Strength, Spirit, and Softball: Claire Mixon Heads to Gatlinburg Showcase

Strength, Spirit, and Softball: Claire Mixon Heads to Gatlinburg Showcase

GATLINBURG, Tenn. — Arendell Parrott Academy’s Claire Mixon isn’t just heading to one of the top high school softball showcases in the country—she’s arriving as a symbol of resilience, heart, and rising-star talent.

Mixon, a rising junior and key piece of the Lady Patriots softball program, has been selected to participate in the 2025 Gatlinburg Cap Classic, held May 27–29 at Rocky Top Sports World. The event features standout private and homeschool athletes from the graduating classes of 2025 through 2028, drawing attention from college scouts and recruiters across the nation.

But Claire’s road to this moment has been anything but typical.

Nominated by Rocky Mount Academy head coach Greg Brown, Mixon earned her invitation not just through her performance on the field, but through unshakable perseverance off it. In late 2024, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor and underwent surgery on Dec. 9. Weeks later—after a clear pathology report confirmed the tumor was non-cancerous—Mixon returned to training with her teammates, determined not to let adversity define her season.

Now medically cleared and under regular observation, she continues to move forward with the same drive that earned her the spotlight in the first place.

Though she’ll miss Thursday’s showcase games to attend her brother Cade’s graduation at Parrott Academy, Claire will still play a pivotal role at the Cap Classic. She’ll take part in training sessions, serve as an honorary coach, and deliver the event’s keynote address during Tuesday’s opening ceremony.

The Cap Classic, organized by Andrew Capps in partnership with National Scouting Report (NSR), has become a key recruiting stop for private school and homeschool talent across the Southeast. Beyond competition, the event offers high-level development, exposure, and a platform to elevate athletes to the next level.

For Claire Mixon, the invitation is more than a personal milestone—it’s a celebration of strength, spirit, and what’s still to come.