player. It’s not just her talent, it’s her character. She’s our torch bearer for crying out loud. That’s the highest honor anybody at Tennessee can get.

“She cares about her teammates. This year, she’s learned to be an even better leader. It’s all about team with her. To have somebody so gifted and talented who puts the team first and just believes in everything without a doubt, I’m so blessed to coach her.”

A senior, this will be the first WCWS appearance for Milloy. She leads the team with a .420 batting average as well as 25 home runs this season and will hope to continue that high level of play in OKC.