WEST POINT, Ala. — Last season was one to remember for the West Point Lady Warriors as they not only punched a ticket to regionals, but they also clinched a spot at the state tournament for the very first time in program history. Despite falling a few games short of winning the title, they still had an amazing season and West Point senior Bethany Minck talked about what she learned during that incredible run.
“It was definitely a great season, one that we’ll always remember. It takes a lot of hard work to go that far in the postseason but having teammates that are willing to work hard and having great coaches like coach Harbison and coach Josh guiding and pushing us is a great thing to have. This was my fourth season on varsity and year after year, you can see the talent and dedication grow every year with each player. I’m just proud to be a part of it.”
Bethany played with three amazing seniors in Carlie Wilkins, Braelee Quinn and Nikki Tyree, and she took away so much from her time playing with them.
“Our seniors last season had their own things they brought to our team. Nikki was always trying to keep everyone in an upbeat attitude and to stay positive no matter what. Braelee was there playing ball because she loves it; she already had a volleyball scholarship, but she still played softball for the love of the game and her school. Carlie’s hard work and extreme competitive drive to be the best player she could be really pushed and motivated all of us, especially myself. They are leaving some major big shoes to fill next year.”
Bethany has played for two great coaches so far at West Point and has soaked up as much as she can from them.
“They couldn’t be more different, but that’s what has made it great to play for both of them,” Minck said. “Coach Harbison is the more laid-back coach that makes us laugh and has fun. He really cares about everyone on the team and the program as a whole. Coach Josh is more of the in-your-face, go-hard type. Coach Harbison has taught me to enjoy the game and the people around the game of softball and coach Josh has taught me to never settle for being good, work hard to be even better.”
Bethany has been working on her game a lot during the summer and has learned so much during her softball career so far.
“I’ve been working on everything. I’ve been to six college camps, and I have three more to go to. I’ve been playing travel ball a lot and I still continue to see my hitting coach. My goal this summer is to do something softball-related every single day. I’m preparing myself to play at the next level and to be the best player and teammate I can be as a senior at West Point next year,” Minck said.
She added,
“I’ve learned that if you want to get better, you got to work. If you want to win, you got to work, and if you want to be a good leader, you got to work. I’ve also learned that if you have passion for the game, it’s easier to put in the work and it takes sacrifices to get where you want to go. I can’t wait to start my senior year and I’m really looking forward to everything that comes with it.”
Bethany talked about the experience that will be back this season and the team’s expectations as well.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if we made another state championship run next season because we have eight returning starters in the field, so our defense will still be really good. That will be a great confidence boost for our upcoming freshman pitcher Kara Jones, who is very good. We have some great, young, talented hitters moving up to help make up for losing Carlie’s and Braelee’s bats, plus we have eight or nine returning hitters that are working hard to be even better than last season. Personally, I’m expecting another successful season next year.”
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