The 2025 Northwest Mississippi Community College Baseball/Softball Media Guide is a publication of the Northwest Sports Information Office. This publication was written and edited by Sports Information Director Brian Lentz, with contributions from assistant Sports Information Director Brian Oakley, student intern Thomas Hunt, and graphic designers Jennifer Corbin and Kevin Pitts. Additional editing provided by the Northwest Office of Marketing and Communications. Cover designed by Brian Lentz.
Photography provided by: Kevin Pitts, Brian Lentz, Brian Oakley, NJCAA, Kevin Maloney, Brett Brown, Lee Adams, Michael Miller, Gather Lacefield, Justin Ford, MaKenzi Curtis, Colby Bethany, Alyssa Pirani Julie Bauer, Sarah Smith, Carly Fox and Rocketeer yearbook archives. All records and award winners were compiled based off archived information from Northwest Mississippi Community College and the NJCAA. Any records or statistics not included in this publication can be submitted to the Sports Information Office by emailing Brian Lentz at blentz@northwestms.edu or by calling (662) 562-3303.
Contact information for coaches and staff can be found at nwccrangers.com and northwestms.edu. Conference information can be located on macccathletics.com, while national stats and information can be located at njcaa.org.
President: Dr. Michael J. Heindl (Hinds Community College, A.A. - 1994) (Mississippi College, B.S. - 1997) (Western Michigan, J.D. - 2001) (Mississippi State, Ph.D - 2011)
Director of Athletics: Jake Gordon (University of Utah) (Saint Leo University)
Conference: Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference Colors: Navy Blue (PMS 280), Scarlet Red (PMS 186), Valor Blue (), White Baseball Facility: Jim Miles Field
Location: Senatobia, Miss.
Softball Facility: Ranger Field Location: Senatobia, Miss.
Alma Mater, Year: Northwest Mississippi Community College (A.A. - 1989) University of Southern Mississippi (B.S. - 1991) Career Record: 539-358-2 (.601); 19 seasons Conference Record: 285-158 (.643)
Twitter: None
Assistant Coaches: Bill Selby (20th season)
Domenick Carlini (Eighth season)
Strength and Conditioning Coach: Randal Pharr (Fourth season)
orthwest Mississippi Community College is an open-access, public, two-year institution primarily serving Benton, Calhoun, DeSoto, Lafayette, Marshall, Panola, Quitman, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tunica, and Yalobusha counties. NWCC is a learning-centered community providing educational opportunities with quality instruction for students from all walks of life. Our college fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and student success. We strive for continuous improvement, with a standard of excellence in every area of the institution. Our college partners with businesses and industries that seek to grow the economy and the workforce, as well as partners with alumni, friends, and others. Engagement takes place in all communities that the college serves.
PROGRAMS OF STUDY
Northwest offers the pre-requisites you need to prepare for an exciting four-year degree at any of Mississippi’s colleges or universities. We also offer nearly 40 Career and Technical programs designed to teach students the practical skills needed for a wide variety of jobs in the workforce.
AREAS OF STUDY
Department of Business
Department of Education
Department of Fine Arts
Department of Languages and Communications
Department of Social Science
Department of Nursing
Department of Mathematics
Department of Natural Sciences
Career-Technical Education
School of Health Sciences
COST
Northwest is less than half the price of a Mississippi public college or university ($1,695 per semester versus an average $3,700 per semester).
FINANCIAL AID
Over 90 percent of Northwest students receive some sort of financial assistance.
STUDENTS
Over 7,000 students spread across six campuses located in Senatobia, Batesville, Olive Branch, Southaven, Ashland and Oxford. The current student to faculty ratio is 20:1.
Northwest offers 10 competitive athletic programs and is known state‐wide for its tradition of excellence in intercollegiate sports. The Rangers have won six national titles since 1982 in football, women’s basketball and cheer. Since 2000, over 350 Northwest student-athletes have gone on to play at over 150 different four-year schools around the country. Over 50 of those have gone on to play professionally.
STUDENT LIFE
Life at Northwest is so much more than classes and studying. Intramurals, athletics, clubs and organizations and campus activities give Northwest students a chance to unwind from classes and get involved on campus and in the community.
ACCREDITATION
Northwest Mississippi Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the Associate of Arts degree, the Associate of Applied Science degree and certificates in career education. Questions about the accreditation of Northwest Mississippi Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 6794500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
Northwest Mississippi Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or status as a veteran or disabled veteran in all its programs and activities. Northwest Mississippi Community College prohibits sexual harassment and all forms of sexual violence, regardless of sex, gender identity or sexual orientation. The following have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990/Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973: Disability Support Services Coordinator, Tate Hall, P.O. Box 7046, 4975 Highway 51 North, Senatobia, MS 38668, telephone number (662) 562-3309, e-mail address mkelsay@northwestms.edu; Title II of the Age Discrimination Act: Vice President for Finance and Administration, James P. McCormick Administration Building, P.O. Box 7017, 4975 Highway 51 North, Senatobia, MS 38668, telephone number (662) 562-3216, e-mail address jhorton@northwestms.edu; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972/Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: (For student-related matters) Associate Vice President for Student Services and Enrollment Management, Tate Hall, P.O. Box 7010, 4975 Highway 51 North, Senatobia, MS 38668, telephone number (662) 562-3409, e-mail address trush@northwestms.edu or (for employment-related matters) Director of Human Resources, James P. McCormick Administration Building, P.O. Box 7038, 4975 Highway 51 North, Senatobia, MS 38668, telephone number (662) 560-5216, email estanford@northwestms.edu.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
JAMIE ANDERSON Tallahatchie
DR. RACHELL ANDERSON Tunica
JERRY BARRETT Vice Chairman • Tate
STEVE BOSTICK Benton
JEAN ANN CASEY Calhoun ANGIE CRAWFORD Quitman
STEVE CUMMINGS Yalobusha
BILL DAWSON Marshall
ALEE’ DIXON Tate
DIANA GRIST Benton
SYLVIA HICKEY Tallahatchie
SAMMY HIGDON Yalobusha
BRENDA HOPSON Quitman
STURGIS MONTEITH DeSoto
JOHN T. LAMAR JR. Board Attorney • Tate DR. LISA LANGFORD Calhoun
MIKE MOORE Lafayette
DR. DELL PHILLIPS Panola
DR. CARRIE SKELTON Marshall
CORY USELTON Chairman • DeSoto
JAY FOSTER Lafayette
DOROTHY WILBOURN Panola
DR. MICHAEL J. HEINDL PRESIDENT
Dr. Michael J. Heindl was selected as the ninth president of Northwest Mississippi Community College by the college’s Board of Trustees during a special meeting held April 26, 2018 on the Senatobia campus.
A native of Clinton, Heindl heads the state’s third-largest community college with a current enrollment of over 7,000 students on six campuses and online.
Heindl, a community college graduate, brings with him to Northwest experience in a number of areas, including finance, technology, legal issues, human resources, emergency management, campus leadership, student services, workforce training and admissions.
Heindl holds a Ph.D. in community college leadership from Mississippi State University (2011), a Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School at Western Michigan University (2001), a B.S. in psychology from Mississippi College (1997) and an Associate of Arts in general studies/music from Hinds Community College (1994).
He began his career in education in 2001 as golf tournament coordinator at Hinds Community College and also served as an intern for the Mississippi Supreme Court while working on his law degree during that time. In July, 2001 he became dean of students for Wesley College in Florence before being named district director of Admissions and Records at Hinds in 2003.
In 2006, Heindl was program specialist for Career and Technical Education at the Mississippi Community College Board, where some of his responsibilities included coordination for all career-technical programs and workforce training for the state’s 15 community colleges.
In 2007 he returned to Hinds, where he worked for four years as dean of students for the Rankin County Campus before being named vice president of the Jackson County Campus of MGCCC in 2011. A year later, he moved into the position of executive vice president of Administration and Finance.
In addition to his administrative experience, Heindl has 17 years of teaching experience, having served as an adjunct instructor for legal courses in both the Department of Business and in the Career-Technical paralegal program at Hinds. He has also taught graduate-level courses in higher education law at Mississippi College and was an adjunct professor teaching Community College Legal Issues in the Community College Leadership doctoral program at Mississippi State University
Active in a number of professional groups and community organizations, Heindl served as president-elect of the Community College Business Officers Association (CCBO), a member of the Gulf Coast Business Council Master’s Class and the Education Strategic Planning Committee for the Mississippi Coast, on the Planning Committee for Leadership Mississippi and an Angel runner for Ainsley’s Angels, a national organization that provides racing/running experiences for special needs individuals.
He has served as a member of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Commission on Structured Pathways, Statewide Dual Enrollment and Advanced Placement Task Force and was on the MGCCC District Athletic Council. He also assisted other colleges with the accreditation process by serving on the Finance Accreditation Review Team for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
J.
with his
Among his many accomplishments are the MGCCC Master Trainer Award, CCBO Outstanding Chief Business Officer Award, and Mississippi Top Ten Business Leaders Under 40. He has participated in leadership programs including the AACC Future Presidents Institute, Mississippi Economic Council, Leadership Mississippi and Leadership DeSoto County. Dr. Heindl was also named as a 2021 Top CEO by the Mississippi Business Journal, and most recently, he was nominated to serve on the Board of Directors of the American Association of Community Colleges.
Heindl is married to the former Jennifer Ingram, and the couple have three children: Taryn (28), Harrison (20) and Nicholas (18), along with a grandson, Jayson (9).
Under the leadership of DR. MICHAEL J. HEINDL, Northwest has experienced growth in numerous areas. One of those areas include overall facilities, a plan that included upgrades at Bobby Franklin Field, a new, state-of-the-art softball/soccer facility and a new baseball facility, slated for completion in Spring 2025.
DR. MICHAEL
HEINDL pictured
wife, Jennifer, children Taryn (28), Harrison (20) and Nicholas (18), and grandson, Jayson (9). Heindl was selected as the College’s ninth president on April 26, 2018.
DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS JAKE GORDON
Jake Gordon enters his third year as the Director of Athletics for Northwest Mississippi Community College.
In his two full years of leadership, Gordon has overseen the growth of the Northwest athletic program, helping bring back men’s golf and be one of two Mississippi JUCOs to start a women’s golf program. The two sports will begin competing this fall.
Meanwhile, the Rangers have thrived across the board during Gordon’s tenure. The Northwest football team continues to reach the postseason, while the men’s and women’s tennis teams both made their respective NJCAA tournament debuts in 2023 and 2024. Additionally, the Northwest women’s soccer program has made back-to-back appearances in the NJCAA Division II Women’s Soccer Championship tournament, while also capturing their first NJCAA Region 23 title in program history.
One of Gordon’s first hires at Northwest, rodeo coach Will Lummus, has raised the bar of success for the Ranger rodeo program. After sending Colby Burgess to the College National Finals Rodeo in 2023, the Northwest men’s rodeo team had five athletes compete in the CNFR during the summer of 2024.
Additionally, Gordon was also responsible for hiring an entirely new women’s basketball coaching staff, led by head coach and 2023 Northwest Sports Hall of Fame inductee LaTaryl Williams. In his second season, Williams’ squad made it to the first round of the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament. Other sports, such as baseball and softball, have also continued to reach the postseason during Gordon’s tenure.
Gordon has made it a point to highlight the Rangers’ success in the classroom as well, establishing the inaugural Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for the 2022-23 academic year. He also appointed Charlesy Kennedy to the role of athletic academic advisor, while establishing Tori Fugatt’s role as football academic advisor. Together, the duo helped 175 student-athletes earn recognition to the Fall 2023 Athletic Director’s Honor Roll and 142 to the spring edition. Northwest also had three teams (football, baseball, volleyball) earn MACCC All-Academic Team of the Year recognition, while the Ranger football program garnered NJCAA AllAcademic Team of the Year honors.
Gordon came to Northwest in July 2022 from Blinn College in Brenham, Texas, where he spent three seasons as the assistant athletic director for the Buccaneers. While at Blinn, he was in charge of eligibility of all student-athletes, gameday operations and live streaming all home games on the college’s YouTube channel.
Gordon has nine years of experience at the NJCAA level, previously serving two seasons as the assistant athletic director at Lakeland Community College in Kirtland, Ohio. While at Lakeland, he assisted with the day-to-day operations of the athletic department, eligibility and the Athletic and Fitness Center. Gordon was also in charge of athletic communications, administered the website, promoted the College’s seven NJCAA Division II sports programs, administered an academic tracking system for student-athletes, oversaw the academic retention program for student athletes and held event management duties.
Prior to his tenure at Lakeland, Gordon also had an earlier stint at Blinn College as the communication and sports information specialist for three seasons. Gordon was instrumental in providing coverage to the media on the Buccaneers’ national championship volleyball program in 2014, four national titles in cheer and dance and three national tournament appearances for volleyball, softball and women’s basketball.
Since being hired as the college’s athletic director in June 2022, JAKE GORDON has helped Northwest grow both on and off the field. In addition to reviving men’s golf and adding women’s golf, Gordon has also helped establish student-athletes’ success in the classroom.
Gordon worked at various newspapers in Utah prior to his arrival at Blinn, including the Salt Lake Tribune, Tooele Transcript-Bulletin, Deseret News and The Vernal Express. While at The Vernal Express, he served as the sports editor, covering high school and local sports for Uintah County, designing sports pages and maintaining the sports section of the website.
Gordon is a native of Tooele, Utah and received his bachelor’s degree in mass communication from the University of Utah and Master of Business Administration in sports administration from Saint Leo University. He and his wife, Tiffany, have two children, Lucy and Andrew.
NORTHWEST ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS
Office: (662) 562-3303
Fax: (662) 562-3303
Mailing Address:
MEDIA INFORMATION
COVERAGE
Northwest Mississippi Community College Athletic Communications Department 4975 Hwy. 51 North Senatobia, MS 38668
SPORTS INFORMATION CONTACTS
BRIAN LENTZ
Director of Sports Information Cell: (901) 626-7885 Office: (662) 562-3303
Email: blentz@northwestms.edu
X (Twitter): @BrianJLentz
BRIAN OAKLEY
Assistant Director of Sports Information Office: (662) 562-3269
Email: boakley@northwestms.edu
X (Twitter): @briansoakley
Northwest Mississippi Community College maintains a comprehensive official athletic department website. Up-to-date information, including schedules, statistics, rosters, player signings and news releases for all nine sports are provided on the award-winning nwccrangers.com. In-game live stats, live video and live audio is available for each Ranger football contest. Fans can also follow the team on numerous social media outlets, by searching the username @NWCC_Rangers. Additionally, fans can follow the baseball and softball programs on Twitter/X at @NWCCBaseball and @NWCCSoftball. The Northwest sports information department, consisting of Brian Lentz and Brian Oakley, maintain the athletic website.
CREDENTIALS
Media or photo credentials are required for admittance to Northwest basketball games for working media. However, it is requested that media seeking to cover a game contact the sports information director prior to avoid additional problems. For further inquiries, contact Brian Lentz at (662) 562-3303 or at blentz@northwestms.edu.
PRESS SERVICES
Media guides, game notes, rosters, results and statistics are updated daily on the college’s athletic website, nwccrangers.com. Stat files and other game materials can be printed for media upon request. An official NJCAA box score and play-by-play information may be obtained from the sports information director approximately 15 minutes following the conclusion of the game.
INTERVIEWS
All player and coach interviews must be arranged through the sports information director. Coaches and athletes will be available following games after a brief 10-minute cooling off period. The best time to interview coaches is typically in the mornings, Monday through Wednesday. The best time to interview student-athletes is directly after weekday practices around 5:00 p.m.
GAME BROADCASTS
Broadcast media in attendance are requested to contact the sports information director at least 24 hours prior to the game in question. All Northwest home games will air on Ranger TV, unless otherwise noted. Ranger TV is available worldwide by visiting nwccrangers.com/watch.
Sports Information Director Brian Lentz will once again serve as the primary play-by-play voice of all Northwest baseball and softball games on Ranger TV, with various guest commentators throughout the season, including Josh Guest, Matt Infield, Tyler Springs, Gary Darby and Jake Long.
DR. ANDREW DALE Associate Vice President for Community Relations
SARAH SMITH Communications Specialist
MATTHEW MIXSON Video Coordinator & Digital Media Specialist
JENNIFER CORBIN Graphic Designer
CARLY FOX Assistant Director of Marketing & Strategic Communications
KEVIN PITTS Graphic Designer & Communications Specialist
BASEBALL
COACHES AND ROSTER
HEAD COACH MARK CARSON
Mark Carson will enter his 20th season as the head baseball coach at Northwest in 2025, sporting a career record of 539-358-2 and a .601 winning percentage.
Carson collected his 500th career win on April 4, 2023, as the Rangers defeated Coahoma 20-4 in Game 1 of a conference doubleheader. The 500-win milestone has only been reached by one other coach, Jim Miles, who collected 556 career wins in a career that spanned from 1976-97.
In conference play, Carson is now 285-158, good for a winning percentage of .643.
Prior to the 2023 season, Carson had guided Northwest to 12 straight postseason appearances, not counting a shortened COVID-19 season in 2020. Since taking over in 2006, Carson has guided the Rangers to nine 30-win seasons and 15 consecutive winning seasons, spanning from 2007-22.
Despite a rare miss on the postseason in 2023, Carson and Northwest bounced back in a big way during the 2024 campaign, fielding a 37-17 overall record and a 21-7 mark in the MACCC. The program’s 37-win total was the most victories in a single season since 2007, and the Rangers also made it through the entire conference slate without being swept in a single doubleheader.
The 2024 season saw the Rangers make a return to the postseason, but the stay was cut short by a red-hot Hinds team in the first round playoff series. Despite the early exit, several players left their names in the record books for both single-season and career categories, highlighted by Jacob Hill’s career record of 62 stolen bases. NJCAA/ABCA Gold Glove winner Cade Greer also finished his two-year stint with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage, joining Chad Wardlaw and Peyton Martin as the only three Northwest players to finish with a perfect fielding percentage with a minimum of 140 chances.
Additionally, six members of the 2024 squad signed to four-year programs, led by Greer (Memphis), James Smith (Memphis), Matthew Roncalli (UAB) and Mason Shropshire (UT-Martin). Additionally, Hill and Cade Leatherwood both inked with Delta State University.
In 2023, Northwest fielded a 23-26 overall record and were still in play for the final postseason spot going into the regular season finale against Pearl River. Six members of the 2023 team signed to the four-year level, led by pitchers Brayden Sanders (Memphis) and Brooks Rice (Samford). The other signees included pitcher Logan Eldridge (Delta State), pitcher C.J. Lofton (Mississippi College), infielder/catcher Eli Selby (Rhodes College) and infielder Dawson Griffin (Freed-Hardeman University).
Northwest finished the 2022 season with a 26-24 overall record and rebounded from a slow start to go 10-6 in conference games during the month of April. That turnaround took the Rangers from the outside looking in to the ninth and final slot in the NJCAA Region 23 Playoffs, where Northwest took a three-game series from No. 7 Meridian to stun the Eagles and advance to the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament.
Carson’s club produced six All-MACCC honorees, including MACCC Player of the Year Ryan Lee. A native of Cleveland, Tenn., Lee lit up opposing pitchers for a .402 batting average with 12 doubles, 16 home runs, 52 RBIs and a .902 slugging percentage, leading the team in each of those categories. The Little Rock signee left Senatobia with a multitude of awards, including MACCC Player of the Year and NJCAA Division II Second Team All-American honors.
Lee concluded his time at Northwest ranking fourth in single-season home runs, third in slugging percentage, tied for fourth in runs scored (58), sixth in walks (35) and tied for ninth in both RBIs (52) and total bases (119). Additionally, he fielded .975 with 245 putouts and six runners caught stealing.
Additionally, five other players signed or committed to four-year programs, including John Luke Marlin (UAB), Caleb Hobson (UT Martin), Connor Spencer (Southeastern Louisiana), Zach Willingham (South Alabama) and Colton Presley (Delta State).
Carson and his staff have also been instrumental in developing players and helping them get to the next level, both collegiately and professionally, with 146 moving onto four-year schools and 17 being drafted by Major League Baseball during his tenure. Northwest had a record four players drafted in 2013, including All-American LHP Cody Reed by the Kansas City Royals at 46th overall, the highest selection in program history.
Carson was named the Region XXIII Coach of the Year in 2007 after leading the Rangers to a third NJCAA World Series appearance. Northwest ended the 2007 campaign with a 40-17 (14-2 MACJC) record and fourth place overall finish in NJCAA Division II.
Before taking over as head coach in 2006, Carson served as assistant coach for the Rangers for eight seasons from 1998-2005. During that span, Carson helped lead Northwest to a 271-120-4 record alongside head coach Donny Castle, capturing four north division championships (‘99, ‘00, ‘02, ‘05) and a state championship in 2000.
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HEAD COACH MARK CARSON
Prior to Northwest, Carson spent six seasons as head baseball coach and defensive coordinator at Briarcrest Christian School in Memphis. In 1997, Carson led the baseball team to a 23-8 mark and claimed the District-15AA Championship. He ended his tenure with a career mark of 93-52 and was twice named district Coach of the Year. Carson was inducted into the Briarcrest Hall of Fame in 2013.
THE CARSON FILE: PERSONAL:
Hometown: Independence, Miss.
Education: Northwest Mississippi Community College (A.A.) - 1989
University of Southern Mississippi (B.S.) - 1991
Family: Shelia (Wife)
Hadley (Daughter)
A 1989 graduate of Northwest, Carson saw action on the mound and at third base for the Rangers during his career. A two-time all-state selection, Carson hit .323 for his career with seven home runs and also went 7-3 on the mound with a 3.03 ERA. He was voted team captain his sophomore season, playing in the JUCO All-Star Game and being selected as an NJCAA Academic All-American.
Carson went on to play his final two seasons at Southern Mississippi, where he recorded an 18-5 record on the mound over two years, including an 11-2 record as a senior – the second most wins in USM single-season history. He was named to the All-Metro Conference Commissioner’s List in 1991 as well as team captain and an Academic All-American.
He went on to sign a free agent contract with the Cincinnati Reds in 1991, playing one season for its minor league affiliate.
Carson was inducted into the inaugural 2016 class of the Independence High School Athletic Hall of Fame where he was a four-year letterman in baseball and three-year letter-winner in football and basketball. He was named team MVP in all three sports his senior year and was also president of the senior class and elected Mr. IHS.
Carson is married to the former Shelia Lusher of Independence and the two have a 19-year-old daughter, Hadley.
PLAYING EXPERIENCE:
1988-89: Northwest Mississippi Community College
1990-91: University of Southern Mississippi
1991: Cincinnati Reds organization
COACHING EXPERIENCE:
1992-97: Briarcrest Christian School (Head Baseball Coach; Assistant Football Coach)
1998-05: Northwest Mississippi Community College (Assistant Baseball Coach)
2006-present: Northwest Mississippi Community College (Head Baseball Coach)
After a brief stint in the Cincinnati Reds organization and a five-year stop coaching at Briarcrest Christian School, MARK CARSON returned to Northwest as an assistant baseball coach in 1998, serving on the staff of future Northwest Sports Hall of Famer Donny Castle.
Coach MARK CARSON captured his 500th career victory on April 4, 2023 against Coahoma, joining all-time winningest coach Jim Miles as one of only two Northwest baseball coaches to surpass the 500-win milestone.
ASSISTANT COACH BILL SELBY
BILL SELBY ASSISTANT COACH
Prior to joining Northwest in 2006, Selby put the wraps on his 14-year professional baseball career that spanned from 1992-2005 and included stops with the Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox. He was drafted by the Red Sox in the 13th Round (366th overall) of the 1992 MLB Draft, spending five seasons with the organization.
Longtime assistant and 2017 MACJC Sports Hall of Fame inductee Bill Selby enters his 20th season with the Northwest baseball program in 2025. Selby helps in all aspects of NWCC baseball, including serving as the Rangers’ hitting instructor and third base coach.
Since joining Carson’s staff in 2006, Selby has helped develop 146 four-year players and 17 Major League Baseball draft picks.
Northwest has seen great success at the plate under his watch, ranking among the nation’s best in batting average. In 2024, the Rangers hit .314 as a team and totaled 506 base hits, the most in a season since totaling 599 in 2007 - his second season as the Northwest assistant coach.
Selby and the Rangers were also productive in several other categories, including runs batted in (RBI), totaling 321 for the season. Northwest was also walked 286 times, a new program record, while also setting a new team record with 143 stolen bases.
One of the main leaders in the stolen base category was Jacob Hill, who broke the Rangers’ stolen bases record with 62 career steals. Hill, who later signed with Delta State, finished with 42 steals last season alone, coming up four shy of breaking Dalton Dulin’s singleseason record of 46 (2015).
Hill was also reliable at the plate as well, accounting for 66 hits last season, entering the program record books in a tie for 10th-most single season hits. His teammate, Cade Greer, led the way with 71 base hits and 17 doubles, which joined six other former Rangers for the most doubles in a single season.
Though Northwest finished under .300 at the plate over the last three seasons, catcher Ryan Lee provided a bright spot in 2022, hitting .402 on the season and earning NJCAA AllAmerican accolades. Lee was also named Player of the Year for NJCAA Region 23 and signed with Little Rock following his one-year stint in Senatobia.
Another bright spot over the 2021-22 seasons was Caleb Hobson. The outfielder and Pontotoc native batted well over .300 for his career and signed with UT-Martin following his time at Northwest, and was later drafted to the Colorado Rockies organization in the summer of 2023.
In a shortened 2020 campaign, the Rangers hit 13 home runs and batted .321 in 15 games. Prior to that, Northwest pounded out 55 home runs in 2019, 13th-most in the country, and slugged .490. Northwest has finished in the Top 30 in the NJCAA five times in average, including 18th in 2014 with a .327 average – second best in the state.
Selby also plays a big role in the Rangers’ aggressive play on the basepaths. The signal caller has seen Northwest steal 100 bases in five of the last nine seasons, including 126 in 2015, tying the school-record set in 2013. Northwest swiped 117 bags in 2014, 108 in 2012 and 104 in 2011.
Since his arrival in 2006, the Rangers have amassed an overall record of 539-358-2 (.601) and 285-158 (.643) mark against conference and former division opponents. Northwest has missed the postseason only twice in his 19 seasons, captured the 2007 and 2011 MACJC North Division Championship and has played for the MACJC Championship three times.
Selby played in 198 total MLB games, with a .223 career batting average. Mostly used off the bench, Selby hit a career high six home runs in 2002 with the Indians. The most dramatic of those home runs came on July 14, when he hit a walk-off grand slam against 13-time All-Star and five-time World Series champion Mariano Rivera to defeat the New York Yankees, 10-7, in the bottom of the 9th inning. It was the first walk-off home run that Rivera had allowed in his career.
Selby became the sixth player in Buffalo Bisons (Triple-A) club history to be inducted into the Buffalo Baseball Hall of Fame on August 25, 2007. In the Bisons’ modern era, Selby ranks first in hits (378), doubles (90), RBI (245) and runs (217). He’s second in games played (370) and third in home runs (60). Selby was the team’s MVP in 1999 (.295, 20 homers, 85 RBI) and played in the 2000 Triple-A All-Star Game in Rochester, New York.
Selby closed his career by being named to the Mexican League All-Star Team while playing for the Campeche Pirates, batting .318 with 25 home runs and 93 RBIs. Before joining the Pirates, he played minor league ball with the Memphis Redbirds and Iowa Cubs. Other career highlights include being named a Carolina League All-Star in 1994 and International League All-Star in 2000.
A 2008 inductee into the Northwest Sports Hall of Fame, Selby was the Rangers’ MVP in his only season in 1990, hitting a single-season school record .477 from the plate with 14 home runs, 13 doubles and 43 RBIs. He was named an All-State and All-Region 23 selection at season’s end.
Selby played his final two seasons for Southern Mississippi, where he was a teammate of current head coach Mark Carson. His name is still scattered in the Golden Eagles’ record books, owning single-season school records for home runs (23), doubles (31) and slugging percentage (.824) and ranking in the top 10 in numerous career categories despite playing just two years. He was inducted into the USM M-Club Hall of Fame in 2011.
Selby is married to the former Teri Capers of Walls, a former Northwest cheerleader. The couple have two children, Erica and Eli (21).
Since
joining Carson’s staff in the 2006 season, former Northwest baseball player and Major League Baseball veteran BILL SELBY has developed countless hitters, bolstering the Rangers’ performance at the plate year after year.
ASSISTANT COACH DOMENICK CARLINI
DOMENICK CARLINI ASSISTANT COACH
Former Ranger and professional baseball player Domenick Carlini will enter his eighth season in 2025 as an assistant with Northwest, where he works primarily with pitchers.
Since joining the Rangers’ coaching staff in 2018, Carlini has helped develop 26 pitchers that have continued their careers at the four-year level. Additionally, two of his pitchers have been selected in the Major League Baseball draft - Dalton Fowler (drafted twice in 2019 and 2023) and Connor Spencer (2024).
Carlini’s pitching staffs have struck out 300 or more batters throughout the season since 2019, and his 2022 staff set the Rangers’ record for 428 strikeouts. His 2019 squad ranks second (379), followed by his 2023 pitching staff in third (375) and his 2024 staff in fourth with 339 strikeouts.
Last season’s pitching unit also allowed just 27 home runs, the fewest since 2019. His 2024 group also pitched a record 402.1 innings, led by 73.2 frames from Scott Sharp. The 2024 unit combined for 5.71 ERA but held opposing batters to a batting average of .271.
Two of his pitchers from last season signed with NCAA Division I programs - James Smith (Memphis) and Mason Shropshire (UT-Martin).
Though the Rangers struggled in 2023 both at the plate and on the mound, six of Carlini’s pitchers advanced to the four-year level, led by Brayden Sanders (Memphis), Brooks Rice (Samford) and Logan Eldridge (Delta State).
Carlini’s 2022 pitching staff was led by the aforementioned Sanders, South Alabama signee Zach Willingham and UAB signee John Luke Marlin. In 2021, the Rangers posted a 5.46 ERA and held opposing batters to a .275 batting average.
Despite a shortened 2020 campaign due to COVID-19, Carlini’s pitching staff posted solid numbers through the first 15 games of the season. Collectively, the Rangers posted a 2.27 ERA with 148 strikeouts as part of a Top 10 national ranking and a 14-1 overall record, the best start in program history.
Carlini’s pitchers accounted for five of the Rangers’ six four-year signees, including Dalton Fowler (Oklahoma), Parker Stinnett (Mississippi State), Landon Zizmann (Delta State), Jackson Smith (Mississippi College) and Trent Bunting (Arkansas-Monticello).
In 2019, Northwest’s pitching staff posted a 4.05 ERA, the 19th-best in the NJCAA, with the most strikeouts (379) and lowest opponent batting average (.241) in program history.
Four pitchers earned all-conference honors, with Fowler and Parker Stinnett earning First Team All-MACJC recognition and Carson Stinnett and Colton Peel being named to the second team. Fowler was also drafted by the New York Mets in the 27th round and former Ranger Peyton Plumlee was taken in the 31st round by the Houston Astros.
The Nesbit native and DeSoto Central product spent two seasons in minor league baseball after being drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 21st round of the 2016 MLB Draft out of Southeastern Louisiana. Carlini was originally assigned to the Elizabethton Twins (Rookie) in 2016 and spent the 2017 season with the Cedar Rapids Kernels (Single-A).
Carlini was 8-2 with a 2.03 ERA and two complete games in 16 appearances for the SELU Lions as a senior en route to Second Team All-Southland Conference honors and an NCAA Regional berth. In 97.1 innings of work, Carlini held opposing hitters to a .206 batting average while striking out 63 against 36 walks. He was 1-0 with three saves as a junior.
His lone summer ball stint was with the St. Cloud Rox after his junior year at SELU, going 5-2 with a 2.68 ERA and 44 strikeouts in 57 innings pitched.
Carlini pitched the 2013-14 seasons for Northwest, helping the Rangers to back-to-back 30-win seasons and posting a 7-8 career record with five complete games, two saves and a 3.04 ERA. He struck out 119 batters (fourth-most in school history) against 35 walks in 119.2 career innings pitched.
He was named “Mr. Ranger” after his sophomore season in addition to earning Second Team All-MACJC honors. Carlini was also selected the MACJC Pitcher of the Week on April 8, 2014, to kick off his sophomore campaign.
Carlini is married to the former Lauren Carson of Independence, a Northwest graduate and former Ranger cheerleader. The couple has two daughters, Ridley Anne (6) and Adeline (2).
A former standout pitcher for Northwest, DOMENICK CARLINI joined the Northwest coaching staff prior to the 2019 season. Prior to rejoining the Rangers, Carlini was working his way through the Minnesota Twins’ minor league farm system.
2025 ROSTER
2
13
15
16
23
24 Rudy Baldwyn
25 Jace
26
27
28
32 McClain
34 Carson
35
36 Eli Deberry
37 Thomas
Blue Springs, Miss. (East Union Attendance Center)
Southaven, Miss. (Northpoint Christian School)
Jackson, Tenn. (Jackson Christian School)
Madison, Miss. (Madison-Ridgeland Academy)
Arlington, Tenn. (Arlington HS)
Hernando, Miss. (Hernando HS)
2025 ROSTER
2024 [Freshman]:
1
ROB HAYES
Infielder • 5-10 • 170 • Sophomore
Southaven, Miss. • Northpoint Christian School
Helped Northwest to a 37-17 overall record and the first round of the NJCAA Region 23 playoffs last season...played in 16 games, drawing six starts...finished with nine hits on the season, including a double and five RBIs...lone extra base hit of the season came on February 13 against Arkansas State Mid-South...earned a pair of RBIs in an April 1 contest against Jackson State (Tenn.)...off the field, a member of the President’s List for the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters, while also being named to the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll twice.
High School:
Played for head coach Stephen Kirkpatrick at Northpoint Christian School...helped the Trojans to a 35-6-1 overall record and the TSSAA Division II-A State Championship...as a senior, batted .403 with 33 RBIs and 46 runs scored...also stole 24 bases and tallied a .940 fielding percentage...was also part of two state runner-up teams in 2021 and 2022...guided Northpoint Christian to three district titles from 2021-23 and a regional championship in 2022...two-time all-region and all-district selection (2022-23)... received All-Metro honors as a junior...off the field, was named Summa Cum Laude and a member of the National Honors Society...also a member of Mu Alpha Theta and the 30+ ACT Club...received interest from several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Emily and Robbie Hayes...father, Robbie, played for Southwest Mississippi and Mississippi State...hobbies include fishing, golfing, watching college football and attending church...area of study is undecided...nickname is “Rob”...born March 29, 2004.
Played for head coach Justin Reed at Tupelo...helped the Golden Wave to an 18-10 overall record as a senior...batted .430 with a .500 on-base percentage, finishing with 40 base hits on the season...was voted as 2024 Mr. Baseball for Class 7A and the 2024 Mississippi Association of Coaches Player of the Year...also voted for Player of the Year honors by the Northeast Mississippi Coaches Association for Better Baseball (NEMCABB)...received recruiting interest from numerous programs, including Mississippi State, Southern Miss, Memphis, North Alabama, Louisiana and several MACCC teams.
Personal:
Son of Nikki and Justin Reed...has a younger sister, Emmi Rose (16)...enjoys playing golf and hunting in his spare time...studying business administration...born March 24, 2005.
Helped Northwest to a 37-17 overall record and the first round of the NJCAA Region 23 playoffs last season...played in 33 games, drawing 19 starts...finished with 16 hits on the season, including 10 RBIs...also made 13 appearances on the mound, including one career start...struck out 12 batters against 10 walks in 28.0 innings pitched...compiled a 5.46 ERA and notched his only career save in an April 24 road win at Itawamba...pitched a career-best seven innings in an April 19 win against Mississippi Gulf Coast...off the field, a member of the President’s List for the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters, while also being named to the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll twice.
High School:
Played for head coach Chris McMinn at Magnolia Heights...helped the Chiefs to a 40-3 overall record and the MAIS Class 5A State Championship last season...was part of multiple state championship teams at MHS...as a senior, batted .374 with nine doubles, three triples and four home runs...earned All-MAIS Class 5A honors...off the field, named Valedictorian and President of the school’s National Honor Society...also a member of the student council.
Personal:
Son of Carman and Jason Jenkins...has three siblings: Molly (22), Houston (15) and Maggie (14)...studying biology...nickname is “Boogie”...born July 13, 2004.
Helped Northwest to a 37-17 overall record and the first round of the NJCAA Region 23 playoffs last season...made 14 appearances on the mound, including 11 starts...threw three complete games and issued 41 strikeouts against 30 walks in 59 innings pitched... was part of a shutout and a combined shutout...tossed a season-high seven innings in an April 17 win against East Mississippi, while issuing a career-best six strikeouts in a March 26 victory against Holmes...off the field, named to the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters.
High School:
Played for head coach Eric Reynolds at Saltillo...helped the Tigers to a 23-7 record and the playoffs as a senior...selected All-Region Individually and State Champions as a Team...off the field, a member of the Beta Club.
Personal:
Son of Amy and Guy McCoy...has three siblings: Smythe, Mary Dru and Addie Mae...enjoys going to the gym in his spare time...area of study is undecided...nickname is “GMAC”... born April 20, 2005.
Helped Northwest to a 37-17 overall record and the first round of the NJCAA Region 23 playoffs last season...made 14 appearances on the mound, including 11 starts...threw three complete games and issued 41 strikeouts against 30 walks in 59 innings pitched... was part of a shutout and a combined shutout...tossed a season-high seven innings in an April 17 win against East Mississippi, while issuing a career-best six strikeouts in a March 26 victory against Holmes...off the field, named to the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters.
High School:
Played for head coach Allen Pavette at Madison-Ridgeland Academy...helped the Patriots to a 36-6 record and the playoffs as a senior...concluded his high school career with the most wins by a pitcher in school history...received recruiting interest from a handful of MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Megan and Brian Jones...has two brothers, Bryson (25) and Brayden (23)...mother, Megan, played basketball at Copiah-Lincoln Community College (1991-93) and McNeese State (1993-94), earning NJCAA All-American honors while at Co-Lin...brother, Bryson, competed in golf at Co-Lin (2018-20) and Mississippi College (2020-23), earning an MACJC Individual State Championship while at Co-Lin...brother, Brayden, currently plays baseball at Ole Miss...enjoys hunting in his spare time...studying biomedical engineering...nickname is “Bender”...born May 18, 2004.
Played for head coach Allen Pavatte at Madison-Ridgeland Academy...helped the Patriots to a 24-14 record and the playoffs as a senior...batted .400 for his senior season and .411 as a junior...two-time All-MAIS Honorable Mention selection...as a junior, was part of an MRA team that posted a program-best 33-6 overall record...off the field, graduated with highest honors...received interest from other MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Carla and Chris Snopek...has three siblings, Kate Russell Snopek (24), Christopher (23) and Lydia (21)...brother, Christopher, graduated from Harvard University and played baseball for the Crimson from 2021-24...enjoys playing golf, chess and basketball in his spare time...studying accounting...nickname is “J-Dub”...born October 14, 2004.
Played for head coach Taylor Karr at Hernando...helped the Tigers to a 31-5 record and a runner-up finish in the MHSAA Class 7A State Championship as a senior...played in 28 games during his senior campaign, hitting .286 with 11 doubles, a triple, a home run and 14 RBIs...hit two doubles in a 13-6 victory against Tupelo on April 26, 2024...finished with a .992 fielding percentage...as a junior, batted . 458 with 11 doubles, a triple, two home runs and 39 RBIs...went 3-for-3 at the plate with a double and two RBIs in an April 11, 2023 win against Cleveland Central...also finished 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs in an April 4 shutout of Horn Lake...posted a .992 fielding percentage...as a sophomore, hit .318 with three doubles and 10 RBIs...was part of three playoff teams at HHS.
Personal:
Son of Carla and Chris Snopek...has three siblings, Kate Russell Snopek (24), Christopher (23) and Lydia (21)...brother, Christopher, graduated from Harvard University and played baseball for the Crimson from 2021-24...enjoys playing golf, chess and basketball in his spare time...studying accounting...nickname is “J-Dub”...born October 14, 2004.
for head coach Justin Reed at Tupelo...helped the Golden Wave to a 18-10 record and the playoffs as a senior.
Personal:
Son of Heather and the late Casey Deaton...has two siblings, Josie Laird (21) and Lydia (14)...hobbies include hunting, playing golf and listening to music...studying exercise science...born May 24, 2006.
High School:
10
MASON McMILLIN
Utility • 6-3 • 200 • Freshman
Mooreville, Miss. • Mooreville HS
Played for head coach Derrick Thompson at Mooreville...helped the Troopers to a 7-1 record and the MHSAA Class 3A North Half Championship as a senior...ranked 10th best player in Mississippi by Prep Baseball Report...also named Class 3A “Mr. Baseball”...off the field, a consistent Honor Roll student...received recruiting interest from numerous MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Keri and Brent McMillin...has one brother, Dawson...hobbies include fishing, playing chess and playing basketball...studying business...nickname is “Mac”...born August 31, 2005.
High School:
11 TYLER SULLIVAN
Pitcher/Outfielder • 6-1 • 170 • Freshman
Hernando, Miss. • Hernando HS
Played for head coach Taylor Karr at Hernando...helped the Tigers to a 31-5 record and a runner-up finish in the MHSAA Class 7A State Championship as a senior...made seven appearances on the mound during his senior campaign, finishing with a 2.87 ERA and a 3-0 record...struck out 33 batters against seven walks...finished with a season-high seven strikeouts in an 8-7 win against Grissom (Ala.) on March 2, 2024...also hit .315 with two doubles, four triples and 17 RBIs...went 3-for-4 at the plate in a 17-0 victory against DeSoto Central on March 28...also stole 11 bases during his senior season...as a junior, made 10 appearances on the mound and compiled a 4-1 record and a 2.06 ERA...issued 48 strikeouts against 11 walks and held opposing hitters to a .168 batting average...had two games with 10 or more strikeouts, including a season-best 11 strikeout effort against Center Hill on February 21, 2023...batted .281 with five doubles, a triple and 14 RBIs... went 2-for-3 with two doubles and an RBI in a March 23 victory against Southaven... made 13 appearances as a sophomore, earning a 2.62 ERA and a 3-1 record...totaled 51 strikeouts against 10 walks...collected a career-high 14 strikeouts in an April 19, 2022 win against DeSoto Central...at the plate, hit .284 with six doubles, a triple and 13 RBIs... went 3-for-4 at the plate in two games against Southaven and South Panola...was part of three playoff teams at HHS...off the field, graduated with honors and a 3.8 GPA...received interest from Delta State and several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Nichole and Greg Sullivan...has a brother, Reece...enjoys hunting in his spare time...studying business...nickname is “Sully”...born June 9, 2005.
Helped Northwest to a 37-17 overall record and the first round of the NJCAA Region 23 playoffs last season...made eight appearances on the mound, including three starts... pitched 18.0 innings with 19 strikeouts against 13 walks...his lone decision came in an April 15 outing at Rhodes College JV, where he picked up the win after throwing six strikeouts against a walk and no runs allowed in 4.1 total innings...off the field, a two-time selection to the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters...also named to the Fall 2023 President’s List and the Spring 2024 Vice President’s List.
High School:
Played for head coach Bruce Branch at Pillow Academy...missed his entire senior season due to injury, but pitched a total of 131 innings throughout his varsity career... earned several accolades throughout his high school, including MAIS All-Star, first team all-conference and team’s Most Valuable Pitcher...also earned the program’s Leadership Award...off the field, was elected student body president and graduated with highest honors...also named to school’s Hall of Fame...received numerous interest from other MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Shelbi and Andrew Lamb...has two siblings, Macy (17) and Tribble (12)...studying construction engineering...nickname is “Moose”...born August 24, 2004.
High School:
13
TYCE POWERS
LHP • 6-3 • 185 • Freshman Louisville, Ky. • Kentucky Country Day School
Played for head coach David Lara at Hernando...helped the Tigers to a 5-0 record during a COVID-19 shortened senior season...made his lone appearance in a 10-0 victory against Nettleton on February 28, 2020, striking out 12 batters in four innings of work...as a junior, guided HHS to a 22-9 overall record, a 6-3 mark in Region 1-6A and the quarterfinal round of the 2019 Class 6A playoffs...made eight appearances on the mound, tallying 42 strikeouts against 14 walks...allowed just four earned runs for a 1.06 ERA...struck out a career-high 13 batters in a 12-1 victory against White Station (Tenn.) on March 30, 2019...also hit two doubles, a triple, a home run and nine RBIs...as a sophomore, helped the Tigers to a 14-14 overall record and the opening round of the 2018 Class 6A playoffs... pitched nine innings and struck out 12 batters...earned All-DeSoto County team honors... graduated with honors from Hernando...received interest from North Alabama and several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Kimberly and Tom Presley...has a sister, Kailyn (21)...enjoys fishing, playing cornhole and hanging out with friends in his spare time...area of study is undecided...born September 12, 2001.with friends in his free time...college major is undecided...nickname is “Chick”...born August 25, 2002.
Played for head coach Taylor Karr at Hernando...helped the Tigers to a 31-5 record and a runner-up finish in the MHSAA Class 7A State Championship as a senior...played in 28 games during his senior campaign, hitting .368 with eight doubles, a triple, a home run and 26 RBIs...went 3-for-3 in a pair of wins against Southaven on March 30, 2024 and Marshall Academy on April 16...also made six appearances on the mound as a senior, posting a 1-0 record and a 0.45 ERA...struck out a season-high three batters in a 15-0 win against Horn Lake on April 13...also pitched a season-best 6.0 innings in a 2-0 victory against Cartersville (Ga.) on March 2...earned All-Region 1-7A accolades...was part of three playoff teams at HHS.
Personal:
Son of Grace and Luke Maddox...has an older sibling, Bailey (25)...enjoys hunting and fishing in his spare time...studying business...born July 6, 2005.
Played for head coach Chase Clark at Bruce...helped the Trojans to a 14-10 record and the playoffs as a senior...was part of four consecutive playoff teams at BHS...won three region championships from 2022-24 and was a four-time first team all-region selection...also a three-time region Player of the Year selection...off the field, graduated with a 4.0 GPA... received recruiting interest from a handful of MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Morgan and Will Turner...has two siblings, Madison Rodgers (25) and Taylor (14)... enjoys hunting, fishing and going to church in his spare time...studying sports management...born May 23, 2005.
Played for head coach Chris McMinn at Magnolia Heights...helped the Chiefs to a 35-5 record and the MAIS playoffs as a senior...was part of four state championship and conference championship teams at MHS from 2021-24...voted as an MAIS All-Star...off the field, an Honor Roll student..received interest from several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Brooke and Mark Howell...has a younger sister, Anna (15)...enjoys playing basketball in his spare time...studying biomedical science...born April 21, 2005.
2024 [Redshirt Freshman]:
18
PAYTON SANDERS
Pitcher • 6-2 • 195 • Redshirt Sophomore
Clarksville, Tenn. • South Alabama
Helped Northwest to a 37-17 overall record and the first round of the NJCAA Region 23 playoffs last season...made 12 appearances on the mound, including two starts... recorded a 1-0 record and a 7.16 ERA, issuing 21 strikeouts against 21 walks in 16.1 innings pitched...captured his lone win of the season on March 6 against Mississippi Gulf Coast...longest outing came in a four-inning effort at Jackson State (Tenn.), where he also finished with a season-high five strikeouts...off the field, voted to the President’s List and Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for the Spring 2024 semester.
Fall 2023 [Redshirt Freshman; University of South Alabama]: Spent the fall semester at South Alabama.
2022 [Freshman; University of South Alabama]: Redshirted his first season at South Alabama
High School:
Played for head coach Todd Dunn at Montgomery Central...helped the Indians to the state tournament for the first time since 2004...was chosen for all-district tournament honors...was ranked as the No. 2 right-handed pitcher in Tennessee and the No. 3 overall player in Tennessee by Perfect Game...off the field, finished with a 4.0 GPA...received offers from Pitt and South Florida, as well as Walters State CC, Dyersburg State CC and Wabash Valley CC.
Personal:
Son of Christie and Brad Sanders...has a sister, Mikayla (22)...enjoys playing ping pong in his spare time...area of study is undecided...nickname is “P-Sandy”...born June 28, 2004.
2025 ROSTER
High School:
20
MASON GILLENTINE
RHP • 6-0 • 175 • Freshman
Mooreville, Miss. • Mooreville HS
Played for head coach Derrick Thompson at Mooreville...helped the Troopers to a 26-10 record and the playoffs as a senior...batted .400 with 42 base hits and 34 RBIs...also finished with a .496 on-base percentage...first team all-region and all-state selection... received interest from a handful of MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Lorrie and Chris Gillentine...has an older brother, Wesley (22)...hobbies include hunting and fishing...studying business...nickname is “Gilly”...born July 15, 2005.
Helped Northwest to a 37-17 overall record and the first round of the NJCAA Region 23 playoffs last season...played in 47 contests last season, earning 45 starts...batted .308 with 11 doubles, five home runs and 39 RBIs...one of his top performances as a freshman came in an April 3 win against Coahoma, where he went 4-for-6 at the plate with two doubles, a home run and seven RBIs...also finished with the team’s fourth-best fielding percentage (.985) and helped turn 10 double plays...off the field, named to the President’s List and Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters.
High School:
Played for coach Shane Fullerton at Harding Academy...helped the Wildcats to a 35-5 record and a playoff appearance as a senior...batted .308 with 41 base hits, five home runs and 39 RBIs...was part of three state championship teams and four conference title teams at Harding Academy...two-time all-state and three-time all-conference selection... off the field, inducted into school’s Circle of Excellence with a 3.75 GPA or better...received interest from Little Rock.
Personal:
Son of Wendy and Roy Lang...has one sister, Liv (19)...enjoys hunting and working out in his spare time...studying agricultural business and soil science...born June 8, 2004.
2024 [Freshman; BYU]: Redshirted his freshman season at Brigham Young University (BYU).
High School:
Played for head coach Dustin Skelton at Marshall Academy...helped the Patriots to a 19-14 overall record and an appearance in the MAIS Playoffs as a senior...earned MAIS All-Star honors and MAIS All-State accolades...as a junior, was part of a Marshall Academy squad that went 31-6 overall and captured the 2022 MAIS State Championship...earned Defensive MVP honors...off the field, was a member of the school’s Beta Club and was selected to the Marshall Academy Hall of Fame...received interest from BYU and a handful of MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Emily and Kurt Sanders...has a younger brother, Cade (17)...hobbies include hunting and playing golf...area of study is undecided...born May 24, 2004.
Helped Northwest to a 37-17 overall record and the first round of the NJCAA Region 23 playoffs last season...played in 15 games, earning 13 starts...batted .306 with a triple and 10 RBIs...went 2-for-2 at the plate with three RBIs in a March 18 loss to Arkansas State Mid-South...ended the season with a .977 fielding percentage...off the field, a two-time selection to the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters...also made the Fall 2023 President’s List.
High School:
Played for head coach Dee Haynes at Bayou Academy...helped the Colts to an 18-13 record last season, the school’s best record in five years...batted .453 as a senior and was named to the MAIS Class 5A All-State Team...also received all-conference honors...off the field, a consistent Honor Roll student...received recruiting interest from several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Scottie and Rodney Batts...has a younger brother, Reed (15)...mother, Scottie, played basketball at Delta State (1998-99)...father, Rodney, also played baseball at Delta State (1995-96) and is currently the school’s head baseball coach...enjoys hunting and fishing in his spare time...area of study is undecided...nickname is “AB”...born February 8, 2005.
2025 ROSTER
2024 [Sophomore]:
24
RUDY BALDWYN
RHP • 6-2 • 190 • Redshirt Sophomore
Blue Springs, Miss. • East Union Attendance Center
Missed the entire 2024 season due to injury.
2023 [Freshman]:
Made eight appearances on the mound for Northwest, all in relief...threw 8.1 innings, issuing 10 strikeouts against 11 walks...struck out a career-best three batters in a March 21, 2023 contest against Mississippi Delta...off the field, a two-time Athletic Director’s Honor Roll selection for the Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 semesters...also made the President’s List for the Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 semesters.
High School:
Played for head coach Chris Basil at East Union Attendance Center...helped the Urchins to a 31-4 overall record and the MHSAA Class 2A state championship in 2022...was selected for first team all-state honors, and chosen to participate in the D.M. Howie Crossroads and NEMCABB All-Star games...off the field, a member of the school’s Beta Club and a consistent Honor Roll student...also received a Scholar Athlete award...received interest from multiple MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Tommy and Amy Baldwyn...has a younger brother, Tristan (18)...enjoys hunting, fishing and golfing in his spare time...plans to study sports coaching...nickname is “Thor”...born June 6, 2003.
High School:
25
JACE ROBINSON
RHP • 6-8 • 220 • Freshman
Southaven, Miss. • Northpoint Christian School
Played for head coach Steven Kirkpatrick at Northpoint Christian School...helped the Trojans to a 23-13 record and a playoff appearance as a senior...team won a state championship during his junior season in 2023...earned all-district honors...received interest from Union University, Southwest Tennessee and several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Son of Kim and Jason Robinson...has one brother, Beau (17)...hobbies include hunting and fishing...studying kinesiology...born May 12, 2005.
Redshirted the 2024 season due to an injury...made one appearance on the mound against Arkansas State Mid-South on February 13, 2024, striking out five batters with one walk, no runs and no hits in 3.2 innings, before exiting the game due to an injury... off the field, named to the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters.
2023 [Freshman]:
Made 13 appearances on the mound, including eight starts, posting a record of 2-2... struck out 41 batters in 35 total innings...limited opposing hitters to a .193 batting average...garnered his first career win at Jackson State (Tenn.) on February 15, striking out a season-best five batters in 4.1 frames...also matched his season-high strikeout total in a five-inning outing against Coahoma on April 4, his longest start of the season...off the field, was named to the Spring 2023 Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.
High School:
Played for head coach Brad Smith at Arlington...helped the Tigers to a 23-13 overall record as a senior...received interest from Arkansas State, Murray State, Central Arkansas, Harding University, Jackson State CC and Southwest Tennessee CC.
Personal:
Son of Adrienne and Geoff McCaslin...has a younger sister, Caroline (17)...enjoys golfing, music and working out in his free time...studying exercise science...nickname is “C-Mac”... born June 23, 2004.
Helped Northwest to a 37-17 overall record and the first round of the NJCAA Region 23 playoffs last season...played in 16 games, earning nine starts...batted .282 with five doubles, a home run and five RBIs...finished 3-for-4 at the plate with two doubles, a home run and three RBIs in a March 18 loss against Arkansas State Mid-South...off the field, named to the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters... also named to the Fall 2023 President’s List and Spring 2024 Vice President’s List.
28 BRADY STINNETT
RHP • 6-2 • 195 • Freshman Oxford, Miss. • Ole Miss
Fall 2025 [Freshman; Ole Miss]: Spent the fall semester with Ole Miss.
High School:
Played for head coach Cade Hoggard at Oxford...helped the Chargers to a 23-13 record and an appearance in the MHSAA Class 7A Playoffs as a senior...all-state selection...voted team captain...off the field, made the school’s Dean’s List.
Personal:
Son of Beth and Lonnie Stinnett...has two older brothers, Carson (25) and Parker (24)... brother, Carson, pitched at Hinds (2018), Northwest (2019) and the University of Memphis from 2020-23...brother, Parker, pitched at Northwest from 2019-20, before playing at Mississippi State from 2021-23...enjoys playing golf in his spare time...studying exercise science...born July 16, 2005.
2024 [Redshirt Freshman]: Missed the entire 2024 season due to injury.
2023 [Freshman]: Missed the entire 2023 season due to injury.
Fall 2022 [Freshman; Mississippi State University]: Spent the fall semester of his freshman season with Mississippi State.
High School:
Played for head coach Cade Hoggard at Oxford...helped the Chargers to a 23-13 record and an appearance in the MHSAA Class 7A Playoffs as a senior...all-state selection...voted team captain...off the field, made the school’s Dean’s List.
Personal:
Son of Colleen and Phillip Ray...has three siblings – McKinnon, Micheal, and Matthew... enjoys hunting, fishing and playing golf in his spare time...studying criminal justice... nickname is “Lil Rodney”...born June 29, 2003.
2025 ROSTER
High School:
34
CARSON HOLT
RHP • 6-0 • 190 • Freshman Jackson, Tenn. • Jackson Christian School
Played for head coach Chase McLean at Jackson Christian School...helped the Eagles to an 18-11-1 record and a playoff appearance as a senior...two-time all-district honoree... was a part of a district championship squad at Jackson Christian School during his junior season...off the field, was a member of the school’s National Honors Society...received interest from Union University, Freed-Hardeman University, Southwest Tennessee CC and Jackson State (Tenn.) CC.
Personal:
Son of Luanne and Brent Holt...has two siblings, Carter (25) and Carley (17)...older brother, Carter, played baseball at Arkansas State from 2018-22...hobbies include hunting, fishing, playing golf and playing video games...studying physical therapy...born October 4, 2005.
Played for head coach Allen Pavette at Madison-Ridgeland Academy...helped the Patriots to a 24-14 record and a playoff appearance as a senior...earned First Team All-MAIS honors.
Personal:
Son of Joanna and Dennis Watkins...has a younger brother, Gavin (15)...studying premedicine...born October 4, 2005.
Played for coaches Jonathan Moody and Tyler Poole at Arlington...helped the Tigers to a 33-7 overall record and a playoff appearance as a senior...finished with a 2.70 ERA and 68 strikeouts against 22 walks during his senior season...four-time all-district and all-region selection...was part of two district championship teams at AHS...initially signed with the University of Memphis out of high school...also received interest from Missouri, Cincinnati, Louisiana Tech, Lipscomb and North Alabama.
Personal:
Son of Lauren Deberry...has two younger brothers, Dean Forbis (8) and Ashton Forbis (4)...hobbies include playing golf, shopping and playing video games...studying sports management...born January 2, 2006.
High School:
37 THOMAS MITCHELL
18
RHP • 6-3 • 250 • Freshman Hernando, Miss. • Ole Miss
Played for head coach Taylor Karr at Hernando...helped the Tigers to a 31-5 record and a runner-up finish in the MHSAA Class 7A State Championship as a senior...pitched 48.2 innings with 90 strikeouts in his senior season...as a sophomore, pitched 52 innings with 90 strikeouts...earned second team all-state and second team all-region accolades...off the field, graduated with distinguished honors...initially signed with Ole Miss out of high school...also received interest from Memphis, Troy and Louisiana.
Personal:
Son of Christy and Gregory Mitchell...has two sisters, Lauren (24) and Addison (17)... enjoys playing pickleball and basketball in his spare time...studying kinesiology...born September 20, 2005.
SEASON PREVIEW
SEASON OUTLOOK
Though the fall sports season at Northwest was consumed by a multitude of other sports, Mark Carson and the Rangers’ baseball team was quietly building something special.
Northwest competed in nearly 20 fall exhibition games throughout September and October, including many in the friendly confines of Jim Miles Field. Although not every game resulted in a win, Carson was left with much optimism heading into the start of 2025.
“We got to see a lot from our guys,” Carson said. “It was good for us to play that many games, because we had so many starters graduate from last year and we needed to see how some of our returning sophomores would do being elevated to starting roles. At the same time, we were also able to help our freshmen get acclimated to the speed of the game. Overall, it was very successful and not only in wins and losses, but by also gaining experience and being able to see our depth.”
Northwest does have big shoes to fill in several areas, thanks to the departures of players such as Jacob Hill, Cade Greer, Peyton Martin and Matthew Roncalli. Several of last year’s sophomores signed to the four-year level, with Greer and James Smith moving on to Memphis, while Hill and Roncalli wound up at Delta State and UAB, respectively.
Hill left Northwest as the program’s all-time leader in stolen bases, while Greer and Martin won Gold Gloves and finished their Ranger careers with 1.000 fielding percentages in the outfield. Additionally, Roncalli proved to be one of the best catchers in the MACCC, and the combo of Smith, Scott Sharp and Mason Shropshire on the mound helped Northwest navigate through some of the heaviest hitters in conference play.
To top it off, Carson’s squad finished 37-17 on the season, earning the most wins in a season since 2007. Additionally, the Rangers went 21-7 in the MACCC and avoided being swept by any conference opponent in the regular season.
Despite losing much of last year’s star power, Carson believes his current sophomore class has progressed nicely from last season, partially due to the success in the fall.
“Some leadership qualities emerged,” Carson said. “One of them, Levi Lang, had extensive playing time last year. Then you insert guys like Jackson Jenkins, Rob Hayes, Walker Maranto and Austin Batts, and it was good to see their leadership capabilities. Some of those guys had really good fall seasons, and I was able to see where they are and how they can help us contribute. From a leadership standpoint, it was great to see those guys step out of the shadows and be counted on.”
This year, Northwest brings in 18 freshmen, some of whom transferred in after spending the fall at Division I programs. One such pickup is Brady Stinnett, an Oxford native that signed with Ole Miss and spent the fall with the Rebels. Stinnett is also the younger brother of former Ranger pitchers Carson and Parker Stinnett, who both continued their baseball careers at Memphis and Mississippi State following their time in Senatobia.
“They are very talented as a whole,” Carson said, of his freshman class. “One thing I think that we will have is a lot of depth on the mound. Last year, we were so snake-bitten with injuries, losing McClain Ray and Connor McCaslin, then Payton Sanders halfway through the year. We had some guys that had to burn a lot of innings for us and by the time we got to the end of the year, some of those arms were just taxed out and exhausted. This year, we are sitting on about 15 to 17 guys that can pitch, and we brought in some good quality arms.”
Other newcomers include Tyce Powers of Louisville, Ky. and Holly Springs native Walker Sanders, who initially signed with BYU out of high school. Thomas Mitchell and Eli Deberry also join the roster this spring after stints at Ole Miss and Memphis, respectively.
“We saw some glimpses out of [Tyce] this fall,” Carson said. “He has battled injuries through high school, but he’s getting healthy and to the point where he can really do some good things for us. Thomas and Eli are two that we got back from Division I programs that will contribute as well. Then, there’s Tyler Sullivan, who was part of a strong state championship runner-up team at Hernando. After seeing him in the fall, he’s got that bulldog mentality and he can really pitch and help us.”
Carson and his staff will also have some two-way players in this freshman class as well. One example is Mason Gillentine (Mooreville, Miss./Mooreville HS) that is expected to contribute both on the mound and in the outfield. Meyer Maddox (Hernando, Miss./Hernando HS) is another one that will play outfield and pitch as a left-hander.
Factoring in all those options on the mound with returning pitchers Brennan Jones and Gavin McCoy, along with recoveries from McCaslin, Sanders and McClain Ray, and Carson feels that his pitching staff could be a special unit this season.
However, the Rangers’ optimism isn’t solely confined to the mound. Northwest also boasts a mix of sophomores and freshmen in the field and at the plate that made a difference in the fall exhibition schedule. Hallas Lawson, a catcher and first baseman from Hernando, and Lake Reed from Tupelo are two newcomers that have caught Carson’s attention.
continued on next page >>>>
JACKSON JENKINS
LEVI LANG
CONNOR MCCASLIN
SEASON OUTLOOK
“Offensively and defensively, we have some guys that played on some really good high school teams,” Carson said. “Hallas was one of the biggest surprises in the fall, and Lake is going to be a good player for us as well.”
Mason McMillin is expected to also get a lot of playing time in the outfield, and the aforementioned Sanders is someone that Carson feels will be a big part of the Rangers’ performance at the plate.
“I expect him to hit in the middle of our order,” Carson said, on Sanders. “He had a really good fall for us and hit about .375 with a couple home runs, and he drew 16 walks as well in 64 plate appearances. That was a really big fall for him. Meyer Maddox also did well at the plate, hitting .345 with a couple home runs and 15 RBIs. He only struck out five times in 41 plate appearances.”
Much like last season, Northwest will fly under the radar to open February, entering the year unranked and without receiving votes. While the Rangers did eventually crack the NJCAA Division II baseball rankings midway through the 2024 campaign, the spotlight will be on teams like East Central and Pearl River, which were voted as the No. 2 and No. 5 teams in the preseason rankings released two weeks ago. Additionally, Jones College and Meridian were also ranked, checking in at No. 12 and No. 20, respectively.
Before getting to the MACCC slate however, Northwest will be tested by a long non-conference schedule in the month of February. The Rangers open the season on Saturday, Feb. 1 against Bevill State, before hosting Columbia State and Lake Land College. The first true road game for NWCC won’t occur until Feb. 26, when Carson’s club visits Northeast for a non-conference roundrobin, which also includes Itawamba.
Last year’s postseason journey came to a quick end at the hands of a red-hot Hinds team. Now entering his 20th season as the Rangers’ head coach, MARK CARSON is looking to build off the momentum from a successful fall exhibition season.
Bevill State
February 1 • 1/4
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Fayette, Ala.
Founded: 1992
Enrollment: 3,986
President: Dr. Joel Hagood
Athletic Director: Chris Harris
Conference: ACCC
Nickname: Bears
Colors: Blue & Green
Ballpark: Bevill State Baseball Field
Head Coach: Steve Woodard
2024 Record: 17-31
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
2025 OPPONENTS
P.M. • Senatobia, Miss. • Jim Miles Field
Sports Information Director: None (refer to AD)
Phone: (205) 648-3271, ext. 5743
Email: chris.harris@bscc.edu
Web Address: athletics.bscc.edu
Series History: Northwest leads series, 3-1
First Meeting: February 5, 2023 in Senatobia, Miss. (Northwest 4, Bevill State 1)
Last Meeting: February 16, 2024 in Fayette, Ala. (Northwest 7, Bevill State 3)
Lake Land College
February 8 • 1/4 P.M. • Senatobia, Miss. • Jim Miles Field
February 9 • 1/4 P.M. • Senatobia, Miss. • Jim Miles Field
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Mattoon, Ill.
Founded: 1966
Enrollment: 3,742
President: Jonathan “Josh” Bullock
Athletic Director: Bill Jackson Conference: GRAC
Nickname: Lakers
Colors: Red & Black
Ballpark: Laker Baseball Field
Head Coach: Julio Godinez
2024 Record: 30-24-1
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: None (refer to AD)
Phone: (217) 234-5296
Email: wjackson60312@lakelandcollege.edu
Web Address: lakelandcollegeathletics.com
Series History: Lake Land College leads series, 8-7
First Meeting: April 8, 1990 in Senatobia, Miss. (Northwest 8, Lake Land College 5)
Last Meeting: February 18, 2022 in Senatobia, Miss. (Northwest 13, Lake Land College 2)
Columbia State
February 4 • 1/4 P.M. • Senatobia, Miss. • Jim Miles Field
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Columbia, Tenn.
Founded: 1966
Enrollment: 5,437
President: Dr. Janet F. Smith
Athletic Director: Katie Willingham
Conference: TCCAA
Nickname: Chargers
Colors: Green & White
Ballpark: Dave Hall Field
Head Coach: Desi Ammons
2024 Record: 34-16
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: None (refer to AD)
Phone: (931) 540-2840
Email: kwillingham1@columbiastate.edu
Web Address: columbiastatecc.prestosports.com
Series History: Northwest leads series, 7-3
First Meeting: 1982 Eastern District Playoffs (No date recorded) (Columbia State won; no score listed)
Last Meeting: February 11, 2023 in Millington, Tenn. (Northwest 6, Columbia State 3)
Coahoma
February 19 • TBA • Cleveland, Miss. • Boo Ferriss Field
March 4 • 11 A.M. • Senatobia, Miss. • Jim Miles Field
April 9 • 3/6 P.M. • Senatobia, Miss. • Jim Miles Field
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Clarksdale, Miss.
Founded: 1949
Enrollment: 1,860
President: Dr. Valmadge T. Towner
Athletic Director: Selina Reid
Conference: MACCC
Nickname: Tigers
Colors: Maroon & Silver
Ballpark: Eddie C. Smith Sportsplex
Head Coach: Austin Biggs
2024 Record: 5-40 (1-27 MACCC)
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: Jerome Coley
Phone: (662) 621-4157
Email: jcoley@coahomacc.edu
Web Address: coahomasports.com
Series History: Northwest leads series 123-5
First Meeting: 1972 (no date recorded) (Northwest 16, Coahoma 1)
Last Meeting: April 3, 2024 in Clarksdale, Miss. (Northwest 24, Coahoma 4)
Hinds
2025 OPPONENTS
February 19 • TBA • Cleveland, Miss. • Boo Ferriss Field
March 29 • 2/5 P.M. • Raymond, Miss. • Joe G. Moss Field
First Meeting: March 3, 1990 in Ellisville, Miss. (Jones County 3, Northwest 1)
Last Meeting: April 6, 2024 in Ellisville, Miss. (Jones College 6, Northwest 5)
First Meeting: 1964 in Scooba, Miss. (no date recorded) (East Mississippi 4, Northwest 3)
Last Meeting: April 17, 2024 in Senatobia, Miss. (Northwest 6, East Mississippi 5)
Pearl River
March 15 • 2/5 P.M. • Poplarville, Miss. • Dub Herring Park
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Poplarville, Miss.
Founded: 1924
Enrollment: 3,914
President: Dr. Adam Breerwood
Athletic Director: Patrick Ochs Conference: MACCC
Nickname: Wildcats
Colors: Maroon & Gold
Ballpark: Dub Herring Park
Head Coach: Michael Avalon 2024 Record: 49-10 (25-3 MACCC)
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: Dylan Dunaway Phone: (601) 403-1488
Email: ddunaway@prcc.edu
Web Address: prccathletics.com
Series History: Pearl River leads series, 18-13
First Meeting: April 27, 1988 in Senatobia, Miss. (Northwest 4, Pearl River 1)
Last Meeting: April 27, 2024 in Poplarville, Miss. (Pearl River 7, Northwest 1)
Mississippi Delta
2025 OPPONENTS
March 18 • 12/3 P.M. • Moorhead, Miss. • Jimmy Bellipanni Baseball Complex
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Moorhead, Miss.
Founded: 1927
Enrollment: 3,609
President: Dr. Steven J. Jones
Athletic Director: Jason Conner
Conference: MACCC
Nickname: Trojans
Colors: Red & Black
Ballpark: Jimmy Bellipanni Baseball Complex
Head Coach: Christian Day
2024 Record: 16-26 (10-18 MACCC)
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: Jason Conner
Phone: (662) 246-6479
Email: jconner@msdelta.edu
Web Address: mdcctrojans.com
Series History: Northwest leads series, 88-61
Copiah-Lincoln
March 22 • 2/5 P.M. • Senatobia, Miss. • Jim Miles Field
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Wesson, Miss.
Founded: 1928
Enrollment: 3,094
President: Dr. Dewayne Middleton
Athletic Director: Bryan Nobile Conference: MACCC
Nickname: Wolves
Colors: Blue & Gray
Ballpark: Walter R. Sullivan Field
Head Coach: Adam Chamblee
2024 Record: 27-27 (15-13 MACCC)
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: Kevin Kyzar
Phone: (601) 643-8373
Email: kevin.kyzar@colin.edu
Web Address: colinathletics.com
Series History: Northwest leads series, 36-13
First Meeting: 1964 (no date recorded) (Mississippi Delta 5, Northwest 1)
Last Meeting: March 19, 2024 in Moorhead, Miss. (Northwest 4, Mississippi Delta 1)
Holmes
March 26 • 3/6 P.M. • Senatobia, Miss. • Jim Miles Field
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Goodman, Miss.
Founded: 1925
Enrollment: 5,409
President: Dr. Jim Haffey
Athletic Director: Andy Wood Conference: MACCC
Nickname: Bulldogs
Colors: Cardinal, Black & White
Ballpark: Charlie Donald Field
Head Coach: Scott DeLoach
2024 Record: 15-31 (6-22 MACCC)
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: Steve Diffey
Phone: (662) 472-9068
Email: sdiffey@holmescc.edu
Web Address: holmesathletics.com
Series History: Northwest leads series, 79-40
First Meeting: March 4, 1990 in Wesson, Miss. (Northwest 10, Copiah-Lincoln 4)
Last Meeting: March 16, 2024 in Senatobia, Miss. (Northwest 6, Copiah-Lincoln 2)
Southwest Mississippi
April 5 • 2/5 P.M. • Senatobia, Miss. • Jim Miles Field
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Summit, Miss.
Founded: 1932
Enrollment: 1,468
President: Dr. J. Steven Bishop
Athletic Director: Ken Jackson Conference: MACCC
Nickname: Bears
Colors: Blue & Red Ballpark: Bear Park
Head Coach: Jack Edmonson 2024 Record: 21-35 (9-19 MACCC)
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: Travis Connelly Phone: (601) 276-3741
Email: tconnelley@smcc.edu
Web Address: southwestbearathletics.com
Series History: Northwest leads series, 20-12
First Meeting: 1964 in Senatobia (no date recorded) (Northwest 15, Holmes 2) Last Meeting: March 26, 2024 in Senatobia, Miss. (Northwest 3, Holmes 0)
First Meeting: 1993 in Summit (no date recorded) (Southwest Mississippi 1, Northwest 0) Last Meeting: March 9, 2024 in Senatobia, Miss. (Northwest 4, Southwest Mississippi 2)
Arkansas State Mid-South
2025 OPPONENTS
April 8 • 3 P.M. • Senatobia, Miss. • Jim Miles Field
QUICK FACTS:
Location: West Memphis, Ark.
Founded: 1992
Enrollment: 657
President: Dr. Debra West
Athletic Director: Jeremy Reece
Conference: NJCAA Region II
Nickname: Greyhounds
Colors: Red & Black
Ballpark: Tilden Rodgers Sports Complex
Head Coach: Jason Middleton
2024 Record: 11-38
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: None (refer to AD)
Phone: (870) 733-6786
Email: jreece@asumidsouth.edu
Web Address: asumidsouthsports.com
Series History: Northwest leads series, 2-1
First Meeting: February 13, 2024 in Senatobia, Miss. (Northwest 10, ASU Mid-South 0)
Last Meeting: March 18, 2024 in West Memphis, Ark. (ASU Mid-South 24, Northwest 22)
Meridian
April 18 • 2/5 P.M. • Meridian, Miss. • Scaggs Field
First Meeting: 1973 in Decatur, Miss. (no date or score recorded)
Last Meeting: March 23, 2024 in Decatur, Miss. (Northwest 8, East Central 7; 8 innings)
HISTORY
2024 IN REVIEW
OVERALL STATISTICS
PITCHING STATISTICS
PB - Team (23), Matthew Roncalli (12), Austin Batts (7), Baker Walker (4), Opp (33). Pickoffs - Team (7), Gavin McCoy (1), Scott Sharp (1), Opp (8). SBA/ATT - Matthew Roncalli (22-36), Austin Batts (9-10), Scott Sharp (5-8), James Smith (3-4), Cy Craig (2-3), Drew Lamb (2-2), Gavin McCoy (2-3), Mason Shropshire (2-5), Baker Walker (2-5), Carson Fox (1-3), Brennan Jones (1-3), Payton Sanders (1-2)
2024 IN REVIEW
(4/17/24)
(3/25/24)
(4/6/24)
MISSISSIPPI (4/17/24)
STATE (TENN.) (2/9/24)
HINDS (5/3/24)
(4/6/24)
(3/18/24)
6 Jacob Hill vs. Illinois Central (2/23/24)
6 Jacob Hill vs. Copiah-Lincoln (3/16/24)
6 Jacob Hill at ASU Mid-South (3/18/24)
6 Jacob Hill at Coahoma (4/3/24; both games)
(3/18/24)
Jacob Hill at Coahoma (4/3/24; both games)
4 Jacob Hill at Itawamba (4/24/24) 4 Levi Lang at Coahoma (4/3/24) 4 Cade Leatherwood at Coahoma (4/3/24) 4 Matthew Roncalli vs. Copiah-Lincoln (3/16/24)
7 Levi Lang at Coahoma (4/3/24)
2 Cade Greer at Jackson State (Tenn.) (4/1/24)
2 Cade Greer vs. Mississippi Gulf Coast (4/19/24)
2 Cade Leatherwood vs. Meridian (4/13/24)
2 Walker Maranto at ASU Mid-South (3/18/24)
2 James Smith vs. Freed-Hardeman JV (2/26/24)
1 Austin Batts vs. Illinois Central (2/24/24)
1 John Blockmon vs. Jackson State (Tenn.) (2/9/24)
1 Cade Greer vs. Hinds (2/21/24)
1 Jacob Hill vs. ASU Mid-South (3/18/24)
1 Cade Leatherwood vs. ASU Mid-South (3/18/24) 1 Tyler Pearson vs. Northeast (2/27/24)
Hayes Davis (six games)
Peyton Martin (six games)
James Smith (six games) 1 Levi Lang (five games)
Cy Craig (three games)
Jacob Hill (three games)
Blockmon (two games)
Cade Leatherwood (two games)
Cade Greer vs. Northeast (4/8/24)
Walker Maranto at ASU Mid-South (3/18/24)
Freshman LEVI LANG accounted for seven RBIs in an April 3 game at Coahoma. The Rangers would go on to sweep the Tigers, scoring 20-plus runs in both games.
2024 IN REVIEW
CATEGORY LEADERS - BATTING
Batting Average
Cade Greer .415
Jacob Hill .359
Cade Leatherwood .353
Matthew Roncalli .338
Peyton Martin .325
Slugging Percentage
Cade Greer .544
Peyton Martin .542
Levi Lang .504
Jacob Hill .484
Cade Leatherwood .462
Runs Scored
Cade Greer 63
Jacob Hill 57
Peyton Martin 43
Cade Leatherwood 35
Cy Craig 27
Hits
Cade Greer 71
Jacob Hill 66
Cade Leatherwood 55
Peyton Martin 54
Matthew Roncalli 49
Runs Batted In
Peyton Martin 44
Cade Leatherwood 42
Levi Lang 39
Cade Greer 37
Tyler Pearson 21
Doubles
Cade Greer 17
Peyton Martin 12
Levi Lang 11
Cade Leatherwood 9
Jacob Hill 8
Triples
Jacob Hill 3
Peyton Martin 3
Tyler Pearson 2
Cade Greer 1
Matthew Roncalli 1
Home Runs
Peyton Martin 6
Levi Lang 5
Jacob Hill 3
Cy Craig 3
Cade Leatherwood 2
Total Bases
Cade Greer 93
Peyton Martin 90
Jacob Hill 89
Cade Leatherwood 72
Levi Lang 67
Walks
Levi Lang 35
Cade Greer 34
Peyton Martin 30
Cade Leatherwood 29
Cy Craig 25
Stolen Bases
Jacob Hill 42
Peyton Martin 33
Cade Greer 27
Cy Craig 7
Tyler Pearson 5
At-Bats
Jacob Hill 184
Cade Greer 171
Peyton Martin 166
Cade Leatherwood 156
Matthew Roncalli 145
CADE GREER
PEYTON MARTIN
JACOB HILL
2024 IN REVIEW
CATEGORY LEADERS - PITCHING/FIELDING
Earned Run Average (ERA)
Scott Sharp 4.15
Brennan Jones 4.42
Mason Shropshire 4.78
Gavin McCoy 5.34
Jackson Jenkins 5.46
Opposing Batting Average
Payton Sanders .185
Cooper Mitze .232
James Smith .247
Scott Sharp .257
Gavin McCoy .259
Wins
James Smith 8
Scott Sharp 8
Gavin McCoy 6
Brennan Jones 5
Jackson Jenkins 2
Mason Shropshire 2
Saves
James Smith 2
Jackson Jenkins 1
Payton Sanders 1
Baker Walker 1
Cooper Mitze 1
Innings Pitched
Scott Sharp
Gavin McCoy
Shropshire
Jackson Jenkins 28.0
Appearances
Carson Fox 19
James Smith 18
Cooper Mitze 17
Gavin McCoy 14
Scott Sharp 13
Jackson Jenkins 13
Games Started
Scott Sharp 13
Brennan Jones 11
Gavin McCoy 11
Mason Shropshire 10
Drew Lamb 3
Strikeouts
Scott Sharp 61
Mason Shropshire 61
Gavin McCoy 41
Brennan Jones 36
James Smith 27
Fewest Earned Runs Allowed (*min. 10 appearances)
Payton Sanders 13
Cooper Mitze 16
Jackson Jenkins 17
James Smith 18
Carson Fox 26
Brennan Jones 26
Fewest Hits Allowed (*min. 10 appearances)
Payton Sanders 10
Cooper Mitze 16
James Smith 20
Jackson Jenkins 34
Carson Fox 35
Fielding Percentage (*min. 70 chances)
Cade Greer 1.000
Peyton Martin 1.000
Hayes Davis .992
Levi Lang .985
Tyler Pearson .977
Runners Caught Stealing
Matthew Roncalli 14
Baker Walker 3
Scott Sharp 3
Mason Shropshire 3
Carson Fox 2
MASON SHROPSHIRE
SCOTT SHARP
MATTHEW RONCALLI
NEXT LEVEL RANGERS
Alabama, Univ. of
Charley Sullivan, RHP (2010)
Bethel University
Matt Simpson, INF (2009)
Alabama at Birmingham, Univ. of
Matthew Roncalli, C (2024)
John Luke Marlin, P (2022)
Peyton Puckett, INF (2021)
Arkansas-Monticello, Univ. of
Trent Bunting, RHP (2020)
Stephen Sexton, OF (2015)
James Clark, INF (2015)
Grant Black, RHP (2015)
Landon McFadden, RHP (2015)
Peter Barton, RHP (2015)
Kody Kimbrough, C (2015)
Arkansas State University
Nathan Harrison, RHP (2018)
Chase Ware, P (2007)
Brandon Westmoreland, P (2004)
Brad Burkhead, OF (2003)
Troy Martin, INF (2003)
Darrel Arnold (1955)
Arkansas Tech University
Colt Burns, LHP (2012)
Josh Johnson, INF (2012)
Austin Peay University
Drew Hurst, RHP (2018)
Aaron Campbell, OF (2017)
Belhaven University
Hunter White, C (2018)
Justin Milam, INF (2018)
Tanner Cable, RHP (2015)
Jim Tom Copeland, RHP (2013)
Walt McCullough, OF (2013)
Chad Wardlaw, OF (2011)
Mark Husband, RHP (2010)
Craig Dean, INF (2008)
Kyle Hunt, P (2008)
Charlie Edwards, OF (2007)
Daniel Husband, OF (1999)
Blue Mountain Christian University
Peeko Townsend, OF (2023)
Garrett Riggs, C (2021)
Dylan Hale, OF (2021)
McGreger Lee, INF (2021)
Kelton Hall, INF (2021)
Alonzo Hunt, RHP (2021)
Colton Peel, RHP (2021)
Colt Smith, RHP (2017)
Joel Rich, INF (2010)
Central Methodist University
Adam Friga, INF (2003)
Charleston Southern University
Peyton Mills, INF (2021)
Christian Brothers University
Baron Davies, INF (2018)
Taylor King, INF (2015)
Peyton Willoughby, RHP (2014)
Bill Higdon, LHP (2012)
Josh Hopkins, INF (2011)
Hunter Parham, INF (2010)
Jon-Michael Davis, LHP (2010)
Will Britt, C (2007)
Blake Christian, C (2004)
Steven Oelke, P (1999)
Delta State University
Jacob Hill, INF (2024)
Cade Leatherwood, INF (2024)
Logan Eldridge, P (2023)
Colton Presley, P (2022)
Josh Hill, P (2022)
Hammer Franks, OF/P (2021)
Landon Zizmann, RHP (2020)
Dalton Minton, LHP (2017)
David Herrington, INF (2017)
Austin Towles, RHP (2016)
Jonathan Lindsey, LHP (2016)
Jamell Newson, OF (2016)
Clay Casey, OF (2016)
Tanner Cable, RHP (2014)
Cody Wadell, RHP (2014)
Dex Herrington, OF (2012)
Jeffrey Vance, RHP (2009)
Brandon Hall, P (2008)
Gary-Scott Gabbert, INF (2004)
AARON CAMPBELL
CHARLEY SULLIVAN
NEXT LEVEL RANGERS
Delta State University (cont.)
Tim Lloyd, OF (2003)
Josh Barton, P (2002)
Marcus Van Every, INF (1999)
Chad Thompson, P (1999)
Jeff Walls, P (1999)
Johnny Ray (1987)
Ronald “Runt” McMinn (1964)
Jim Miles (1963)
John Brewer (1949)
A.C. Williams, Jr. (1937)
Freed-Hardeman University
Dawson Grifin, INF (2023)
Houston, Univ. of Clay Casey, OF (2015)
Jackson State University
Peeko Townsend, OF (2022)
LaGrange College
Eli Selby, C (2024)
Lee University
Noah Hattier, INF (2022)
Seth Walker, OF (2009)
Little Rock, Univ. of Arkansas at Ryan Lee, C (2022)
Marshal Hamrick, LHP (2011)
Memphis, Univ. of
Cade Greer, OF (2024)
James Smith, P (2024)
Brayden Sanders, P (2023)
Brayland Skinner, OF (2022)
Dalton Fowler, LHP (2021)
Tanner Booth, C (2021)
Carson Stinnett, RHP (2019)
Reed Harding, RHP (2019)
Ian Hawkins, LHP (2018)
Taylor King, INF (2014)
Matt Ferguson, RHP (2014)
Kramer Hollenbach, OF (2014)
Drew Griffin, INF (2011)
Rick Russell, C/INF (2009)
Alan Mathis, INF (2009)
University of Memphis (cont.)
Josh Ross, P (2008)
Josh Irvin, OF (2005)
Tim Senter, P (2004)
Brandon Rowan, P (2002)
Joel Posey, P (2001)
Andy Gesell, INF (2001)
David Moss (1984)
Jack Peel (1984)
Mid-Continent
University
Austin Overall, INF (2012)
Jimmy Braswell, INF (2012)
Joseph Blair, C (2011)
Mississippi, Univ. of
Connor Spencer, P (2023)
Ben Van Cleve, INF (2019)
Hayden Leatherwood, OF (2019)
Jay King, INF (2014)
Cody Reed, LHP (2013)*
Jeremy Massie, LHP (2012)
Justin Donovan, OF (2002)
Jon Reeder, OF (2000)
Sledge Floyd, P (1999)
Jamie Howell, Sr. (1958)
*chose MLB Draft over Ole Miss.
Mississippi College
C.J. Lofton, P (2023)
Jackson Smith, RHP (2020)
Daniel Shelton, RHP (2019)
Hunter Wilson, INF/OF (2016)
Hunter Lacefield, LHP (2016)
Tanner Densford, INF/P (2014)
Tyler Scholl, RHP (2014)
J.D. Tackett, C (2013)
Keaton Hankins, INF (2012)
Kyle Blount, OF (2012)
Chris Casto, LHP (2012)
Blake Embrey, OF (2007)
Conner Douglas, P (2005)
Hugh Brown, INF (2005)
Mississippi State University
Brayland Skinner, OF (2020)
Parker Stinnett, RHP (2020)
Tanner Leggett, INF (2019)
Peyton Plumlee, RHP (2016)
Sean Johnson, OF (2007)
Leslie Buford (1931)
JEREMY MASSIE
BRAYLAND SKINNER
NEXT LEVEL RANGERS
Mississippi Valley State University
Dylan Castoria, OF (2013)
Missouri State University
Ryan Skalnik, INF (2016)
Murray State University
Tanner Booth, C (2019)
North Alabama, Univ. of
Kyle Moore, RHP (2018)
Bradley Noland, INF (2012)
Todd Hill, INF (2002)
Brandon Kizer, C (2000)
Tatum Brown, P (2000)
Nathan Bowden, INF (2000)
Oklahoma, Univ. of
Dalton Fowler, LHP (2021)
Rhodes College
Eli Selby, C (2023)
Samford University
Brooks Rice, P (2023)
Selma University
Tarus Hervey, RHP (2011)
South Alabama, Univ. of
Zach Willingham, P (2022)
Dakota Dailey, INF (2018)
Southeastern Louisiana University
Connor Spencer, P (2022)
Domenick Carlini, LHP (2014)
Southern Mississippi, Univ. of
Brant Blaylock, OF/P (2018)
Jarod Wright, RHP (2017)
LeeMarcus Boyd, INF (2016)
Colt Smith, RHP (2016)
James Lear, OF (2014)
Southern Mississippi, Univ. of, (cont.)
Matt Shaw, RHP (2010)
Taylor Walker, INF (2008)
Bill Selby (1990)
Mark Carson (1990)
Tennessee-Southern, Univ. of Landon Rogers, OF (2022)
Chelsea Bramlett will enter her fifth full season as the head softball coach at Northwest in Spring 2025, her sixth total season since being hired in August 2019.
In her six overall seasons, Bramlett has transformed the trajectory of the Northwest softball program. The former Mississippi State and Team USA standout has collected a career coaching record of 126-70, with a 69-45 record in conference play.
Last season, Northwest finished 27-20 overall and battled through a 13-15 mark in conference play. Despite the Rangers’ struggles, the program still went 10-7 against nationally-ranked opponents through the regular season, a stretch that included sweeps against NJCAA Division II Tournament teams Des Moines Area and Kirkwood, with other wins against Jones College, Pearl River, Spoon River College and South Suburban College.
Bramlett’s squad still made the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament last season, marking the program’s fourth straight appearance in the postseason. Northwest earned a victory on the road at Mississippi Gulf Coast to make the Ellisville bracket, before falling to host Jones College and a close one-run loss to Pearl River.
Three members of the 2024 team signed with four-year programs, highlighted by infielder Kara Johnson (UT Martin). The Senatobia native became Bramlett’s third Division I signee in as many seasons. Additionally, outfielder Madeline Houk signed with the University of Mobile and pitcher Neely Cooper signed with Blue Mountain Christian University.
In 2023, Bramlett’s group finished 32-11 overall and 20-8 in the MACCC, marking back-to-back 30-win seasons for the first time in program history. The Rangers’ 20-8 conference record was also the best mark since the 2009 season, when Northwest achieved a 21-3 mark.
Additionally, the 2023 squad remained in the NJCAA Division II national rankings all year, peaking at No. 2 in the nation midway through the regular season. The Rangers ultimately fell in the quarterfinals of the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament in an extra-innings battle to Pearl River, another team that finished the regular season ranked in the Top 10 nationally.
Four members of the 2023 Rangers’ squad signed to play at the four-year level, including MACCC Player of the Year, McKaylee Polk. The Senatobia native signed with Memphis and shattered nearly every offensive record in both single-season and career categories, including a sophomore campaign that featured a .554 batting average with 24 home runs, a 1.339 slugging percentage, a .647 on-base percentage and 27 walks, all of which became new single-season records.
Pitcher Gabby Dickerson (Christian Brothers University) also shattered the record books for career strikeouts (376), wins (41), innings pitched (319.1) and appearances (63). Her 2023 season resulted in 137 strikeouts issued and a 15-4 record in the circle, including four games with 10 or more strikeouts.
Additionally, pitcher Kylee Brown and pitcher/infielder Allyson Harrison signed with FreedHardeman University and Delta State University, respectively.
Bramlett guided the Rangers to new heights in 2022, garnering the program’s best record (3915), first NJCAA Region 23 title and the first trip to the NJCAA Division I National Tournament, where the Rangers finished as one of the final four teams remaining in a 16-team field.
Prior to the team’s run through the national tournament, Bramlett was named the NJCAA Gulf A District Coach of the Year, her first national coaching award since taking over the Northwest program.
Bramlett’s 2022 squad matched or surpassed every previous record. The Rangers finished the season with a .333 team batting average and single-season records for runs scored (402), hits (517), doubles (98), home runs (60), runs batted in (356), total bases (823), walks (155), sacrifice flies (22) and highest strikeouts (385).
Two-time All-American Saige Koczka led the team with a .433 batting average and left Northwest with career records in at-bats (350), hits (161), doubles (37), triples (6), home runs (26), runs batted in (122), total bases (288), walks (43) and a whopping .823 career slugging percentage.
Other standout members of Bramlett’s 2022 squad include Laila Armstrong, who set the program’s new single-season and career records for stolen bases. The Tennessee State signee also won the NFCA/New Balance Golden Shoe Award as the stolen base leader in the NJCAA Division II ranks. (Bramlett also won the same award in 2009 and 2010 at Mississippi State.)
Six members of the 2022 squad finished in the program’s career home run list. Polk topped the record books in first and third place, with Koczka’s 26 good for second, followed by 15 from Kaitlyn Bednarek and Molly Harris, and 12 apiece from Maddie Brower and Caylee Comer.
continued on next page >>>>
HEAD COACH CHELSEA BRAMLETT
In the circle, Bramlett relied heavily on Dickerson, who finished the 2022 season with the Rangers’ new single-season record for strikeouts (239). The Olive Branch native also tallied a 26-9 record in the circle, tied for the most single-season victories and fourth in the career totals. She also finished with 18 complete games, eight shutouts and 203.1 innings pitched, all ranking in the top 10 of those respective categories.
The 2021 season also sparked plenty of excitement, as the Rangers finished 20-18 overall and 15-13 in MACCC competition. Northwest punched its ticket to the MACCC Tournament for the first time since 2017 and advanced to the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament for the first time since the 2012 season, defeating tournament host and 15th-ranked LSU Eunice, scoring the program’s first Region 23 Tournament win.
Bramlett’s 2021 squad also finished the regular season as the best hitting team in the MACCC, with a batting average of .376. The Rangers shattered nearly every previous single-season hitting record, including home runs (51), hits (410), RBIs (287), doubles (83) and slugging percentage (.617).
Among those eye-popping stats were a slew of heavy hitters, most notably Koczka, who finished the season with single-season records in batting average (.489), hits (65), doubles (20), home runs (14), RBIs (59) and slugging percentage (.985). Additionally, her 14 homers also marked a new career record.
Behind Koczka, Brower, Bednarek, Harris and MyCala Helms all worked their way into the record books as well. Brower’s nine home runs put her second all-time behnd Koczka, while seven home runs from Bednarek placed her third all-time. Comer and Harris finished tied for fourth with six homers apiece, while Helms shattered the program’s career triples record with six, including five during the 2021 season.
Despite a shortened 2020 campaign due to COVID-19, Bramlett guided Northwest to an 8-6 record, which included a conference sweep against Pearl River and ended with a four-game winning streak. Three of her players went on to sign or commit to the next level, including Lacey Coats (Delta State), Delta Claire Newman (Millsaps College) and Madison Crosby (Mississippi University for Women).
Bramlett is a familiar name across softball circles in Mississippi and on a national scale. A native of Cordova, Tenn., she spent five successful seasons at Lewisburg High School in Olive Branch, compiling an all-time record of 116-28-3 and a stellar .799 winning percentage. Since taking over the reins of the program after the 2014 season, Bramlett guided the Lady Patriots to five playoff berths and four Region 1-5A titles, the most recent coming in 2019 while finishing 24-2 overall.
Prior to Lewisburg, Bramlett earned her first coaching stint at Briarcrest Christian School in Eads, Tenn. from 2010-14.
Bramlett became a national name in college softball during her playing career at Mississippi State from 2007-10. She remains one of only two players in Southeastern Conference history to be named All-American in all four years of her career while also garnering three-time national catcher of the year honors. Bramlett’s name is scattered across the record books at MSU, still holding career records in batting average (.461), runs scored (219), hits (359) and stolen bases (207). She also holds single-season records for batting average (.536, 2010) and stolen bases (61, 2010). Her .536 average in 2010 still stands as the 10th-best season in NCAA softball history.
While in Starkville, Bramlett raked in numerous accolades from organizations and publications such as the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA), CoSIDA, Adidas and ESPN. She was inducted into the MSU Sports Hall of Fame in 2016 and recognized as an SEC Legend the same year.
During her time with Team USA in 2009-10, Bramlett played alongside some of the most notable names in softball, including Jennie Finch, Cat Osterman and Monica Abbott. In 2009, she was selected to the United States National Team roster and helped Team USA to gold medals at the Canada Cup, World Cup of Softball and Japan Cup alongside former MSU head coach Jay Miller. She was a two-time World Cup of Softball gold medalist, hitting .500 with four runs scored in 2010. That same year, she also helped Team USA to an International Softball Federation (ISF) World Championship and batted .714 with five RBIs and five runs scored. In her two seasons, Team USA compiled a 41-2 combined record, including a perfect 22-0 mark in 2009.
Prior to her days at Mississippi State, Bramlett played for First Assembly Christian School for coach Phillip Spain and played club softball for the Memphis Fusion. At FACS, she finished her varsity career by hitting .735 (86-for-117) with 26 extra-base hits, 10 home runs and 41 RBIs. She also compiled a 19-2 record in the circle and stole 98 bases on 102 attempts, earning “Best of Preps” recognition by the Commercial Appeal.
Bramlett and her husband, Adam Hampton, celebrated their first wedding anniversary on September 8, 2023.
THE BRAMLETT FILE: PERSONAL:
Hometown: Memphis, Tenn.
Education: Mississippi State University (B.S.) - 2010
Family: Adam (Husband)
PLAYING EXPERIENCE:
2007-10: Mississippi State University
2009-10: Team USA
COACHING EXPERIENCE:
2010-14: Briarcrest Christian School
2015-19: Lewisburg High School
2020-present: Northwest Mississippi Community College
With a season-opening victory against Dyersburg State on February 8, 2024, Northwest softball coach CHELSEA BRAMLETT captured her 100th career win. Presenting her with a commemorative bat following the game is Northwest President Dr. Michael J. Heindl.
ASSISTANT COACH DUSTIN YOUNG
DUSTIN YOUNG ASSISTANT COACH
Dustin Young will enter his sixth season as the Rangers’ assistant softball coach in 2025.
Combined with head coach Chelsea Bramlett, Young makes up one of the MACCC’s most formidable softball coaching staffs. Since being hired to Bramlett’s staff prior to the 2020 season, the duo has combined for an overall record of 126-70, with a 69-45 record in conference play.
Young and Bramlett have sent the Rangers to the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament in each of the last four seasons. In 2022, Northwest won its first-ever NJCAA Region 23 Championship and advanced to the NJCAA Division II Softball Championship tournament for the first time in program history.
With Young’s support, Bramlett was named NJCAA Gulf A District Coach of the Year for 2022. The duo also helped Northwest to back-to-back 30-win seasons in 2022-23, the first time in history the program has achieved such a milestone.
Since the 2020 season, Young and Bramlett have produced 15 four-year players, including Division I signees Kara Johnson (UT Martin), Laila Armstrong (Tennessee State) and McKaylee “K.K.” Polk (Memphis).
Young was hired to head coach Chelsea Bramlett’s coaching staff in fall 2020 and immediately made his impact felt on the Rangers’ program. Despite a shortened 2020 season due to the effects of COVID-19, Young and Bramlett helped Northwest to an 8-6 overall record, a conference sweep against Pearl River and a four-game winning streak to close out the abbreviated slate.
Young is no stranger to Northwest or Tate County. A 2003 graduate of Independence High School, Young played baseball at Northwest under coaches Donny Castle and Mark Carson from 2005-06, batting .299 with 13 doubles, four home runs and 24 RBIs as a sophomore in his two seasons in a Ranger uniform. He also tallied a .940 fielding percentage with 78 putouts.
From Northwest, Young went on to continue his career at the next level with the now-defunct Crichton College, coached by another former Ranger in Brandon Rowan. Young played for the Comets from 2007-08.
Since earning his degree from Crichton, Young has remained close to both baseball and softball, coaching youth teams and also assisting with the Senatobia High School softball program, coached by his wife Tammy. From 2010-19, the Youngs’ helped Senatobia to a combined record of 150-90-1 with numerous playoff appearances, while helping produce numerous college athletes, including former Rangers Lindsey Brewer, Amanda Bies, Lindsey Shaw, Whitney King, Leeah Henson, Annah Catherine Storey, Mary Britton Faulkner, Kara Johnson, McKaylee “K.K.” Polk and current Ranger Carly Dunigan.
Young and his wife Tammy reside in Senatobia and have two children, Camden and Brinleigh.
THE YOUNG FILE: PERSONAL:
Hometown: Independence, Miss.
Education: Northwest Mississippi Community College (2005-06) Crichton College (2007-08)
Family: Tammy (Wife)
Camden, Brinleigh (Children)
PLAYING EXPERIENCE:
2005-06: Northwest Mississippi Community College
2007-08: Crichton College
COACHING EXPERIENCE:
2010-19: Senatobia High School (Assistant Coach)
2020-present: Northwest Mississippi Community College (Assistant Coach)
Former Northwest baseball player DUSTIN YOUNG was selected as the assistant coach for the Rangers’ softball program prior to the start of the 2020 season.
ASSISTANT COACH MEREDITH OWEN
MEREDITH OWEN VOLUNTEER
ASSISTANT COACH
In her first season as a volunteer assistant, Owen helped Northwest to a 27-20 overall record and a brief run in the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament. She also played a role in developing a trio of four-year signees - Kara Johnson (UT Martin), Madeline Houk (University of Mobile) and Neely Cooper (Blue Mountain Christian University).
Owen is no stranger to the Rangers or head coach Chelsea Bramlett, as the Covington, Tenn. native played on two of the most accomplished teams in Northwest history. Owen dressed out for the Rangers from 2021-22, helping Northwest to consecutive appearances in the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament, and to the 2022 NJCAA Division II Softball Championship Tournament as a sophomore.
Owen concluded her Northwest career with a .300 batting average, nine doubles, three triples, two home runs and 26 runs batted in. She also stole 15 bases, with 12 of those coming as a sophomore.
Owen is a graduate of Tipton-Rosemark Academy, where she played for coach Johnie Sanfratello. With her senior season shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, most of Owen’s accomplishments came as a junior, where she helped TRA to a 33-11-1 overall record, a district title and a TSSAA Division II Sub-State appearance. For the 2019 season, she batted .342 with three doubles, two triples and 21 RBIs.
Owen is the daughter of Missy and David Owen.
THE OWEN FILE:
PERSONAL:
Hometown: Covington, Tenn.
Education: Northwest Mississippi Community College (2021-22) Arkansas State University (2023-24) University of Mississippi (2025-present)
PLAYING EXPERIENCE:
2021-22: Northwest Mississippi Community College
COACHING EXPERIENCE:
2024-present: Northwest Mississippi Community College (Volunteer Assistant Coach)
Meredith Owen enters her second season as the volunteer assistant coach for Northwest softball.
A member of the 2022 NJCAA Region 23 Championship team, MEREDITH OWEN has returned to Northwest as a volunteer assistant coach on Chelsea Bramlett’s staff.
2025 ROSTER
2025 ROSTER
High School:
1
JENN SMITH
Outfielder • 5-4 • Freshman
Vicksburg, Miss. • Warren Central HS
Played for coaches Brian Ellis, Katie Jackson and Greg Head at Warren Central...as a senior, helped the Lady Vikings to a 22-8 overall record and an appearance in the MHSAA Class 6A Playoffs...batted .475 with 37 hits during her senior season and was chosen as the Vicksburg Daily News Player of the Year...three-time All-Region 2-6A selection... three-time All-Warren County selection...as a junior, batted .333 with 26 base hits... named as the 2022 Vicksburg Post Player of the Year following her sophomore season... hit .415 with 34 hits as a sophomore...off the field, received countless academic honors and was a member of several clubs and organizations...finished No. 10 in her senior class with a 4.37 GPA and was inducted into Warren Central’s Hall of Fame...a consistent Honor Roll student and a two-time winner of the SKOL Award...served as the secretary for the National Honor Society at WCHS...member of the National Technical Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Key Club, Beta Club and the Vicksburg Church of Christ.
Personal:
Daughter of Trisha and Patrick Smith...has two siblings, Josh (22) and Jill (18)...enjoys hunting, spending time with her dogs and hanging out with family in her spare time... studying physical therapy...nickname is “JP”...born February 1, 2006.
Helped Northwest to a 27-20 overall record and the program’s fourth straight appearance in the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament...played in 28 games, earning 15 starts...batted .289 for the season with a double, two triples, three home runs and 12 RBIs...finished 5-for-6 in stolen base attempts...went 2-for-3 at the plate in a pair of victories against Southeast Arkansas College and Jones College...also made five appearances in the circle, drawing one start...pitched 5.0 innings with six strikeouts against six walks, finishing the season with a 4.20 ERA...held opposing batters to a .167 average...struck out a career-best three batters in a relief outing at Copiah-Lincoln on March 16...off the field, a two-time selection to the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll and President’s List for the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters.
High School:
Played for coach Julie Waters at Baldwyn...helped the Lady Bearcats to an appearance in the MHSAA Region 1-1A Playoffs as a senior...six-time all-region selection from 201823...also voted as Region 1-2A Pitcher of the Year following her junior season in 2022... was chosen to participate in the 2022 Mississippi Association of Coaches’ Class 1A/2A/3A All-Star Game...also played basketball, volleyball, ran track and competed in cheer for BHS...off the field, finished with the Highest Average Award in Health, Agriculture and Spanish I...received interest from several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Daughter of Sandy and Jimmy Tyes...has two siblings, Sheneria (26) and Jimmy (24)... hobbies include playing cards, watching movies and hanging out with friends...studying psychology...born June 16, 2005.
Played for coaches Brett Prosek and Chris McMinn at Magnolia Heights...helped the Lady Chiefs to a 10-8 overall record and the MAIS State Tournament during her senior season... chosen as a first team all-conference selection...in the circle, finished with an 8-0 record her senior year...off the field, a consistent President’s List selection...received interest from Rhodes College and a handful of MACCC programs.
Personal:
Daughter of Brenda and Scotty Reed...enjoys reading in her spare time...studying animal science...born September 19, 2005.
Played for head coach Dana Migivney at Oxford...helped the Lady Chargers to MHSAA Class 7A Playoffs as a senior...batted .347 with eight doubles, a home run and 27 RBIs... also competed in soccer at OHS.
Personal:
Daughter of Rebecca Arant and David Gillis...has a younger sibling, Brantley (7)...enjoys fishing and hunting in his spare time...studying nursing...nickname is “LG”...born October 17, 2005.
2025 ROSTER
2024 [Freshman]:
ELLIE FRYAR
Infielder •
5-4
•
Sophomore Dumas, Miss. • Pine Grove School
Helped Northwest to a 27-20 overall record and the program’s fourth straight appearance in the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament...played and started in all 47 of the Rangers’ games last season, mostly at third base...led the team in hitting with a .364 batting average, 13 doubles, three triples, four home runs and 22 RBIs...finished the season with a .586 slugging percentage and drew a team-best 16 walks...second on the team in stolen bases, stealing 21 bases on 26 attempts...finished with a .946 fielding percentage, helping turn two double plays...finished 3-for-4 at the plate in five different games, including against Mississippi Delta on March 19, where she hammered out three doubles...went 3-for-3 in stolen base attempts during an April 6 matchup against Jones College...earned Second Team All-MACCC recognition...off the field, selected to the President’s List and Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters.
High School:
Played for head coach Justin Jordan at Pine Grove...helped the Lady Panthers to a 15-9-1 overall record and the MHSAA Class 1A Playoffs as a senior...batted .473 her senior year, with seven doubles, two triples, a home run and 18 RBIs...selected as Offensive Player of the Year for Region 1-2A and First Team All-Region 1-2A...earned team award for Best Offensive Player...as a junior, hit .505 with 13 doubles, six triples, two home runs and 22 RBIs...was named Team MVP and received Region 1-2A Offensive Player of the Year accolades...also chosen as a First Team All-Region 1-2A selection, while representing Pine Grove in the Junior All-Star Game...as a sophomore, batted over .500 while earning first team all-region and Defensive Player of the Year accolades...also received team award for Best Offense...played varsity softball at Pine Grove while in junior high, batting over .500 for the season and receiving team’s Best Offense award in seventh and eighth grades... also chosen as a first team all-region selection as a seventh grader and Offensive Player of the Year as an eighth grader...also played basketball and volleyball at Pine Grove, helping the Lady Panthers to a pair of MHSAA Class 1A state championships (2018-19; 2019-20)... off the field, a Mississippi Scholar and was chosen as the valedictorian for her senior class.
Personal:
Daughter of Kelly and Shane Fryar...has an older brother, Ben (22)...enjoys traveling... studying exercise science and physical therapy...nickname is “E”...born June 8, 2005.
Played for coaches Leigh Hodum and John Meeks at Walnut...helped the Lady Wildcats to the second round of the MHSAA Class 2A Playoffs during her senior season...batted .395 with seven doubles and 11 home runs as a senior...garnered First Team All-Tippah County and First Team All-Region honors...off the field, a recepient of several academic accolades, including valedictorian and the ACT 22+ Club...also a member of Beta Club, DECA, Math & Science Club and the president of the school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter.
Personal:
Daughter of Suzanne and Trey Rolison...has two siblings, Griffin (21) and Molly-Kate (15)...hobbies include shopping, mud riding, hunting and church activities...studying pre-nursing...nickname is “K-Dawg”...born December 1, 2005.
Attended Hernando...played basketball and volleyball for the Lady Tigers...was the recipient of several academic honors, including National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Rho Kappa, Honor Society of High School Scholars and the Region 1-7A Volleyball Academic Team...received interest from Delta State and a handful of MACCC programs.
Personal:
Daughter of Emily and Carl Calarco...has a younger brother, Cayden (17)...enjoys snowboarding in her spare time...studying orthodontics...born November 29, 2005.
2025 ROSTER
High School:
10
KYLIE FROST
Catcher/Infielder • 5-7 • Freshman
Decaturville, Tenn. • Riverside HS
Played for coaches Mike Box and Michael Harris at Riverside...helped the Lady Panthers to a 20-12-1 overall record and a TSSAA Class 2A playoff appearance as a senior...batted .394 with four doubles, four home runs and 23 RBIs during her senior campaign...compiled a .994 fielding percentage in 156 total chances...went 4-for-5 at the plate with two doubles and three RBIs in a 12-7 victory against Scotts Hill on May 7, 2024...also finished 3-for-5 with a home run and three RBIs in an 11-8 win against Chester County on March 18...three-time all-district selection...was part of three district championship squads at Riverside and the program made three appearances in the TSSAA State Tournament...off the field, graduated No. 5 in her senior class and earned freshman math and sophomore chemistry awards...received interest from UConn, Trevecca Nazarene, Blue Mountain Christian University, Columbia State CC and Calhoun CC.
Personal:
Daughter of Laken and Josh Frost...has two younger siblings, Kynslee (13) and Ryals (9)... hobbies include reading and listening to music...studying physical therapy...nickname is “KB”...born October 2, 2005.
High School:
11
CATELYN BROWN
RHP/Utility • 5-9 • Freshman
Wheeler, Miss. • Wheeler School
Played for head coach Molly Brown at Wheeler...helped the Lady Eagles to a 14-10 overall record, the Region 1-1A title and an appearance in the MHSAA Class 1A Playoffs...batted .324 as a senior and finished with a 2.00 ERA in the circle...was part of four region championship teams at Wheeler...earned First Team All-Region 1-1A and Region 1-1A Player of the Year honors following her senior season...was also selected as a North Mississippi Softball Coaches Association All-Star in 2024, while previously earning All-Star recognition by the Mississippi Association of Coaches following her junior season...an All-State and Rising Star selection by the Mississippi Association of Coaches in 2022...also played volleyball, where she was chosen as a team captain...off the field, a recipient of numerous academic accolades and a member of several clubs...chosen as the valedictorian of her senior class and Student Body President...member of the Wheeler Hall of Fame and was chosen as a Mississippi Scholar...was also a member of the school’s Beta Club, Math & Science Club, Civics Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes...received interest from several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Daughter of Natasha and Curt Brown...has a younger brother, Caleb (13)...hobbies include reading, painting and taking walks outside...studying pre-health...born August 17, 2006.
2024 [Freshman]:
12
THENYA KENNEDY
Outfielder • 4-11 • Sophomore
Yazoo City, Miss. • Madison-St. Joseph’s
Helped Northwest to a 27-20 overall record and the program’s fourth straight appearance in the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament...played in 31 games, earning 14 starts...batted .300 on the season, hitting four doubles, a triple and two RBIs...finished 6-for-7 on stolen base attempts...had six games with at least two base hits...off the field, a two-time Athletic Director’s Honor Roll selection for the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters...also named to Spring 2024 President’s List.
High School:
Played for head coach Charlie Freemyer at Madison St. Joseph’s Catholic School...received interest from several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Daughter of Truvander and Treadwell Kennedy...has two siblings, Trey and Treadwell... enjoys drawing and reading in her spare time...studying nursing...nickname is “TK”...born May 19, 2005.
Helped Northwest to a 27-20 overall record and the program’s fourth straight appearance in the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament...started in 40 of her 42 games played...finished as the fourth best batter on the Rangers’ with a .342 batting average, four doubles, three home runs and 18 RBIs...finished 3-for-3 with three RBIs in a March 7 victory at Southwest Mississippi...also made 17 appearances in the circle, with two starts, a 2-0 record and two saves...struck out 37 batters against 15 walks in 34.1 innings pitched... held opposing hitters to a .252 batting average...collected a career-high eight strikeouts with no walks, no runs and one hit allowed in a March 19 victory against Mississippi Delta...off the field, a two-time selection to the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters...also named to the Fall 2023 President’s List and Spring 2024 Vice President’s List.
High School:
Played for head coach Heidi Hill at Brandon...as a senior, helped the Lady Bulldogs to a 21-9-1 overall record, the Region 5-6A title and an appearance in the South Half Championship series of the MHSAA Class 6A Playoffs...during her junior season, was part of a BHS team that finished 17-8 and made an appearance in the MHSAA Class 6A Playoffs...was chosen as team captain and an MAC South State All-Star selection...as a sophomore, was part of a Lady Bulldogs team that finished 22-6-1 with a Region 6-6A championship.
Personal:
Daughter of Deirdre and Bill Rogers...has a younger sister, Avery (16)...enjoys hunting in her spare time...studying kinesiology...born November 4, 2004.
Played for head coach Brett Prosek at Magnolia Heights...helped the Lady Chiefs to the MAIS Class 5A Playoffs as a senior...was part of a district championship team during her senior season...chosen as team captain and earned first team all-conference honors...off the field, a member of the school’s Interact Club.
Personal:
Daughter of Kelly and David Massing...enjoys coaching softball and teaching Sunday School in her spare time...studying radiology...nickname is “Aubie”...born July 6, 2005.
Played for head coach Chris Smith at Lake Cormorant...helped the Lady Gators to the MHSAA Class 6A Playoffs as a senior...was the team’s No. 1 pitcher in her senior season, posting a 9-12 record in the circle...struck out 191 batters against 57 walks in 139.1 total innings...had 11 games with 10 or more strikeouts, including a career-high 17 strikeouts in a 4-0 win against Strayhorn on February 29, 2024...finished the season with a 4.57 ERA...also hit .257 at the plate with two doubles, two triples and six RBIs...went 3-for-5 at the plate with a triple and an RBI in an April 20 contest against Olive Branch...named Team MVP and earned team’s Best Pitcher Award...second team All-Region 1-6A selection and second-team All-DeSoto County honoree...was also selected as a North Mississippi Softball Coaches Association All-Star in 2024...played volleyball at LCHS, winning a pair of state championships...off the field, graduated with special distinction and made straight A’s throughout high school...received interest from a handful of MACCC programs.
Personal:
Daughter of Mandy and Robert Boswood...has a younger sister, Raegan (12)...enjoys shopping, fishing and playing outside in her spare time...studying applied sciences, with an emphasis on radiology...nicknames are “Boz” and “Lyz”...born September 30, 2005.
Helped Northwest to a 27-20 overall record and the program’s fourth straight appearance in the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament...made six relief appearances in the circle, pitching 3.2 innings with two strikeouts, an 0-1 record and a 3.82 ERA...her longest outing of the season came in an April 3 win against Coahoma, where she collected two strikeouts in one full inning...also made three appearances at the plate and was credited with her lone RBI of the season against Dyersburg State on February 8...off the field, a two-time selection to the President’s List and Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters.
High School:
Played for head coach Michael Wildmon at Pontotoc...helped the Lady Warriors to a 14-12 overall record and the MHSAA Class 4A Playoffs during her senior season...as a senior, made 14 appearances in the circle, sporting a 3.66 ERA and a 4-4 record...earned the only save of her senior year in a 10-7 win against Ripley on March 23, 2023...struck out 20 batters against 14 walks in 49.2 total innings pitched...tallied a season-high 11 strikeouts in an 11-0 shutout of Yazoo City on April 24, 2023...at the plate, hit .333 with four doubles, five triples, a home run and 17 RBIs...went 3-for-4 with a triple and two RBIs in a 10-2 win against North Pontotoc on April 14, 2023...two-time all-region and North Mississippi Softball Coaches Association All-Star selection...as a junior, was part of a region championship team at PHS...finished 3-2 with a 3.50 ERA in eight appearances... struck out 18 batters against six walks in 32.0 innings pitched...tallied five strikeouts against Mantachie and two games against Lafayette...at the plate, batted .343 with 11 doubles, two triples, a home run and 26 RBIs...went 2-for-4 with two doubles and a pair of RBIs in a win against Tupelo...as a sophomore, made eight appearances in the circle, earning a 4-2 record with a 4.94 ERA...struck out 12 batters against eight walks in 34.0 innings pitched...batted .246 with four doubles, a triple and nine RBIs...during an abbreviated COVID-19 season as a freshman, made three appearances in the circle and finished with a 1-1 record...had a 2.95 ERA with five strikeouts against four walks...at the plate, batted .375 with a double, two triples and seven RBIs...went 3-for-3 with a triple and two RBIs in a win against Vardaman...received interest from Millsaps College and a handful of MACCC programs.
Personal:
Daughter of Angie and Terry Owen...has a younger sibling, Carson (14)...studying mathematics...born August 15, 2005.
Helped Northwest to a 27-20 overall record and the program’s fourth straight appearance in the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament...played in 32 games, drawing 25 starts, mostly as a catcher...hit three doubles, a triple, a home run and nine RBIs...went 2-for-4 with two RBIs in a March 16 game at Copiah-Lincoln...also batted 2-for-3 with an RBI in an April 17 matchup against East Mississippi...finished with a .972 fielding percentage and caught seven runners stealing...off the field, named to the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for the Spring 2024 semester.
High School:
Played for head coach Perry Wilburn at Mooreville...helped the Troopers to the MHSAA Class 4A Playoffs as a senior...named Offensive Player of the Year for Region 1-4A and also earned all-region accolades during her senior season...received interest from Delta State and a handful of MACCC programs.
Personal:
Daughter of Sonia and Andy Franks...has an older brother, Hammer (24), who played baseball at Northwest (2019-21) and Delta State (2022-24)...enjoys hunting, fishing, traveling and playing golf in her spare time...studying finance...born January 7, 2005.
2025 ROSTER
2024 [Freshman]:
22
CARLY DUNIGAN
Outfielder • 5-6
• Sophomore Senatobia, Miss. • Senatobia HS
Was part of a Northwest team that finished 27-20 and advanced to the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament...played in 37 games, earning 26 starts...batted .288 last season with three doubles, three triples and five RBIs...drew five walks and finished with four sacrifice hits...also stole five bases on eight attempts...finished with a season-best three hits in a March 29 game against Hinds...off the field, named to Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters, while also earning recognition to the Fall 2023 President’s List and Spring 2024 Vice President’s List.
High School:
Played for coaches Tammy Young and Kevin Dunigan at Senatobia...helped the Lady Warriors to a 14-8 overall record her senior season...earned Region 3-4A MVP and First Team All-Region 3-4A accolades...also a member of the SHS cheer, volleyball and soccer teams...off the field, a recipient of several honors and accolades, including Student Body President, SHS Hall of Fame and graduating with highest honors...was also a member of the school’s Beta Club, Interact Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Personal:
Daughter of Alicia and Kevin Dunigan...has two siblings, Abby (23) and Parker (14)... studying psychology, with a minor in child life development...nickname is “CD”...born May 16, 2005.
Was part of a Northwest team that finished 27-20 and advanced to the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament...saw action in eight games and was credited with an RBI in a February 22 game against Kirkwood...off the field, was a two-time selection to the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters...was also chosen to the Fall 2023 Vice President’s List.
High School:
Played for head coach Leigh Hodum at Walnut...helped the Lady Wildcats to the Region 1-2A championship during her senior season...chosen for First Team All-Region 1-2A honors...also named to the All-Tippah and Benton County First Team...also played basketball, volleyball and ran cross country at WHS...off the field, a member of DECA, Beta Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Personal:
Daughter of Jennifer and Michael Weeks...has a younger sibling, Carson (14)...enjoys running, hunting and fishing in her spare time...studying business...born February 8, 2005.
Played for head coach John Harris at East Webster...was named co-MVP for Region 4-3A as a senior...received All-Region 3-4A honors and batted over .500...as a sophomore, was a member of the Lady Wolverines’ state championship squad...also ran cross country at EWHS and was a member of the school’s cheerleading squad...off the field, received several academic honors, graduating with special honors...was a member of the Beta Club, Interact Club and the leadership team for Fellowship of Christian Athletes...received interest from several MACCC programs.
Personal:
Daughter of Donnie Ann and Jay Jennings...has an older sister, Coy (22)...enjoys swimming in her spare time...area of study is undecided...nickname is “Emma J”...born Spetember 2, 2005.
2024 [Freshman]:
28
MARLEIGH MANCINI
Outfielder • 5-6 • Sophomore Cleveland, Miss. • Bayou Academy
Was part of a Northwest team that finished 27-20 and advanced to the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament...played in 23 games last season, earning four starts...batted .294 in 17 at-bats, finishing with a pair of doubles and four RBIs...went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs in an April 3 victory against Coahoma...off the field, a two-time selection to the President’s List and the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters.
High School:
Played for head coach Lauren LaSuzzo at Bayou Academy...helped the Lady Colts to a 22-10 overall record as a senior...played varsity softball for six straight seasons, starting with her 7th grade year...team made the MAIS Class 5A Playoffs in each of her six years, including a pair of state runner-up finishes in 2017-18...as a senior, batted .389 with 17 doubles, two triples, three home runs and 35 RBIs...also stole seven bases and drew 11 walks...three-time all-conference selection and two-time MAIS All-State honoree...was chosen to the MAIS All-Star Team during her senior season and was voted as conference MVP...off the field, a member of the National Honors Society, Mu Alpha Theta and treasurer of the school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter...received interest from a handful of MACCC programs.
Personal:
Daughter of Lesley and Bubba Mancini...has a younger sister, Sela (17)...hobbies include working out, reading and playing with her dogs...studying pre-nursing...born February 8, 2005.
2024 [Freshman]:
30
MORGEN BREWTON
RHP • 5-5 • Sophomore Mobile, Ala. • Faith Academy
Was part of a Northwest team that finished 27-20 and advanced to the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament...started in 22 of her 23 appearances in the circle, racking up 109 strikeouts against 19 walks in 124.0 innings pitched...finished the season with a 14-6 record and 10 complete games, recording a 2.65 ERA...had two games with a career-high 10 strikeouts...off the field, a two-time selection to the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters.
High School:
Played for head coach Rae Lynn Dennis at Faith Academy...prior to her senior season, competed for Camden High School in North Carolina, helping CHS to the 2021 state championship...was named Camden’s Pitcher of the Year that season...received interest from Pensacola State, Coastal Alabama-North and a handful of MACCC programs.
Personal:
Daughter of Tracie Herring...has two sisters, Lily (21) and Claire (12)...studying to be a radiologist technician...born April 16, 2005.
SEASON PREVIEW
SEASON OUTLOOK
Last season was one full of ups and downs for coach Chelsea Bramlett and the Northwest softball program.
An 8-2 win against Dyersburg State in the 2024 season opener marked Bramlett’s 100th win as head coach of the Rangers, and Northwest opened the year with a 13-2 record. However, a loss to Jefferson College in the non-conference finale changed the trajectory of the season, as NWCC would stumble to a 13-15 finish in conference play and a 27-20 overall mark.
Despite the struggles throughout the year, Northwest still finished with splits against sixthranked Jones College and No. 4 Pearl River, ultimately helping the Rangers into the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season. Now, with an even balance of 10 returners and 10 freshmen, Bramlett and her club are looking to bigger and better things in 2025.
“We definitely revamped some things [from last season],” Bramlett said. “I am really proud of my sophomore class for stepping up and being leaders. They are there for the freshmen and it’s not as much of a clash. They’re all pulling for each other, enjoying the game and it makes us as coaches enjoy it a lot more. A lot of them are either committed to a four-year program or still trying to get there, so they’re working really hard and pushing. They have been great role models for our freshmen, and everyone is playing well together.”
Some of the most notable leaders in the Rangers’ sophomore class include infielder Ellie Fryar, who stepped up at third base and filled the shoes left behind by former NJCAA All-American McKaylee “K.K.” Polk. Fryar also led the team in several batting categories, including batting average (.364), runs scored (34) and doubles (13).
Also returning are outfielders Carly Dunigan and Abby Rogers, who both played pivotal roles in the Northwest starting lineup last season. Rogers, a native of Brandon, also made 17 appearances in the circle, earning a pair of wins and 37 strikeouts on the season.
Dunigan, Fryar and Rogers are all currently committed or signed to four-year programs, ranging from Delta State to Oklahoma Wesleyan University.
Meanwhile, Morgen Brewton also returns as a top pitcher for Northwest. The Mobile, Ala. native has already made a name for herself in the Rangers’ single-season record categories, finishing tied for sixth with 14 wins, while also earning the sixth-most strikeouts (109) and ninth-most innings pitched (124.0).
Even with the accomplishments of her sophomore class, it’s the leadership factor that still excites Bramlett the most heading into the regular season.
“That leadership, their drive and how they have stepped up is what I really like out of them,” Bramlett said. “They want to win. It’s not always all about that, but it’s fun coaching them and seeing them with that drive every day. But it also extends further, with Thenya Kennedy stepping up in the leadoff position and Sommer Tyes blowing Blue Mountain away for two innings [in the circle]. All of our sophomores are going to take a bigger role, but they’re excited about it and they want that weight on their shoulders. Some of their roles have changed, but overall they have really bought into this program and what our coaching staff is doing.”
As for the newcomers, Northwest welcomes in a freshman class that has already proven themselves in a short amount of time. Vicksburg native Jenn Smith (Warren Central HS) is expected to help fill in the Rangers’ outfield that already includes Dunigan and Kennedy. In the circle, Catelyn Brown (Wheeler, Miss./Wheeler HS) and Alyssa Boswood (Southaven, Miss./Lake Cormorant HS) have added to the pitching arsenal.
“There is so much speed out there,” Bramlett said, in regards to her outfield. “They’re covering ground really well. This is the first year that we are really young in our middle infield. I am used to having a sophomore shortstop, so we’re going to be young there and at second base. We have taken some knocks there in the middle infield, but they’re listening and improving. Catelyn has been spinning the ball well lately and Alyssa is throwing a lot of innings lately.”
“Overall, we have a lot of freshmen stepping up and vying for spots,” Bramlett added. “They are pushing hard for playing time and that’s making it fun again.”
As with every season in the MACCC, the schedule will be tough, and the non-conference slate is no exception. The season kicks off in the Sand Mountain Classic from January 31-February 1, a four-game slate that includes games against nationally-ranked foes in Central Alabama and Marion Military Institute. The JUCO Classic Invitational later in February also includes matchups against Kirkwood, Parkland College and LSU-Eunice, with all three schools featured in the national rankings.
Although Northwest was left out of the NJCAA rankings to open this season, that has done nothing more but fuel further motivation for Bramlett’s club.
“We want to beat those ranked teams,” Bramlett said. “I have told our team that in order to be the best, you have to beat the best. Sometimes, the preseason rankings aren’t always the most accurate, but us not being in there and seeing some teams that are in there over us has just added more fuel to our fire. Our schedule is loaded with 50 games and it’s going to be hectic, it’s going to be hard, but I want us to play the best teams before we get into conference play.”
continued on next page >>>>
MORGEN BREWTON
CARLY DUNIGAN
THENYA KENNEDY
SEASON OUTLOOK
Additionally, Jones College, Pearl River and Copiah-Lincoln are also ranked in the NJCAA polls, with Northwest scheduled to travel to two of those three teams. The Rangers will host Mississippi Delta, Hinds, Northeast, Mississippi Gulf Coast, East Mississippi and East Central as part of the home conference slate, while traveling to Holmes, Southwest Mississippi, Coahoma, Meridian and Itawamba.
“It’s always so hard each year to gauge each team, because everyone graduates so much of their roster every year or two,” Bramlett said, on the overall scope of the MACCC. “That’s why it’s so difficult sometimes to do these rankings, because you don’t always know who everyone has coming back. Overall, Jones is going to be strong and near the top, but things can change throughout the season and day-to-day as we go.”
Even with all the usual challenges that lie ahead, Bramlett’s goals haven’t wavered since the program’s record-shattering 2022 campaign.
“Our goal every year is to win it all, but at the same time, we want to get to that 40-win threshold,” Bramlett said. “That’s going to be tough to do, because we don’t pad our schedule just to get wins. I want us to be challenged and if we lose, we just have to move on and get better from it. Our schedule is going to be hard, but I think it is achievable. Their minds are set on the postseason and getting rings, and it’s really good for us as coaches to see how excited they are about everything we have coming up.”
Left with big shoes to fill at third base after the departure of McKaylee “K.K.” Polk, freshman ELLIE FRYAR transitioned well into the starting role. The Ripley, Miss. native finished with a .946 fielding percentage and was also the team’s leading hitter.
Snead State
January 31 • 10 A.M. • Albertville, Ala. • Sand Mountain Park
First Meeting: April 16, 2016 in Meridian, Miss. (Northwest 6, Meridian 1)
Last Meeting: April 13, 2024 in Meridian, Miss. (Meridian 6, Northwest 5)
Itawamba
April 23 • 2/4 P.M. • Fulton, Miss. • Ranger Softball Field
QUICK FACTS:
Location: Fulton, Miss.
Founded: 1948
Enrollment: 4,238
President: Dr. Jay Allen
Athletic Director: Dr. Chad Case Conference: MACCC
Nickname: Indians
Colors: Red & Navy
Ballpark: ICC Softball Complex
Head Coach: Carson Owens
2024 Record: 26-28 (16-12 MACCC)
SPORTS INFORMATION FACTS:
Sports Information Director: Adam Gore
Phone: (662) 862-8059
Email: acgore@iccms.edu
Web Address: letsgoicc.com
Series History: Series tied at 34-34
2025 OPPONENTS
First Meeting: April 10, 2001 in Senatobia, Miss. (Northwest 20, Itawamba 6)
Last Meeting: April 24, 2024 in Senatobia, Miss. (Itawamba 2, Northwest 1)
HISTORY
2024 IN REVIEW
OVERALL STATISTICS
PITCHING STATISTICS
PB - Team (10), Crista Wilson (6), Lulu Franks (4), Opp (7). Pickoffs - Team (0), Opp (0). SBA/ATT - Crista Wilson (15-19), Neely Cooper (12-15), Lulu Franks (7-14), Abby Rogers (6-7), Morgen Brewton (1-3)
2024 IN REVIEW
(2/17/24)
(4/11/24)
(3/16/24)
vs. Dyersburg State (2/8/24) 4 Kaylee Owens vs. Dyersburg State (2/8/24)
4 Ellie Fryar vs. South Suburban (2/17/24)
4 Thenya Kennedy vs. South Suburban (2/17/24)
4 Carly Dunigan vs. South Suburban (2/17/24)
4 Kara Johnson vs. South Suburban (2/17/24)
4 Ellie Fryar vs. Kirkwood (2/22/24)
4 Marleigh Mancini vs. Kirkwood (2/22/24)
4 Sommer Tyes vs. Kirkwood (2/22/24)
4 Chloe Summerford vs. Kirkwood (2/22/24)
4 Ellie Fryar vs. Mississippi Delta (3/19/24)
4 Kara Johnson vs. Mississippi Delta (3/19/24)
4 Abby Rogers vs. Mississippi Delta (3/19/24)
4 Carly Dunigan vs. Mississippi Delta (3/19/24)
3 Carly Dunigan vs. Dyersburg State (2/8/24) (*both games)
3 Kaylee Owens vs. South Suburban (2/17/24)
3 Kaylee Owens vs. Des Moines Area (2/29/24)
3 Ellie Fryar at Coahoma (4/3/24)
3 Kaylee Owens vs. Dyersburg State (2/8/24)
3 Kara Johnson vs. South Suburban (2/17/24)
3 Kaylee Owens vs. South Suburban (2/17/24)
3 Kaylee Owens vs. Kirkwood (2/22/24)
3 Ellie Fryar vs. Kirkwood (2/22/24)
Tyes vs. Coahoma (4/3/24)
3 Ellie Fryar at East Mississippi (4/17/24)
1 Carly Dunigan vs. Dyersburg State (2/8/24) 1 Sommer Tyes vs. Kaskaskia (2/18/24)
1 Kaylee Owens vs. Kirkwood (2/22/24)
1 Shelby Payne vs. Spoon River (2/24/24) 1
Fryar vs. Mississippi Delta (3/19/24)
(4/3/24)
NEELY COOPER issued a season-high 11 strikeouts in a complete-game victory against nationally-ranked Des Moines Area.
2024 IN REVIEW
CATEGORY LEADERS - BATTING
Batting Average
Ellie Fryar .364
Kaylee Owens .362
Kara Johnson .346
Abby Rogers .342
Carly Dunigan .288
Slugging Percentage
Kaylee Owens .654
Ellie Fryar .586
Kara Johnson .519
Abby Rogers .459
Hanna Grace Gillean .426
Runs Scored
Ellie Fryar 34
Kaylee Owens 31
Kara Johnson 29
Carly Dunigan 21
Madeline Houk 18
Hits
Ellie Fryar 51
Kaylee Owens 47
Kara Johnson 46
Abby Rogers 38
Hanna Grace Gillean 27
Runs Batted In
Kaylee Owens 34
Kara Johnson 26
Ellie Fryar 22
Abby Rogers 18
Hanna Grace Gillean 16
Doubles
Ellie Fryar 13
Hanna Grace Gillean 10
Chloe Summerford 7
Kara Johnson 6
Abby Rogers 4
Shelby Payne 4
Thenya Kennedy 4
Triples
Kaylee Owens 6
Ellie Fryar 3
Carly Dunigan 3
Sommer Tyes 2
Six players tied... 1
Home Runs
Kaylee Owens 8
Kara Johnson 5
Ellie Fryar 4
Sommer Tyes 3
Abby Rogers 3
Total Bases
Kaylee Owens 85
Ellie Fryar 82
Kara Johnson 69
Abby Rogers 51
Hanna Grace Gillean 40
Walks
Ellie Fryar 16
Kaylee Owens 14
Kara Johnson 12
Lulu Franks 11
Abby Rogers 10
Stolen Bases
Kara Johnson 25
Ellie Fryar 21
Madeline Houk 6
Thenya Kennedy 6
Sommer Tyes 6
Shelby Payne 6
At-Bats
Ellie Fryar 140
Kara Johnson 133
Kaylee Owens 130
Abby Rogers 111
Hanna Grace Gillean 94
KAYLEE OWENS
KARA JOHNSON
HANNA GRACE GILLEAN
2024 IN REVIEW
CATEGORY LEADERS - PITCHING/FIELDING
Earned Run Average (ERA)
Abby Rogers 1.83
Morgen Brewton 2.65
Neely Cooper 2.73
Addison Owen 3.82
Sommer Tyes 4.20
Opposing Batting Average
Sommer Tyes .167
Addison Owen .231
Neely Cooper .244
Abby Rogers .252
Morgen Brewton .262
Wins
Morgen Brewton 14
Neely Cooper 11
Abby Rogers 2
Innings Pitched
Neely Cooper 136.0
Morgen Brewton 124.0
Abby Rogers 34.1
Appearances
Neely Cooper 26
Morgen Brewton 23
Abby Rogers 17
Addison Owen 6
Games Started
Morgen Brewton 22
Neely Cooper 21
Abby Rogers 2
Dakota Haynsworth 1
Sommer Tyes 1
Strikeouts
Morgen Brewton 109
Neely Cooper 100
Abby Rogers 37
Sommer Tyes 6
Dakota Haynsworth 2
Addison Owen 2
Earned Runs Allowed
Sommer Tyes 3
Dakota Haynsworth 5
Abby Rogers 9
Morgen Brewton 47
Neely Cooper 53 Hits Allowed
Tyes 3 Dakota Haynsworth 9
Cooper 132 Fielding Percentage
Wilson 1.000 Kaylee Owens .980
Lulu Franks .972 Kara Johnson .972
Neely Cooper .972
Caught Stealing
Lulu Franks 7
Crista Wilson 4
Neely Cooper 3
Morgen Brewton 2
Abby Rogers 1
Madeline Houk 1
ABBY ROGERS
SOMMER TYES
CRISTA WILSON
NEXT LEVEL RANGERS
Belhaven University
Lindsey Young, INF (2003)
Middle Tennessee State University
Carlie Jenkins, OF (2013)
Blue Mountain Christian University
Neely Cooper, P (2024)
Carla Avant, OF (2015)
Haylei Plummer, INF (2010)
Central Baptist College
Candice Brasher, P/UTIL (2010)
Sarah Gill, P (2009)
Christian Brothers University
Gabby Dickerson, P (2023)
Haley Vance, INF (2014)
Megan Shackleford, INF (2004)
Delta State University
Allyson Harrison, P/INF (2023)
MyCala Helms, INF/C (2021)
Lacey Coats, P (2020)
Jessica Holliday, P (2015)
Katelyn Westbrook, OF (2014)
Lauren Kendall, P/INF (2011)
Kayla Wilson, UTIL (2011)
Angela Carden, INF (2010)
Freed-Hardeman University
Kylee Brown, P (2023)
Henderson State University
Meagan Allen, P (2022)
Jackson State University
Vicki Johnson, OF (2013)
Lane College
Amber Thomas, OF (2009)
Millsaps College
Delta Claire Newman, INF/P (2020)
Mississippi, Univ. of Laina Collier, P (2010)
Mississippi College
Caylee Comer, INF (2022)
Heath Griffith, C/INF (2016)
Mobile, Univ. of
Madeline Houk, OF (2024)
Ally Judkins, OF (2018)
MUW
Madison Crosby, INF (2020)
Morgan Gresham, OF (2018)
North Alabama, Univ. of Mandy Bolden, INF (2010)
Tennessee at Martin, Univ. of Kara Johnson, INF (2024)
Brian Lentz enters his 10th year at Northwest and the sixth as the sports information director, directly overseeing the publication efforts for all 14 sports.
A lifelong Tate County resident, Lentz was appointed to his current role in November 2018, following a stint as the assistant sports information director that began in July 2015. He has contributed to several college athletic publications since 2015, earning awards from CoSIDA and CPRAM organizations.
Lentz joined Northwest in July 2015 after spending two and a half years as an undergraduate student assistant at Mississippi State University. He served as the women’s tennis contact for two seasons and also assisted at home football and baseball games in various roles.
Prior to MSU, Lentz spent two and a half years in the sports information department at Northwest as a student worker, assisting in various gameday roles. In addition to his work at NWCC, Lentz was the sports editor for The Ranger Rocket student newspaper for one year and a high school sportswriter for the Tate Record.
In addition to his current duties at Northwest, Lentz has also resumed work as the prep sportswriter for the Tate Record, providing coverage of all five local high schools and academies located within Tate County. He also served as the vice president for the 2YSIDA organization (Two-Year Sports Information Directors of America) from 2020-24.
Outside of Northwest, Lentz has volunteered at numerous preseason and postseason Southeastern Conference (SEC) events and also covered high school sports for both the Starkville Daily News and The Commercial Dispatch while at MSU. Within the last four years, he has worked several NCAA events, including the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, the South Regional (Sweet 16/Elite Eight) of the 2017 NCAA Division I Basketball Tournament and official stats for select ESPN/ SEC Network broadcasts.
Lentz is a native of Arkabutla and holds an Associate of Arts from Northwest (2012) and a B.S. in education from Mississippi State (2015), with a focus on kinesiology and sports studies. He is married to the former Amanda Cooper of Grenada, and the couple share a daughter, Ella Frances (6).
BRIAN OAKLEY
SPORTS INFORMATION ASSISTANT
Brian Oakley enters his sixth year in the Northwest Sports Information department and was elevated to the full-time role of assistant sports information director on July 1, 2022.
Oakley formally joined the Northwest staff as a part-time sports information specialist in August 2019, but has had a hand in various gameday duties well before then. Since 2015, Oakley has assisted in gameday production, primarily operating the videoboard at Bobby Franklin Field and handling public address announcing at Northwest men’s and women’s basketball games.
Oakley received his Bachelor of Arts from Vanderbilt University in 1998, with focuses on political science and communication studies. While at Vanderbilt, he served as a cadet in the ROTC program and as a marketing and promotions intern in the Commodores’ athletic department, where he was responsible for gameday promotional operations, scheduling of student-athletes for campus tours, off-campus promotion of athletic contests, design of various promotional materials and retail sales of university-related apparel.
At Vanderbilt, Oakley was selected to revamp a struggling KidsZone program and helped increase kids club membership from 10-15 to over 250 per home football game.
Oakley is a native of Senatobia and is the older brother of Ranger assistant football coach Scott Oakley and head men’s basketball coach Shane Oakley.
ED CARROLL
SUPPORT STAFF
ATHLETIC GAME OPERATIONS COORDINATOR
Ed Carroll enters his 18th year at Northwest, and second year as the Athletic Game Operations Coordinator and “Voice of the Rangers”. Carroll previously served Northwest as the Director of Residence Life & Housing, assistant director, assistant football coach and recruiting coordinator.
Carroll came to Northwest and back to coaching in August of 2007 as an assistant football coach and recruiting coordinator ,after spending seven years in public relations and marketing with the American Express Company. The Rangers earned a trip to the MACJC Playoffs that year, but fell to Mississippi Gulf Coast in the first round. After one year, and a head coaching change, Carroll moved into administration as the Assistant Director of Campus Life and Housing, responsible for the adjudication of student conduct on all campuses.
In 2020, Carroll added the role of director to his responsibilities and all daily operations of housing and residence life for ten residence halls and 1,237 resident students on the Senatobia campus. During his tenure, Northwest opened up a 10th residence hall in 2021, the ultramodern Calhoun Hall.
In his role as Athletic Game Operations Coordinator, Carroll is also the college’s official public address announcer for Northwest’s intercollegiate athletic programs, including football, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s soccer, baseball, softball and volleyball. In addition, Carroll supports the athletic director and daily operations in all aspects of providing a positive atmosphere for student-athlete academic success and eligibility.
Carroll spent over a decade in the 80’s and 90’s coaching high school and college football including a stop at Murray State University from 1991-1993, as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for coach Mike Mahoney and the Racers.
Carroll is a graduate of Simpson College (Iowa Conference), where he earned his bachelor’s degree in biology. While at Simpson, he spent four years at cornerback as well as special teams for the Storm, becoming a starter his senior season.
Carroll is a native of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. and received his bachelor’s degree in biology at Simpson College in 1984. He received his bachelor’s in education from Northwestern State in 1996. Carroll also attended the University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences (Iowa) for medical studies from 1984 until 1986.
CHARLESY KENNEDY
ATHLETIC ACADEMIC ADVISOR
Charlesy Kennedy enters her second season as the athletic academic advisor for Northwest Mississippi Community College.
During the 2023-24 academic year, Kennedy helped Northwest produce 146 student-athletes to the President’s and Vice President’s list for the Fall 2023 semester and 117 to the respective lists for the Spring 2024 semester. Additionally, 175 student-athletes finished with 3.0 GPAs or better in Fall 2023, while 142 achieved the same milestone for the most recent spring semester.
Most recently, she joined football academic advisor Tori Fugatt in helping 194 student-athletes earn recognition to the Fall 2024 Athletic Director’s Honor Roll, while 191 Northwest student-athletes also made the President’s or Vice President’s lists for the Fall 2024 semester. Both totals set new academic records for Northwest.
A native of Calhoun City, Kennedy arrived to Northwest from the Water Valley School District, where she previously served as an eighth grade teacher and the school’s head softball coach since 2021. Prior to her stint in Water Valley, Kennedy taught at Calhoun City High School, her alma mater, from 2019-21 and served as an assistant softball coach for the Lady Wildcats.
Prior to Calhoun City, Kennedy was the assistant coach at Vardaman High School in Calhoun County from 2016-19. She also played one season of college softball at Holmes Community College in 2015.
JUSTIN WARE
SUPPORT STAFF
DIRECTOR OF SPORTS MEDICINE
Justin Ware, LAT, ATC, is entering his third year as the Director of Sports Medicine for Northwest Mississippi Community College.
A native of Greenville, Ware is employed by Athletico Physical Therapy and previously served as the Head Athletic Trainer for Oxford High School and Ole Miss club sports for seven years. At Oxford, Ware provided sports medicine coverage for all athletics in grades 7-12, while handling Ole Miss club soccer, lacrosse, rugby, hockey and basketball.
Ware attended Mississippi Delta Community College and played baseball for the Trojans, before moving on to Delta State University. While at DSU, he served as a student athletic trainer for football, baseball, softball, men’s basketball, women’s basketball and women’s soccer.
After leaving Delta State with a Bachelor of Science in athletic training in 2014, Ware formally joined the Athletico staff and began his aforementioned stint at Oxford High School.
In his spare time, Ware volunteers his time to provide coverage for the Mississippi Special Olympic games. He is a member of the Mississippi Athletic Trainers’ Association and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, and has held a CPR/AED certification since 2011.
Ware is married to the former Lindsey Dunn of Dyersburg, Tenn. and the couple welcomed their first child in December 2022.
TAYLOR
YOUNG
ASSISTANT ATHLETIC TRAINER
Taylor Young enters his third year as an athletic trainer for Athletico Physical Therapy and Northwest Mississippi Community College.
A native of Greenwood, Young arrived at Athletico and Northwest after spending seven years as an athletic trainer at Mississippi Delta Community College. After serving as an assistant trainer during his first two years in Moorhead, Young was promoted to the head athletic trainer role and remained in that role for five years, serving football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, softball and baseball.
Young graduated from Pillow Academy in 2009 and played baseball at MDCC, where he was also a member of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. He was also named Mr. MDCC in 2011.
After departing MDCC with his associate’s degree, Young moved on to Delta State, where he finished with his bachelor’s degree in athletic training in 2014 and later earned his master’s degree in Sport and Human Performance in 2016, with an emphasis in Sports Management.
While working on his undergrad, Young also interned with the University of Memphis, where he covered football and track and field. He is currently a member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and Mississippi Athletic Trainers’ Association.
