Freed-Hardeman University

As a Lady Lion

Caitlyn Carter (Vega) began her career as a Lady Lion with the first game of the 2015 season where she recorded a pair of hits. Those two hits would be the first of a program career record of 274 at the time of her induction. In her debut season, Carter collected 51 hits at a .432 average.

As if her freshman campaign was not good enough, she exploded to break the program's single-season hit record with 84 base knocks. One of the best hitters in the nation, Carter's .503 batting average was best in the nation. Known for her patience at the plate, she drew a career-high 10 walks in her sophomore season to end the year with a .531 on-base percentage and a career-best .635 slugging percentage.

In her junior season, Carter continued to dominate at the plate, collecting 55 base hits at a .437 batting average. 2017 was also her best year defensively as a middle infielder, ending the season with a .979 fielding percentage, committing just three errors in 143 chances. 

Going out with a bang, Carter tied her own single-season hit record with 84 hits in one fewer at-bats to give her a .506 batting average for the season.

At the time of her induction, Carter's name is found all over both the single season and career record books. The top three best batting averages belong to her with a record .506 in 2018, followed by her .503 in 2016, and .437 in 2017. Also holding the top two best on-base percentages, Carter reached base safely in .531 of her plate appearances in 2016 and .523 in 2018. Her 84 base hits in 2016 and 2018 remains the program record as of 2023. Her eight triples in 2018 broke her own record of six triples in 2016. 

Carter's .475 career batting average is the best in program history, as is her .500 on-base percentage. Her 274 base hits remains the program record by 48 hits while also holding the program record for most runs scored with 150. She by far has the program's best triples number, with her 18 three-baggers giving her the program record, 10 above the next highest.

"Caitlyn was our spark plug at the plate and made our offense successful," said FHU softball coach Todd Humphry. "When Caitlyn was on, we felt good about our chances. One of the most versatile players I've had the privilege to coach. A very determined player who had a work ethic that was hard to match."

After FHU

Carter graduated in 2018 with a degree in marketing. She is married to Reed Vega and has a four-month old daughter, Selah, and is currently a stay-at-home mom and a part-time artist.