The current Tennessee Mojo – Murnahan 14U team’s origin started when JC Murnahan began coaching a team in 2021 that included three players who are still on the team today.

He recalls how that trio grew into the title-winning squad today that brings together players from several states in the Midwest.

“I was helping a friend coach a team, and my daughter and our family fell in love with the game of softball,” Coach Murnahan recalls. “As some of those players aged out, I stepped into a head coaching role and since then we have gradually gained and lost players along the way.”

Gradually the team was assembled with one player joined in 2023, three others who have been together the two years, four who joined over a year ago and two new additions this season.

It wasn’t always easy, however, as the beginning of the team started with heartbreak for the Murnahan family.

“During the spring season of 2021, our three-year-old son, Onan, passed away from rhabdomyosarcoma (pediatric cancer),” Murnahan says. “During that time, our family realized how special softball was to us and how incredible the softball community is.”

“The sport quickly became a major part of our family’s healing and mental health. The team adopted the phrase “Onan Tough,” which continues to be our motto today.”

The girls wear yellow ribbons on their helmets in support of pediatric cancer, and TN Mojo generously allowed us to design pediatric cancer jerseys and donated them to the team.”

Based out of Kitts Hill, Ohio, team’s players come from the Tri-State area of Ohio, Wet Virginia and Kentucky.

“My main focus with this team is to develop these young women into the best softball players they can be,” the team’s leader continues.

“As we enter recruiting age, we continue to build their skills while also focusing on getting them in front of coaches from their dream schools. I want them to showcase their hard work in front of college coaches with the goal of playing at the next level in the near future.”

One of the team’s greatest strengths, Murnahan believes, is the bond the girls share.

“This is more than just a team and more than just a sport—it’s something you truly have to experience to understand,” he adds. “They are gritty competitors who know how to apply pressure against top-level opponents.”

“Our primary goal is to help mold these players into successful individuals both on and off the field. I also aim to help every player who wants to compete at the next level get recruited. Much of that depends on their performance, but I will do everything I can to support them throughout the recruiting process.”

Even though not every player experienced the loss of Onan firsthand, that moment has been foundational to this team’s identity and success. Every player has embraced the “OnanTough” mindset and understands that no challenge is too great to overcome.

Murnahan played college baseball as a catcher at Rio Grande University and was overjoyed when his children picked up softball.

“When my oldest daughter, Eva, expressed interest in softball, I couldn’t have been more excited,” he laughs.

“As I eased into coaching, I realized it was something I wanted to fully commit to. I started in Little League, then became an assistant coach for a local travel team, and eventually stepped into a head coaching role, which evolved into where we are today.”

“Around 2019, my daughter began pitching, and I made it a priority to educate myself as much as possible to help her. I earned certifications and began working with other pitchers. Over time, that grew into what is now my role as a full-time pitching instructor at Marvel Softball.”

Though new to the organization, he couldn’t be happier with where the team is today.

“I cannot say enough positive things about the TN Mojo organization, the coach continues.

“We joined just a year ago and have not regretted it. TN Mojo provides outstanding resources for both coaches and players and genuinely cares about player development and success.”

“What separates this team is its combination of skill level and work ethic. These girls consistently invest in their development and earn their accomplishments. Anyone who has played with or against this team will point to the same defining trait: the team atmosphere and bond. They truly embody a team-first mentality and take as much pride in their teammates’ success as their own.”

*****

TEAM SUCCESSES – FALL 2025:

• Runner-up, 16U PGF Mojo Moneyball
• Champion, 14U Montana Fouts Tournament
• Runner-up, 14U Ohio Storm Kickoff
• Runner-up, 14U Ohio Lasers Showcase

*****

THE TN MOJO – MURNAHAN TEAM ROSTER

Sorted by last name; comments from Coach JC Murnahan

Kendall Adams UT (2029) North Canton, Ohio – #53
Kendall will be competing as a selected player in the USA HPP games for 2026. She is the true definition of a utility player. It is hard to beat a well-rounded defensive player like Kendall. Kendall swings the bat for power offensively. Kendall finished the fall season with four home runs and 22 RBIs. “She is like three athletes combined into one with her ability to play multiple positions on the field. “

Rylan Butcher P/1B (2029) Minford, Ohio – #5
Rylan commands the mound. Her nearly 6-foot stature and ability to stride out on the mound makes her velocity of 63 mph lethal. Not only does Rylan throw gas, she is also able to spin the ball to make it move. Rylan hit for a solid .300 in the fall season. “Rylan’s confidence and ability to command the mound is a sight to see.”

Brooklynn Childress C/1B (2029) Nivarre, Ohio – #27
Brooklynn was chosen to compete in the USA HPP event and was chosen as a HPP Top Performer. Booklyn is a competitor in offense and defense. Not many attempt a stolen base with “B” behind the plate with her precision throw and her cannon of an arm. Brooklynn finished the Fall season with a .402 batting average and eight bombs. “I see a lot of intentional walks in this kid’s future.”

Jaylen Cooper OF (2030) South Shore, Kentucky – #3
Jaylen competed in the USA All American games in Oklahoma City, OK. JJ was a run leader per plate appearance in Alliance Fastpitch. JJ has played on her high school varsity softball team since her 7th grade year. She hit an average of .421 with eight home runs and .750 slugging percentage. “Never give your hopes up on a ball hit in a gap in the outfield with JJ out there. Her speed and ability to read a ball gives her the ability to make phenomenal plays.”

Brooklen Fichter UTL (2029) Massillon, Ohio – #24
Brooklen was a part of the USSSA Select 30 process and finished the Fall/Winter Season with a .431 batting average and a .508 on-base percentage. She has smooth hands and holds down any position she played, with most innings at third base. “Brooklen’s glove work is something to watch.”

Kinley Hagedorn 2B/OF (2029) Riverview, Michigan – #31
Kinley works the left and right side of the batter’s box and her speed helps the team coming from the left side as a slapper… but don’t count her out as a power hitter. Most of Kinley’s defensive innings came from second base and her range is unmatched. “There’s no such thing as a base hit up the middle when Kinley is playing in the middle infield”

Michaelee Hoge P/1B (2030) Bellefountaine, Ohio – #25
Michaelee travelled to Oklahoma City to represent Region 2 in the USA All American games, as well as to Florida for the USA HPP Event. She can mix speeds on the mound to keep her opponents guessing and off-balance in the box. Michaelee can also come to first base with some impressive stretching. Do not count Michaelee out offensively as she can hit for power. “When I see Michaelee on the mound, I am confident that there will be multiple strike outs with the third strike pitch being her change-up.”

Addysyn Miller C/UTL (2029) Centerville, Indiana – #4
Addy has competed in Oklahoma City as a Region 6 USA All-American. She has a laser of an arm from behind the plate with a powerful bat to help impact the team offensively. “Addysyn may be a newer member of the team, but I would challenge anyone to attempt a stolen base with her behind the plate.”

Hannah Miller P/OF (2029) Madison, West Virginia – #16
Hannah has competed in Oklahoma City as a USA All-American. Even though Hannah didn’t have many innings on the mound in the fall due to injury, her ability to hit her spots and work the spin is exceptional. Hannah is a hard out offensively finishing the fall season with a .587 batting average. Hannah’s ability to read a pitch and her speed also led her to 14 stolen bases on the season. “Hannah is a kid that I would pick offensively or defensively when the game is on the line.”

Harley Miller SS/OF/P (2029) Huntington, West Virginia – #14
Harley had the opportunity to travel to Oklahoma City as a Region 2 USA All-American and she hit an impressive .517 in the fall season. Harley spends most of her innings at short stop, where she has a wide range and can make multiple ESPN plays in a single tournament weekend. “If I see a ball hit anywhere in the vicinity of Harley, I don’t second guess if it will be an out. Harley is the kid that sets the energy for the team and has plenty of it.”

Jacelyn Mitchell OF (2029) Lucasville, Ohio – #1
Jacelyn can read a ball off the bat and track down anything hit in the outfield. Not only does she meet all the qualifications for outfield, she also produces offensively. “Jace can send a pitch yard or use her speed for a base hit or extra bases.”

Eva Murnahan 1B/3B (2030) Kitts Hill, Ohio – #44  
Eva competed in the USA All American Games in Oklahoma City and can stretch with her 5-foot-11 stature on first base. She also has great hands and can lock down third base when needed there. The corner infielder finished the Fall season with a .342 batting average and an impressive 29 RBIs. “Eva does not leave many runners left on base and can find a gap and score some runs.”

MaKenna Vaught C/OF (2029) Portsmouth, Ohio – #22
Kenna can play behind the plate as well as run down the ball in the outfield. Behind the plate she is a blocking machine and very seldom is there such a thing as a passed ball. Kenna helps tremendously in the outfield. She bats for power from the left side and finished the season with a .450 batting average. “With Kenna up to bat, I can count on a hard-hit line drive for extra bases.”

*****

Social Media:

• Facebook: https://facebook.com/mojomurnahan
• Team X: @TN_MojoMurnahan