By ANDREAS BUTLER /DAYTONA TIMES
(Source: Daytona Times)
The Bethune-Cookman University Wildcats softball team is rebuilding in 2026 with a young squad that has 17 freshmen.
Bethune-Cookman (10-18, 6-0) has been playing well lately, winning six of their last seven games, including their first six games in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. They currently sit atop the SWAC East Division.
The Wildcats swept the Alabama State University Hornets at home in a three-game series March 13-14.
“Honestly, I feel like having 17 freshmen; they have no expectations. They are just out there playing hard. They have put in a lot of work. We have challenged them and pushed them hard. They are stepping up to the challenges and expectations,” said Laura Watten, Bethune-Cookman’s head softball coach.
The Wildcats have senior center fielder Emma Bradley-Tse (.349BA, 6RBI, 30H, 19R, 9SB).
Their pitching and catching tandem of junior pitcher Sofia Vallejos-Coleman (2-3, 5.25ERA, 1CG) and freshman catcher Jasmine Manebo is coming along.
“Sofia is a great leader. She didn’t pitch much during her first two years. She is a great voice,” said Watten.
“Jasmine is strong and eager. She has a great arm.”
More key players
Junior second baseman Jessica Alaan and freshman shortstop Janel Morrisey (11RBI, 13SB, 17R) are also playing well.
“Janel has one of the best work ethics; she is one of the best kids that I’ve coached in a long time while Jessie is one of my best leaders on the field,” noted Watten.
There is also sophomore outfielder Alana Cypress (.303BA, 10RBI, 23H); redshirt senior infielder Aysiah Gonzalez (14RBI); freshmen outfielder Mia’Lani Mayo (.364BA); freshman pitcher Mia Gonzalez (5-9, 1 SV, 83.2IP); freshman first baseman Tauala Kweenkeenahlae (.306BA, 8RBI, 19H, 12R); freshman outfielder Zaria Bellinger (16H, 10R, 7RBI) and others.
Watten added, “We have so many that are just really all in. They love being coached, making adjustments, and getting better. It is good to see the kids having fun at this level and playing ball.”
The Wildcats could reap the rewards from a brutal non-conference schedule.
“I think the pre-conference schedule really helped us. Just playing at that level of competition has helped prepare us for conference play. I think the ladies are battle tested, and they continue to work through things. It hasn’t been pretty or perfect, but we are building up confidence,” expressed Watten.
Building good chemistry
Watten also has learned something about this squad over the season.
She emphasized, “This team has no fear. They have stayed in the moment. We have really stepped up and competed with some power 4 programs. I think that has built a bond and connection as well as served some personalities.
“We are starting to build some good chemistry. We are playing one pitch at a time. We’ve able to battle back in games. It has been fun to watch and fun to coach. This is a pretty well-rounded and solid group.”
Despite a rebuilding year, the goal is always to win a conference title. B-CU has a storied softball history and Watten, who is already a member of the school’s Hall of Fame, has been a part of it. She previously led the program from 1998-2005; she returned in 2015. She has over 800 career wins.
The Wildcats won 10 conference tournaments as a member of the MEAC (200-2004, 2010-2012, 2018-2019) and made 11 NCAA tournament appearances (2000-2005, 2010-2012, 2018-19) and one Super Regional appearance (2005). Bethune-Cookman is the only HBCU to win an NCAA Regional and play in a Super Regional.
Watten was there for it all except the 2010-2012 seasons. She also coached at Maryland for nine seasons.
It remains to be seen if she could lead this young group back to softball glory.
“We just can’t have a freshman mentality. There is attention span, a learning curve and game IQ. These kids are growing up. I am teaching them how to anticipate and play the game and not have to tell them on every single pitch and play,” responded Watten.
“We are young ones, and new ones but we all chose to be here. They all want to be here. They are all fighting for that name across their chests. I don’t care the talent level if you’ve got kids that want to fight and want to learn. If you are OK with that, I can help you get better and win a championship.”
Bethune-Cookman travels to Jackson, Mississippi to face the Jackson State University Tigers in a SWAC series March 20-21. They return home to host rival Florida A&M in another big SWAC series March 27-28.