Burnet senior Journey Denton signs with Tarleton State

CAPTION: Burnet senior softball player Journey Denton (second from right) signs her National Letter of Intent to play for Tarleton State University as her mother, Sunya, big brother Jaxson, and dad Chris Denton look on. Photo by Martelle Luedecke/Luedecke Photography

Burnet High School senior softball player Journey Denton made her commitment to the Tarleton State University softball program official Nov. 12 when she signed her National Letter of Intent to become a Texann.

“I am absolutely sure that I found my home,” she said. “I walked on campus as a seventh grader, and I knew that I was at home because their traditions are exactly what I knew I needed and that I love, and it’s just a small town.”  

Denton was recruited as an outfielder and left-handed slapper.

“I think they recruited me as that because I am able to track down the ball pretty well,” she said. “I read the ball pretty well off the bat. And with my speed, I can get to a lot of balls.  I also use my speed on the offensive side, too. I can play small ball, but if I need to I can play long ball.” 

She credits her older brother, Jaxson Denton, for fueling her love of being on the diamond. First she followed him on the baseball field then switched to softball, a sport she has played since she was three years old.

“Baseball is kind of a slow game, and I like the speed,” she said. “I knew that I wanted to play softball. I like it because you get to play on a team and you get to cheer on your friends and your teammates. But it’s also based on your individual performance at the plate, and I like being able to help my team and I feel like it’s very individual. 

During the volleyball banquet Nov. 16, head coach Crystal Shipley announced Denton was the Lady Dawgs’ co-Most Valuable Player, had made the District 24-4A first team, was academic all-district and was second team academic all-state.

Burnet softball head coach Jayci Craig said “it is obvious why Tarleton wanted Journey to play for them.” She noted the athlete has won just about every individual award while playing softball, volleyball and basketball and was equally committed to taking care of business academically. Those awards have come from the Burnet programs themselves, coaches in District 24-4A and across the state.

“Beyond her work ethic, natural ability and high-level skill, her leadership and relentless motivation to win and grow have made her a sought-after recruit,” the coach said. “With her blend of talent, intelligence, leadership and unwavering competitiveness, Journey Denton has shown exactly why she has earned her place as a future Texann and why programs like Tarleton see her as a difference-maker for years to come.”

Craig said that Denton is a great fit in any locker room for a variety of reasons.

“She brings an unmatched work ethic and determination to everything she does, setting the tone for those around her,” the coach said. “Journey holds herself accountable and leads by example. She is always raising the bar and wanting the best for her and her teammates. Her discipline, drive and desire to always be her best make her a natural leader who pushes her teammates to rise to the occasion. Whether it’s in the weight room, on the field,or in the classroom, Journey’s commitment to excellence and team success makes her a cornerstone of any program she’s part of.”

She called Denton “a driving force in shaping the culture of the Lady Dawgs athletic program.”

“Her leadership and competitive spirit are evident across every sport she participates in,” Craig said. “She has set a standard for what it means to be a Lady Dawg — hardworking, selfless and relentlessly committed to both personal and team growth. She not only meets the standard for Burnet Lady Dawg athletics but exceeds our expectations regularly. We are so proud of her. Journey has helped establish a winning mindset and a family-like atmosphere that will continue long after she graduates. Her presence will be deeply missed, and the impact she’s had on her teammates and coaches will be felt for years to come. Without a doubt, she leaves behind big shoes to fill.”

The daughter of Sunya and Chris Denton plans to major in major in nutrition science with a double minor in kinesiology and communication sciences and disorders. 

“I ultimately, want to become a dietician, which is the six-year degree, so I’d have to go back for my master’s, which I can do at Tarelton , because I’m going in with enough hours to be able to do it,” Journey Denton said. “I’m entering Tarleton as a sophomore because of the classes I’ve taken in high school.” 

Denton is the fourth generation of her family to wear the Kelly green. She said “it’s been everything” to represent the Burnet Consolidated Independent School District community. From a young age, she was motivated to leave her mark and follow in the footsteps of her ancestors.

“I absolutely love it,” she said. “I watched my brother graduate from here, and he did multiple sports here, and I was like, ‘Ok, I need to be exactly like that. I need to go and make my mark.’ And so I feel like my family has left behind a legacy, and I just was hoping that I could do just as well. The community here is so close-knit and they’re so supportive of everything and I love being here.” 

While Denton’s accomplishments throughout the Burnet High School campus speak for themselves, Craig said it’s the senior’s attributes that can’t be measured with modern equipment that puts the youngster in a whole other category.

“Journey’s legacy goes beyond wins and stats,” she said. “She’s helped build a foundation of unity, discipline, and pride within the Lady Dawgs program. Her passion for competition and her ability to bring out the best in those around her make her truly special. Journey’s love for the program and its future athletes is evident in the way she constantly looks for opportunities to give back — whether it’s training and encouraging younger players, volunteering her time or making sure every athlete feels seen and valued. She is a great role model who sets the standard for what it means to be a Lady Dawg, and many of our younger students look up to her with admiration. Journey represents everything you want in a student-athlete: dedicated, humble and inspiring. I have no doubt in my mind she will continue to not only succeed but shine at Tarleton State University. They are truly lucky to have her.” 

She credits her family for this next phase, pointing out her parents always supported her as she played select softball and competed in as many as three sports in a single school year for Burnet.

“I would like to shout out my parents and my big brother,” she said. “To my parents for spending so much time and so much money taking me literally everywhere, and to my brother for being the one to make me fall in love with the sport and want me to do well and want me to work hard. He made sure that I knew that working hard was the only way for success.”