October 13, 2025
Siegel High School
Six members of the Siegel High School athletics community were recently enshrined into the school’s Hall of Fame.
--Drew Benefield, baseball (2018): Andrew “Drew” Benefield emerged as one of the standout athletes at Siegel High School history. During his tenure with the Stars, Benefield distinguished himself as a two-time All-State selection (2016, 2017) and a three-time All-District and All-Region honoree. He also earned recognition as the 2017 Tennessee Mr. Baseball and a 2018 Mr. Baseball finalist. Benefield helped lead the Siegel Stars to a State Championship in 2016, leaving a lasting legacy within the program. His leadership, work ethic, and offensive prowess made him a cornerstone of Siegel’s baseball program and laid the foundation for his continued success.
Benefield continued his athletic career at the University of Louisville and Dallas Baptist University. He works in commercial bus sales and resides in Murfreesboro with his family.
--Blake Benefield, baseball (2015): As a Star, Blake’s senior season was exceptional. He batted .430 with five home runs and 35 RBIs, earning All-District, All-Area, and All-State recognition. His excellence was further honored with the 7-AAA Player of the Year award and Honorable Mention Perfect Game All-American honors. Even in his junior year, he had already showcased elite talent, hitting .400 with three home runs and 30 RBIs. He was selected to the all-district team as a sophomore, all-district, all-area and all-state as a junior, and repeated the same honors as a senior.
Benefield continued his athletic career at Middle Tennessee State University and currently works in the logistics industry.
--Deonte Cruse, football (2009): Born and raised in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Deonte’ Cruse began his football journey at Siegel High School, excelling as both an offensive and defensive lineman. While detailed high school statistics are limited, his dominance in the trenches earned statewide recognition, including 2008 Lineman of the Year, a Tennessee Top 66 Senior prospect and earned multiple team captain and All-Area selections.
Cruse continued his athletic career at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M and Oklahoma State University and carved out a decorated professional and indoor football career. Cruse currently serves as an offensive analyst at the University of Tennessee.
--Asha Phillips, volleyball (2016): Asha Phillips dominated for the Siegel Stars as an outside hitter and defensive dynamo. Over her final two seasons, she amassed 1,014 digs, 81 aces, and 386 kills, averaging 3.1 kills per set as a senior. She ranked in the top 3 in District, top 11 in Division AAA, and top 22 in Tennessee overall for key statistical categories. A multi-time Player of the Match, she earned 2015 AVCA Honorable Mention All-American recognition and captured All-Region (2015) and All-District (2014, 2015) honors, making a lasting mark on Siegel volleyball.
She continued her volleyball journey at University of Tennessee as a defensive specialist. Phillips earned recognition as a four-time SEC Academic Honor Roll honoree and received the Arthur Ashe Sports Scholar Award, and is pursuing doctoral studies in kinesiology at Ole Miss.
--Jacob Smith, football (2018): Jacob Smith, hailing from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, showcased exceptional athletic talent as both a punter and placekicker at Siegel High School. He earned all-state honors and was Siegel’s first-ever Mr. Football winner, marking a significant milestone for the school’s football program. During his senior season (2016–17), Smith averaged 42.7 yards per punt, with the 51 yards being the longest.
He continued his career at Middle Tennessee State University as a placekicker where he contributed as part of the Blue Raiders’ special teams unit. Smith resides in Murfreesboro with his wife.
--Charlie Davidson, contributor: Hailed as a gamechanger for Siegel High School and its athletes, he worked with school personnel, business leaders, and contractors to manage a $1 million stadium turf fundraising and building project in roughly six months.
Davidson graduated from MTSU with a marketing degree, but his connections with Siegel began with his wife and daughters. He is an affiliate broker with John Jones Realty and has been one of the group’s leading agents for more than eight years.