Knoxville Miracle Sign Standout Infielders Maddie Moore and Makayla McClain

The Knoxville Miracle continue building their inaugural roster with the signings of two of collegiate softball’s premier infielders, Maddie Moore from Clemson University and Makayla McClain from Appalachian State University.

Both athletes arrive in Knoxville after distinguished collegiate careers and will become foundational members of the Miracle’s inaugural roster.

For Knoxville Miracle General Manager Eugene Bleecker, the signings represent more than the addition of two accomplished players. They are part of a pattern that has taken shape since the organization was first announced.

“Since April 6, we’ve spent very little time trying to convince people to believe in what we’re building. Instead, we’ve watched extraordinary people recognize it. One conversation after another. One ‘yes’ after another.”

Bleecker pointed to the arrival of Head Coach Craig Snider, Assistant Coach Stephanie Sanders, Jessie Blaine, Moore, and McClain as interconnected pieces of the same story.

“These aren’t separate announcements. They’re all telling the same story. Different journeys. Different experiences. Different paths. Yet somehow, they’ve all arrived at the same place.”

Building More Than a Roster

The Miracle are assembling their inaugural roster with a focus that extends beyond statistics and on-field production.

“People often ask what we’re looking for. They expect us to talk about batting averages, home runs, velocity, and championships. Those things absolutely matter. But they aren’t what this organization will be built on.”

The larger question, he said, is whether each person joining the organization can help leave the sport better than they found it.

“Winning games creates memories. Winning championships creates history. But changing what’s possible for an entire generation creates a legacy.”

That philosophy is central to the model the Miracle are building in Knoxville.

“We’re here to create careers where there used to be seasons, to build a culture that impacts the city of Knoxville, and to leave the sport of softball better than we found it.”

Moore Brings All-America Production to Knoxville

Moore joins the Miracle following one of the most accomplished careers in Clemson softball history.

A 2025 NFCA First Team All-American, First Team All-ACC selection, USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year Top 25 finalist, and ACC champion, Moore concluded her senior season with a .411 batting average, 17 home runs, and a Clemson single-season record 71 RBIs.

Bleecker had seen Moore’s ability firsthand before knowing their paths would eventually come together.

“Maddie, your last year at Clemson, you hit .411 with 17 home runs and 71 RBIs. My daughters and I were sitting in the stands watching you play NC State when you hit two home runs. At the time, I had no idea we’d one day be standing on this stage together.”

Moore’s offensive production, defensive versatility, and competitiveness established her as one of the nation’s premier infielders.

“We’re incredibly proud of Maddie and excited to see her earn this opportunity with the Knoxville Miracle in the PSL. Throughout her time in our program, she proved to be a dynamic player who impacted the game on both sides of the ball. Her experience, versatility, and competitive mindset made her a valuable part of our team and will help her excel in this year-round training model. What stands out even more is the kind of person she is. Maddie is a tremendous teammate, a tireless worker, and someone who represented Clemson with class every day. We have no doubt she’ll continue to make an impact at the professional level, and we can’t wait to watch her next chapter unfold.”

McClain Adds Power, Versatility, and Proven Leadership

McClain joins the Miracle after establishing herself as one of the Sun Belt Conference’s most dynamic players.

A two-time First Team All-Sun Belt selection and two-time NFCA All-Region honoree, she became the first player in App State history to earn First Team All-Sun Belt recognition in consecutive seasons.

During her senior season, McClain batted .391 with 18 home runs and a 1.298 OPS.

Bleecker also recalled watching McClain compete in Knoxville before knowing she would eventually join the Miracle.

“Makayla, you hit .391 with 18 home runs and posted a 1.298 OPS, which is just ridiculous. When Appalachian State came to Knoxville, my daughters and I were sitting behind home plate when you announced your presence with authority by going yard off one of the greatest pitchers our game has ever seen, our very own Karlyn Pickens.”

McClain brings athleticism, power, defensive versatility, and a competitive presence to the Miracle’s developing roster.

“I couldn’t be more proud of Makayla. This opportunity with the Knoxville Miracle is a testament to the work she’s put in throughout her career and the player and person she has become. The Knoxville Miracle has created a model unlike any other that truly excites me for Makayla. Coach Snider, his staff, and the provided resources are going to take professional softball and future opportunities for the next generation to new heights. Makayla has left an incredible legacy here at App State. She helped raise the standard of our program and made a lasting impact on her teammates, our staff, and our fans. While we’re going to miss seeing her in a Mountaineer uniform, we’re excited to watch the next chapter of her journey. I have no doubt the Knoxville community is going to love the energy, competitiveness, and heart she brings every day. We can’t wait to watch her continue living out her dream as a professional softball player.”

The Foundation of a Franchise

Bleecker said the decisions made during the organization’s earliest months will shape what the Knoxville Miracle becomes for years to come.

“What started as a vision has become momentum. I believe one day we’ll look back on these moments and realize they weren’t simply announcements. They were the foundation.”

The Miracle are focused on bringing together athletes, coaches, and leaders who share a belief in the long-term future of professional softball.

“Organizations are built through planning. Movements begin when extraordinary people believe in the same future.”

He closed the announcement by emphasizing what Moore and McClain represent to the organization.

“Your talent brought you to our attention, but your character convinced us you belonged here. Thank you for believing in what we’re building, and thank you for saying yes to something bigger than yourselves.”

The organization expects to continue announcing foundational roster additions in the weeks ahead.

“This isn’t a roster rollout. It’s the foundation of a franchise. We’re not filling roster spots. We’re laying cornerstones.”

Welcome to the Knoxville Miracle, Maddie and Makayla.