By Tyler Waldrep
Auburn University softball did not end the season with a title, but the historic run will not be forgotten by the program or the players anytime soon.
Four of those players represented area schools. Former Spain Park student Madi Gipson and Mountain Brook’s Courtney Shea were joined by a pair of Hoover alums, Madison Dickey and Marcy Harper.
Shea said she enjoyed all of the support the team received recently. She said the team recognized its own potential from the very beginning.
“It’s amazing!” Shea said. “Knowing that Auburn has never made it this far and that our team will be in the record books is unexplainable.”
Auburn survived a high-scoring, 10-inning bout with UCLA to claim one of the final four spots in the Women’s College World Series. The Florida Gators ended up eliminating the Tigers in extra innings the following day.
Harper said there was a lot of pressure in those last two games. She said that even though the stakes were high, the coaches reminded the players that this was a reward that they should enjoy.
“Every girl dreams of playing in the Women’s College World Series and we were able to make that dream a reality,” Harper said. “I know this is only the beginning of something big for Auburn softball.”
Shea said the lessons she learned playing at Mountain Brook have stayed with her. She said one of the most important things she learned is the value of respecting others.
“[Respect and] hard work will take you a long way,” Shea said. “I think that has definitely helped me a lot, not only in life, but also playing here at Auburn.”
Harper also said that she benefited from lessons her high school coaches taught her. She said she cannot thank them enough for how well they prepared her for college.
“I learned that it takes hard work to achieve what you want in life,” Harper said. “A good work ethic and good attitude will pay dividends in the long run.”
