Kirby Connell announces return to Tennessee in 2024

Pitcher Kirby Connell announces return to Tennessee in 2024.

Senior pitcher Kirby Connell announced he will return to Tennessee in 2024.

“Let’s run it back,” Connell announced. “Excited to announce I’ll be returning to the University of Tennessee to play my last year and further my education by pursuing my master’s degree!”

The 5-foot-11, 210-pound Connell (6-1) appeared in 93 games from 2020-23 with the Vols, recording 99 strikeouts, two saves and a 2.76 ERA in 101.0 innings.

Connell came to Tennessee from Blacksburg High School in Blacksburg, South Carolina.

Connell and the Vols advanced to the College World Series in 2021 and 2023. Tennessee won the Southeastern Conference regular-season and tournament championships in 2022.

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